Biden talks about passing torch in address

Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer, speaking to a local station's reporter on Monday, said she would not take the vice presidency if offered and that she does not plan on leaving Michigan.

"No. I am not planning to go anywhere," Whitmer said when asked if she is prepared to take the vice presidency if it were to be offered to her.

When asked to confirm that, if offered the position, she would not take it, Whitmer said, "I am not leaving Michigan. I am proud to be the governor of Michigan. I have been consistent. I know everyone is always suspicious and asking this question over and over again; I know you're doing your job. I am not going anywhere."

Major Democratic donor, businessman and one-time presidential candidate Michael Bloomberg is urging the Democratic Party to take a step back and "take the pulse of voters" before determining "who is best positioned to win in November," saying "the decision is too important to rush."

"Democrats now have a chance for a fresh new start, and while some elected leaders and party officials make their endorsements, there are still four weeks before the party's more than 4,000 delegates convene in Chicago," Bloomberg posted Monday on X.

"That is more than enough time for the party to take the pulse of voters, especially in battleground states, to determine who is best positioned to win in November and lead the country over the next four years," Bloomberg continued. "We don't need to get a resolution right away, but we do need to get it right. The decision is too important to rush, because the election is too important to lose."

Bloomberg also praised President Joe Biden for stepping down, calling it "an act of selflessness that only a great patriot would do."

Vice President Kamala Harris on Monday made her first public appearance since Biden dropped out of the 2024 race and endorsed her.

Harris gave remarks at an event celebrating the NCAA championship teams Monday morning on the South Lawn of the White House. She filled in for Biden, who is recovering from COVID.

Vice President Kamala Harris on Monday made her first public appearance since Biden dropped out of the 2024 race and endorsed her.

"I wanted to say a few words about our president. Joe Biden's legacy of accomplishment over the past three years is unmatched in modern history," Harris said at the top of her statement. "In one term, he has already surpassed the legacy of most presidents who have served two terms in office."

She didn't directly mention Biden's move to end his campaign, but said she was grateful for his service to the country.

"I am firsthand witness that every day our president, Joe Biden, fights for American people. And we are deeply, deeply grateful for his service to our nation," she said.

Former Vice President Mike Pence's commented on the end of Biden's reelection bid on Monday morning, praising the president and pushing for national unity.

"President Joe Biden made the right decision for our country and I thank him for putting the interests of our Nation ahead of his own," Pence wrote in a statement on X.

"After the assassination attempt on President Trump and President Biden's decision to end his campaign, now is a time for leaders in both parties to project calm and send a message of strength and resolve to America's friends and enemies alike that, whatever the state of our politics, the American people are strong and our American military stands ready to defend our freedom and our vital national interests anywhere in the world," Pence said.

He made mo mention of Harris in the post.