CNN's Van Jones Heartbroken by Biden's Withdrawal from Race

CNN commentator and former Obama administration official Van Jones became visibly emotional upon learning that President Biden would not seek a second term, expressing deep admiration and love for the incumbent.

CNN's Van Jones was visibly moved on Sunday as he reacted to President Biden's decision to withdraw from the 2024 presidential race. Jones, a longtime Biden supporter, expressed a profound sense of loss and gratitude for the outgoing president.

"When your arm gets tired, you let somebody else finish pitching the game," Jones said on CNN. "That's what Joe Biden has done. And he's done that for all of us."

CNN's Van Jones Heartbroken by Biden's Withdrawal from Race

Jones emphasized Biden's pivotal role in Democratic successes, stating that the party would not have achieved as much without his leadership. "The Democrat Party's family, and Joe Biden is the head of the family," Jones said. "At the end of the day, this is a family matter."

Recognizing Biden's physical and cognitive limitations, Jones compared the president's withdrawal to taking away driving privileges from an elderly family member. "It's kind of like when your grandpa, [when] you got to take the keys," Jones said, becoming increasingly emotional.

CNN's Van Jones Heartbroken by Biden's Withdrawal from Race

"He's fighting and he's fighting and everybody's so frustrated... And then you just cry. Because this is somebody that you love. This is somebody that you care about. This is somebody who was there for you. This is somebody, you wouldn't be here without him. And you had to take something from him."

Jones acknowledged that he did not know who would replace Biden as the Democratic nominee but emphasized the importance of honoring his legacy. "Politics is politics," he said, "But this is a human moment for one of the great humans in America."

CNN's Van Jones Heartbroken by Biden's Withdrawal from Race

"I just want to say, I don't know who's going to be the VP, the non VP. I don't know anything about politics," Jones said, his voice choked with emotion. "I just know that I love this man, I care about this man. It was painful every day to sit up here and talk about him like he's just some problem for the party."

"All of us are going to be in this situation someday, and I hope that we take a moment to honor this man and to love this man," Jones said. "I love Joe Biden. I appreciate what he's done. And a lot of people are heartbroken today. Even if it's the right thing, it's still just horrible."

Other news hosts expressed shock and sadness at Biden's decision to drop out of the race. MSNBC host and former White House press secretary Jen Psaki said she had no indication that this was imminent. Delaware Sen. Chris Coons also appeared emotional in an interview with CBS News, stating that Biden's decision reflected his character.