Twitter Reacts to Biden Announcement (Mostly Democrats)
As soon as Vice President Joe Biden announced that he would not be running for president in 2016, social media’s wide swath of generally pro-Hillary Clinton Democrats and independents reacted with glee. Actual politicians (i.e. their social media interns) reacted too, albeit with a little less crass.
Democratic National Committee chairwoman Debbie Wasserman Schultz praised Biden before his remarks were finished, saying that she “couldn’t be prouder to call him a fellow Democrat.” Probably, I suspect, because she saw Biden as a threat to her girl Hillary.
Joe Biden has and will continue to dedicate his life to helping every American do better. Couldn’t be prouder to call him a fellow Democrat.
— D Wasserman Schultz (@DWStweets) October 21, 2015
At the same time, the Democratic Party’s official Twitter account began tweeting a series of positive messages and photos supporting the vice president.
We ❤️ Joe Biden. pic.twitter.com/Td1XuE2PsS — The Democrats (@TheDemocrats) October 21, 2015
RT and add your name if you’re proud to have voted for Vice President Biden: https://t.co/nZFwNUkGAX pic.twitter.com/SSStLDjk5N
— The Democrats (@TheDemocrats) October 21, 2015
Before party darling Clinton could get her words out, however, presidential rival Bernie Sanders published a string of posts.
I thank @VP for his continued service to the nation and his support of the middle class. — Bernie Sanders (@BernieSanders) October 21, 2015
I also commend @VP‘s outlining of an agenda to make college free, fight economic inequality, close tax loopholes & protect dignity for all.
— Bernie Sanders (@BernieSanders) October 21, 2015
“We need to commit to 16 years of free public education for all our children.” – Vice President Joe Biden — Bernie Sanders (@BernieSanders) October 21, 2015
Clinton finally managed to squeeze something in, even though Biden took a veiled swing at her during his speech.
.@VP is a good friend and a great man. Today and always, inspired by his optimism and commitment to change the world for the better. -H
— Hillary Clinton (@HillaryClinton) October 21, 2015
Hell, even Martin O’Malley managed to fit in a tweet for Joe.
.@JoeBiden is one of the most decent, compassionate public servants our nation has produced—I respect his decision & wish him the best. -O’M — Martin O’Malley (@MartinOMalley) October 21, 2015
Neither scandal-free Lincoln Chafee nor first-to-drop Jim Webb tweeted anything out about the matter. However, Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump sent out a tweet remarking on the occasion. Surprisingly, he praised Biden. Unsurprisingly, he used it as an opportunity to insult Clinton.
I think Joe Biden made correct decision for him & his family. Personally, I would rather run against Hillary because her record is so bad.
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) October 21, 2015
Will Pierce, executive director of the Draft Biden Super PAC — the group that really, really wanted Biden to run — issued a statement shortly after the announcement.
Statement from Will Pierce, Executive Director of Draft Biden 2016 pic.twitter.com/YHJUWUrLtU — Draft Joe Biden (@draftbiden) October 21, 2015
[Image via Twitter]
