Missouri editorial board praises Biden for 'doing the right thing': 'You put the country first'

President Joe Biden's first — and last — 2024 debate with Donald Trump will be remembered as the beginning of the end of his reelection campaign. Biden, on Sunday, July 21, officially dropped out of the race and enthusiastically endorsed Vice President Kamala Harris for president.

Since Biden's announcement, Harris has picked up plenty of endorsements from fellow Democrats — including one from Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear, who appeared to be auditioning for running mate during an appearance on MSNBC's "Morning Joe."

In an editorial published after Biden's announcement, the Kansas City Star's editorial board praises his decision — arguing that it contrasts dramatically with the "I alone can fix it" message coming from GOP nominee Trump.

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The editorial is written as an open letter, telling Biden, "This is what separates you and your party from 'I alone can fix it' Donald Trump and his 'whatever you say, sir, even if you say the opposite later today' adoration society. 'I alone can fix it' is what autocrats say. It never turns out to be true, either."

The Kansas City Star board continues, "In your announcement, you wrote, 'It has been my greatest honor to serve as your president. And while it has been my intention to seek reelection, I believe it is in the best interest of the party and my country for me to stand down and focus solely on fulfilling my duties as president for the remainder of my term.' That's as it should be."

The editorial salutes Biden for his "achievements" as president — and for making a tough decision.

"We are so grateful for all you have done for this country, and feel sure that history will be your friend," the Star board tells Biden. "Unlike so many people in politics, you can look at important concrete achievements. And also unlike so many in your line of work, you have a rich, real and hard-won life outside of the arena…. We know how much you wanted to finish what you started, too, but as painful as it was to acknowledge that you should not continue to seek another term, you put the country first."

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The board adds, "Only we together can fix it, and you have done the right thing."

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Read the Kansas City Star's full editorial at this link (subscription required).