Former Vice President Al Gore of Tennessee on President Joe Biden: 'A selfless decision'

Former Vice President Al Gore of Tennessee applauded President Joe Biden's decision to withdraw from the presidential race on Sunday, calling the move a "selfless decision."

Biden announced Sunday afternoon that he would no longer seek the Democratic nomination for president, amid pressure from within his party to step down, and increasing concerns over his ability to defeat former President Donald Trump, the Republican nominee.

Gore, who as Democratic presidential nominee in 2000 against George W. Bush accepted defeat after a legal challenge of the 2000 election results, praised Biden's decision, and his service to the nation.

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“As President, Joe Biden has been — and is — an exceptional leader," Gore said in a statement to The Tennessean. "He is responsible for developing and signing the most significant investment in climate solutions into law. He helped our nation navigate a global pandemic, ushered in an economic recovery that has created good-paying jobs for Americans across the country, and restored America’s standing abroad."

"I know that he is not done delivering for the American people and will continue to serve this nation with wisdom and dignity in the coming months," Gore said. "In paving the way for a new generation of leadership, President Biden’s decision is a fitting testament to his profoundly consequential career. I applaud his selfless decision.”

Biden presented Gore with the Presidential Medal of Freedom ― the nation's highest civilian honors ― earlier this year at the White House, celebrating his lifetime of public service, including as U.S. Army serviceman, a senator from Tennessee, vice president, presidential nominee, and "visionary climate statesman."

During the medal presentation, Biden specifically noted Gore's grace in accepting defeat in the disputed 2000 presidential election, calling his acceptance "a historic act of selflessness, and love for country."

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"After winning the popular vote he accepted the outcome of a disputed presidential election for the sake of unity and trust in our institutions. That, to me, was amazing what you did, Al. I won’t go into that,” Biden said, prompting laughs from the crowd. “Al, history’s going to remember you for many reasons, among them will be your honesty, your integrity, and the legacy of your service."

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This article originally appeared on Nashville Tennessean: Biden drops out: Al Gore calls decision selfless