Tom Steyer Message to Supporters on Ending Presidential Campaign
Thank you for everything
From the bottom of my heart, Michael, I want to thank you for your support over the past eight months through this presidential race. I am so deeply inspired by how many dedicated Americans showed up to participate in our democracy — voting in the early states, volunteering countless hours, giving your all to support the candidates and values you believe in.
Tonight, I have decided to suspend my campaign for President of the United States. I no longer see a path to the presidency. But I have always said that win, lose, or draw, I am in this fight. So am I going to continue to work on the issues that got me into this race? Yes, I am. You can count on that.
Namely, the existential threat of climate change we’re facing on this planet. The racial injustice that pervades every single policy issue in this country. An economy that actually puts people ahead of profits and big corporations.
We had a very steep hill to climb. We knew it would be difficult to come into this race as an outsider, speaking difficult truths. And of course I am disappointed to suspend my campaign — these aren’t the results we hoped and fought so hard for — but I will wake up tomorrow energized by this incredible community. I am humbled to be on your team.
This primary is a journey towards the necessary defeat of Donald Trump and his corrupt administration. It is because of patriotic Americans like you that we will beat him and put power back in the hands of the people.
Before I sign off, let me say this: When the Lord closes a door, He opens a window. I will find that window, and I will crawl through it with you.
Remarks as Prepared for Delivery by Vice President Joe Biden in Columbia, South Carolina
Thank you, South Carolina!
We are back!
To all those who have been knocked down, counted out, left behind: This is your campaign.
Just days ago the press and the pundits had declared this candidacy dead.
Now, thanks to you — the heart of the Democratic Party — we haven’t just won. We won big, and we are very much alive.
And the state that launched Bill Clinton and Barack Obama to the presidency has now launched our campaign on the path to defeating Donald Trump.
This campaign is taking off, so join us. Go to JoeBiden.com – sign up, volunteer, contribute if you can.
We need you. We want you. There’s a place for you in our campaign.
But as we celebrate tonight here in Columbia, let me speak directly to Democrats across the nation, especially to those voting on Super Tuesday.
The moment to choose the path forward for our party has arrived. Maybe sooner than anyone guessed or wanted. But it’s here.
And the decisions Democrats make all across America in the next few days will determine what this party stands for, what we believe, and what we will get done.
If Democrats want a nominee who can beat Trump, keep Nancy Pelosi as Speaker, and hold the House — and take the U.S. Senate and state legislatures — Join us.
If Democrats want a nominee who will build on Obamacare, not scrap it; take on the NRA and the gun manufacturers, not protect them; stand up for the middle class, not raise their taxes and make promises that can’t be kept — join us.
And if Democrats want a nominee who is a Democrat — a lifelong Democrat, a proud Democrat, an Obama-Biden Democrat — join us.
We can win big or lose big. That’s the choice.
We need to build on the coalition and legacy of the most successful president of our lifetime: Barack Obama.
And we do this by bringing together Americans of every race, ethnicity, gender, and economic station — Democrats, Republicans, and Independents of every stripe.
Like we did right here in South Carolina.
Like we can do across the entire country on Tuesday and beyond.
Win big or lose big. That’s the choice.
Most Americans don’t want the promise of a revolution. They want results.
They want to give all Americans access to real opportunity — to have affordable and available health care for all Americans.
An environment with clean air and clean water; an education system that funds our schools, pays our teachers, and makes community college free; a nation where we stand up to and beat the NRA; reform our criminal justice system; and mobilize the world against climate change.
An economy that rewards work not just wealth — a job is about a lot more than a paycheck. It’s about dignity, decency, respect. It’s about your place in the community.
For all of our families. For all of our communities.
Because it’s the right thing to do.
We’re Democrats.
Talk is cheap. False promises are deceptive. And talk of a revolution isn’t changing anyone’s life.
You need real results right now.
I’ve done that my whole career. And I’ll do it as President.
So, this isn’t the election to spend all our time on a battle for the soul of the Democratic Party.
This is a battle for the soul of America.
And in this most perilous moment, winning means uniting America, not sowing more division and anger.
It means not only fighting but healing this country. We must beat Donald Trump and the Republican Party — but we can’t become them.
We must heal our divisions and repair our democracy.
Above all, it’s time for America to get back up.
And once again, fight for the proposition that we hold these truths to be self-evident. That all men and women are created equal. Endowed by their creator with certain unalienable rights.
We’ve never lived up to it, but we’ve never walked away from it.
I believe that with every fiber of my being.
I saw it a few days ago at a town hall in Charleston.
I spoke with Reverend Anthony Thompson whose wife, Myra, was studying the words of her bible with eight other parishioners of Mother Emanuel four-and-half years ago.
It was their weekly routine — reading scripture and finding purpose in faith in God and in each other.
In an instant, hate’s vengeance pierced their faith, lost forever.
But what’s remarkable about Reverend Thompson and the families of the “Emanuel 9” is that through their pain and grief — they forgave.
And in their forgiveness, change that had been fought for over 100 years in South Carolina occurred.
The Confederate flag came down and real change began to take place.
That’s why I came back to Mother Emanuel on Sunday services after the funerals for the victims. Because six weeks earlier, we had lost our son Beau, and we needed to be healed.
And with every day of every season that has passed, they have gotten up and found purpose to live a life worthy of their loved ones — worthy of the blessing to live in this remarkable country of ours.
You’re the reason I’m in this race. People like you here tonight and all around the country.
The days of Donald Trump’s divisiveness are soon to be over. We can build a more perfect union, because the American people have seen the alternative.
To all of you here in South Carolina — and especially to Jim Clyburn, my friend — you lifted me and this campaign on your shoulders.
I will never forget what you have done for us.
And we need to stand behind Jaime Harrison – the next United States Senator from South Carolina.
And we need to send Joe Cunningham back to the House of Representatives.
To the loves of my life, Jill and Ashley. Thank you for everything.
Folks, so let’s get back up.
We are decent, brave, and resilient people.
We can believe again.
We are better than this moment!
We are better than this president!
So get up!
Take back our country!
We are the United States of America!
There is nothing we can’t do – if we do it together!
Virginia Congressman Bobby Scott Endorses Joe Biden for President
Scott Becomes 20th Congressional Black Caucus Member to Back Biden After Joe Biden won the South Carolina primary, Virginia Congressman Bobby Scott announced he is endorsing Joe Biden for President of United States and released the following statement:
“Our nation is at a crossroads and we cannot afford four more years of Donald Trump’s reckless leadership. Democrats must nominate a strong, steady leader who can unite our party and nation to defeat Donald Trump this November. Joe Biden is that leader who can fix the mess that Trump will leave behind. Joe has been tested time and time again, and has earned the support and trust of a broad coalition of voters. On all the most urgent issues of our time – health care, voting rights, criminal justice reform, student debt, national security – Joe has the vision to get the job done and move our country forward. He has been doing that his whole life, as a senator, statesman, and President Obama’s vice president. Joe is the candidate who can deliver real, concrete progress. Joe Biden is the right choice to defeat Donald Trump and to deliver results for all Americans, from day one.”
Congressman Scott joins former Virginia Governor Terry McAuliffe who also announced his endorsement tonight. Congressman Scott is the 20th Congressional Black Caucus member to back Biden and joins his colleagues Congressman Donald McEachin and Congresswoman Elaine Luria. Additionally, other Virginia leaders have endorsed Biden, including Senator Tim Kaine Richmond Mayor Levar Stoney, Roanoke Mayor Sherman Lea, Virginia State Senate Majority Leader Dick Saslaw, and other state legislators and local leaders.
In total, Biden for President has previously announced more than 1,400 endorsements from national, state, and local leaders, including current and former U.S. senators and representatives, governors, state elected officials, community leaders, and national security professionals.
STATEMENT FROM MIKE BLOOMBERG 2020 CAMPAIGN MANAGER KEVIN SHEEKEY ON THE SOUTH CAROLINA DEMOCRATIC PRIMARY
"Mike Bloomberg has not been on the ballot yet. Our campaign is focused on organizing Democrats and building infrastructure in states all around the country. Mike is the only candidate to campaign in all fourteen Super Tuesday states over the last two months and we look forward to Tuesday. Mike’s record of successfully leading and managing through crises and challenges is exactly what Americans are looking for in a new President."
Republican National Committee (RNC) Statement on the South Carolina Primary
WASHINGTON — Republican National Committee (RNC) Chairwoman Ronna McDaniel released the following statement on the South Carolina primary:
"After more than three decades of trying, Joe Biden finally won a presidential primary state, but this win does not equal momentum," said Chairwoman McDaniel. "Today’s result all but guarantees that this primary process isn’t ending anytime soon. President Trump will beat whichever socialist the Democrats — eventually — nominate this November."
Donald Trump Campaign Statement on South Carolina Democrat Primary
“Once again, President Trump is the clear winner because not one of these candidates has a chance at beating him in November. The President will be running on his solid record of achievement for all Americans and will wipe the floor with whichever Democrat is unlucky enough to emerge. The South Carolina results just prove what a hot mess the Democrat primaries are, as the field once again descends into chaos heading into Super Tuesday. We don’t know who the eventual nominee will be, but they are all the same, and their radical big government socialist policies will be on the Democrat ballot in November no matter what.” - Brad Parscale, Trump 2020 campaign manager
Former Virginia Governor Terry McAuliffe Endorses Joe Biden for President
After a decisive victory for Joe Biden in South Carolina, former Virginia Governor Terry McAuliffe announced he is endorsing Biden for President of United States and released the following statement:
“We can't afford four more years of Donald Trump's hate-driven chaos and Joe Biden is the candidate with the character, experience, and broad appeal to defeat him. Joe Biden has been a friend of Virginia Democrats and my friend for decades and I am proud to endorse him for President of the United States.
“I've always said that our best leader is one who can build a broad coalition, including African American voters who are the heart of the Democratic Party. After South Carolina, it is clear Joe Biden is that leader.
“Health care has been the defining, winning issue for Virginia Democrats as we successfully fought to expand and protect Obamacare from Trump's attacks. Joe Biden's plan to expand the Affordable Care Act and lower costs unites our party and will keep Virginia blue in the fall.
“At a time of global risks from coronavirus to Middle East conflicts, we need Joe Biden's experience to repair the damage Trump's incompetence has done to our world. And at a time of rising hate as we saw in Charlottesville, we need Joe Biden's character and decency to repair the damage that Trump's rhetoric has done to our country.
“In Virginia, we've taken our state from red to blue in a decade by running campaigns that appeal to the majority of voters on issues like lowering health care costs, raising wages, and improving education. That's exactly how Democrats win Virginia and the White House in 2020 with Joe Biden leading our ticket."
McAuliffe joins a slew of other Virginia leaders backing Biden, including Senator Tim Kaine who also announced his support this week ahead of voting on Super Tuesday. Additionally, Congressman Donald McEachin, Congresswoman Elaine Luria, Richmond Mayor Levar Stoney, Roanoke Mayor Sherman Lea, Virginia State Senate Majority Leader Dick Saslaw, and other state legislators and local leaders have announced they’re supporting Biden.
In total, Biden for President has previously announced more than 1,400 endorsements from national, state, and local leaders, including current and former U.S. senators and representatives, governors, state elected officials, community leaders, and national security professionals.
MIKE BLOOMBERG TO ADDRESS THE NATION ON COVID-19 AND THE RESPONSE AMERICA NEEDS AND DESERVES IN A CRISIS
Mike Bloomberg has led in moments of crisis, has the experience to handle the coronavirus outbreak NEW YORK — Tomorrow night, Mike Bloomberg will deliver a three minute television address to the nation on the coronavirus which is threatening the population. In the unprecedented candidate address, Mike will outline the facts: coronavirus is spreading; the economy is plummeting; and America needs a leader with the experience to handle the crisis. The taped address entitled ‘Leadership In Crisis’ will air during commercial airtime on CBS and NBC at approximately 8:30 PM ET on Sunday night.
President Donald Trump is putting lives at risk by ignoring science and dismissing the spread of the virus as a “hoax”. His actions are dangerous and his communication with the American people is dishonest. Mike is an experienced crisis manager who will restore stable leadership and trust in the White House.
“At times like this, it is the job of the President to reassure the public that he or she is taking all the steps necessary to protect the health and well-being of every citizen,” says Mike Bloomberg. “The public wants to know their leader is trained, informed and respected. When a problem arises, they want someone in charge who can marshal facts and expertise to confront the problem.” Full remarks are below.
President Trump’s reckless cuts to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) funding and his senseless elimination of protective measures put in place following the pandemic Ebola virus outbreak have put Americans in danger, leaving the nation underprepared for the spread of coronavirus. If the government wants to keep Americans safe, the CDC and the National Institutes of Health must be given all of the resources necessary to do their job free of political interference.
As president, Mike will use his experience as a crisis manager to make decisions based on data, and then empower the doctors and scientists whose job it is to keep us safe.
Earlier today, Mike announced that he would invite back scientists forced out of the federal government during the Trump Administration. On Wednesday, even before President Trump had his press conference about COVID-19, Mike put forward a plan to prepare the country for public health crises. This plan will prepare hospitals for pandemics, fully fund federal government preparedness efforts, and invest in scientific research that enables resilience to emerging public health threats.
Mike Bloomberg’s Address to the Nation: “Leadership in Crisis” REMARKS AS DELIVERED
Good evening. I know this has been a very worrisome week for many Americans.
The Coronavirus is spreading, and the economy is taking a hit. Markets have fallen because of uncertainty.
At times like this it is the job of the President to reassure the public that he or she is taking all the necessary steps to protect the health and well-being of every citizen.
The public wants to know their leader is trained, informed and respected. When a problem arises, they want someone in charge who can marshal facts and expertise to confront the problem.
They want him or her to prepare for events like these in advance with teams of experts.
Communications must be honest and transparent, so people can be confident that professionals are in charge. Trust is essential.
Government’s resources must be focused and priorities clear and consistent.
Presidents have vast tools at their disposal — and they must be used effectively and decisively. This includes building strong, cooperative relationships with nations around the world to prevent and prepare for pandemics and other global emergencies that cross borders.
The Centers for Disease Control and the National Institutes of Health must be given all of the resources necessary to do their job free of political interference.
Decisions must be based on data and must empower the doctors and scientists whose job it is to keep us safe.
As the former mayor of New York City, I know it is critical that the federal government work in close partnership with state and local leaders who administer services and deploy first responders. That requires putting politics and partisanship aside.
I was first elected just weeks after the attack on 9/11 — a massive rebuilding, security and health challenge. In my 12 years in office I dealt with a hurricane, a blackout, attempted terror attacks, the West Nile virus and swine flu.
My method of leadership was to plan ahead before the problem arrived – we worked with hospitals and first responders to develop plans in advance, to improve communication and to invest in preparedness.
Through the Bloomberg School of Public Health at Johns Hopkins, I understood the challenges hospitals and medical professionals face and we worked as a team to upgrade readiness.
Each crisis is different, but they all require steady leadership, team building and preparation.
As Americans we have faced many challenges before, and we have overcome them together by looking out for one another — and I am confident that is how we will get through this one as well.
Virginia Legislative Black Caucus Chair Lamont Bagby Endorses Joe Biden
Ahead of tomorrow’s election in South Carolina, Biden for President announced a key endorsement from Virginia Legislative Black Caucus Chair Delegate Lamont Bagby. The endorsement follows today’s announced support from Senator Tim Kaine and comes just one day after Congressman Jim Clyburn of South Carolina — the kingmaker of politics in the Palmetto State — announced he is supporting Biden ahead of Saturday’s “First in the South” primary.
Bagby underscored the importance of Biden’s ability to unite the country and his proven record of fighting on behalf of all Americans. Bagby also emphasized the need for Joe Biden in the White House to achieve needed reforms to our health care and criminal justice system, and better educational and economic opportunities.
“We know there is one candidate in this race with the heart, the courage and the backbone to not only defeat Donald Trump, but to unite our country and our party — and that's Joe Biden,” said Virginia House Delegate and Virginia Legislative Black Caucus Chair Lamont Bagby. “From his time in the Senate to standing shoulder to shoulder with President Obama, Joe has always been a steadfast, effective leader for every American — no matter where they come from. That's why as president, he'll fight to unlock the potential of all of our students, for affordable, quality health care for all of our families, for the reforms our criminal justice system needs, and for the opportunities and dignity every worker deserves.”
A former Henrico County School Board Member, Bagby represents Virginia’s 74th House of Delegates district, which includes parts of the City of Richmond and Henrico County.
Today’s endorsement follows the announced support of dozens of Virginia statewide elected officials, as well as local, party and religious leaders. He joins former Governor and current Senator Tim Kaine, Congressman Donald McEachin, Congresswoman Elaine Luria, Richmond Mayor Levar Stoney, Roanoke Mayor Sherman Lea, Virginia State Senate Majority Leader Dick Saslaw, and more.
Nationally, Biden for President has previously announced more than 1,400 endorsements from national, state, and local leaders, including current and former U.S. senators and representatives, governors, state elected officials, community leaders, and national security professionals.
Amy Klobuchar To Campaign In Eleven States Between Now and Super Tuesday
MINNEAPOLIS, MN — Amy For America today announced that Senator Amy Klobuchar will campaign in Tennessee, Virginia, Maine, North Carolina, Alabama, Minnesota, Utah, Colorado, Oklahoma, Arkansas and Missouri between now and Super Tuesday.
Saturday, February 29
Knoxville, TN Grassroots Event -- Doors open at 8:30 AM ET, Program starts at 9:00 AM ET
Tom Steyer Message to Supporters on Ending Presidential Campaign
Remarks as Prepared for Delivery by Vice President Joe Biden in Columbia, South Carolina
STATEMENT FROM MIKE BLOOMBERG 2020 CAMPAIGN MANAGER KEVIN SHEEKEY ON THE SOUTH CAROLINA DEMOCRATIC PRIMARY
Donald Trump Campaign Statement on South Carolina Democrat Primary
Amy Klobuchar To Campaign In Eleven States Between Now and Super Tuesday 
