We released this statement on July 22, 2024.

Yesterday was a big day. Joe Biden took the dramatic (and deeply appreciated) decision to stand aside in the upcoming election.  We applaud his choice as an important step toward preserving democracy.

Kamala Harris comes in with significant capacity to wage a strong campaign and keep Trump out of the White House. As a vibrant, energized candidate, she is already forcefully highlighting Trump's personal immorality, demagoguery and dangerous policy agenda, and pointing to important accomplishments of the Biden administration. 

We are deeply frightened by the prospect of a second Trump Presidency, which remains a strong possibility. The past few weeks have been tumultuous, from Biden's abysmal debate performance, to the attempted shooting of Trump, his selection of ideologue JD Vance as running mate, the multiple lies on the stage of the GOP Convention and now Biden's exit.

As more information emerges about Project 2025, the right wing policy wishlist, and as Trump continues to lie and barely hide his autocratic intentions, the need to organize is clearer than ever. Biden's courageous decision is already increasing energy and hope. At the same time, we know that many colleagues on the left may be hesitant to support Harris as a result of Biden's backing of the assault on Gaza, terrible compromises on immigration, some of her own history and more.  

We believe that the threats to the basic functioning of democracy and the massive policy differences clearly on display make it clear that this is a time to vote for someone who we can pressure to make better decisions rather than take the risk of allowing Trump to return to power.

Together, we can do this!

Andy Mager
SCW Coordinator