Dear John,
As you have no doubt heard, President Biden announced today that he will no longer seek re-election to the presidency of the United States this November. He has endorsed his Vice President, California’s own Kamala Harris.
The president’s decision to not seek re-election is bittersweet. His election in 2020 gave us much needed hope that brighter days were ahead. And brighter days they have been.
It is not an overstatement to say that President Biden has been the most pro-union and pro-working people president of our lifetimes. He has repeatedly fought for causes that are important to educators and working people by championing historic funding for public education, rebuilding our nation’s infrastructure, protecting reproductive rights, forgiving student debt, championing gay marriage and LGBTQ+ rights, and much more. His commitment to working people is epitomized by his joining the UAW on the line during their strike last year, becoming the first U.S. president to walk the picket line while in office.
President Biden leaves office with an impressive legacy. Perhaps the most significant decision a President can make is the selection of Supreme Court justices, and he will be long remembered for his appointment of the brilliant Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson, the first Black woman to ever serve on our nation’s highest court.
For all that he accomplished during his four years in office, we simply say: Thank you, President Biden.
Although President Biden had our full support and endorsement for re-election, he is bravely embodying the spirit of “country first.” He is putting the best interests of the American people ahead of any personal ambition and stepping aside so that the country can move forward.
The coming weeks and months will not be easy. We will have to work hard to counter cynicism and misinformation. But we also have an opportunity to let this moment be one of inspiration. Never has there been a more important time to act with unity and with solidarity. There is simply too much at stake.
Therefore, I ask you to join me in doing everything you can between now and November 5 to elect a pro-public education, pro-worker president of the United States and to make sure that California does our part to ensure our Congressional delegation reflects these same values.
In Unity,
Jeff Freitas
CFT President
