ROCHESTER, N.Y. — Rep. Joseph Morelle thanked President Joe Biden for his service and threw his support behind Vice President Kamala Harris for president of the United States on Monday.
Describing Biden as a true leader, Morelle says he put the needs of the country ahead of himself.
“As we navigate this truly unprecedented moment in American history, we will draw strength from his legacy and the foundations he laid in over five decades of service to this country," he said.
The representative of New York’s 25th District talked with the media just before boarding a flight back to the nation’s capital Monday morning.
With so little time to the Democratic National Convention in August and the general election in November, Morelle and his party are immediately shifting gears toward the future.
“As President Biden said in his inaugural address, our democracy is both precious and fragile," Morelle said. "Electing Kamala Harris is the best opportunity to make sure that it flourishes well into the future. I’m proud to endorse Kamala Harris. I look forward to working alongside her to make our democracy fairer, stronger and more inclusive."
Some Republicans say this is cause for Biden to step down immediately. That includes the representative from New York’s 21st Congressional District.
“If Joe Biden can’t run for re-election, he is unable and unfit to serve as President of the United States," Rep. Elise Stefanik said in a statement. "He must immediately resign.”
“It’s clear he still has his faculties. I think the concerns were about the next four years,” responded Morelle, “A national campaign puts extraordinary pressure on an individual. He’ll be able to focus now on transitioning to the next administration… He has done an amazing job the last three-and-a-half years. I have every confidence he can finish out the rest of his term.”
Harris now sets out to earn endorsements and a nomination.
Morelle says he believes she is proven, prepared and ready to move America forward.
He is not alone in announcing support for Harris. The Monroe County Delegates to the Democratic National Convention announced that the 13 members of the delegation will support the vice president.
“I am proud to stand with the Monroe County Delegates to the Democratic National Convention to support and endorse Vice President Kamala Harris for President of the United States," MCDC Chair Stephen DeVay said in part. "We not only look forward to casting our votes for her at the convention, but also at the polls in November as she defeats former President Donald Trump."
The delegates include DeVay, Anthony Plonczynski-Figueroa, Adam Bello, Jamie Romeo, Shelly Clements, Yversha Roman, Samra Brouk, Malik Evans, Harry Bronson, Jeremy Cooney, Victor Sanchez, Lystra McCoy and Tad Mack.