Former president Bill Clinton and ex-secretary of state Hillary Clinton praised Joe Bidens decision to abandon his White House reelection bid Sunday, and threw their support behind Vice President Kamala Harris to take up the baton.

Lauding Bidens extraordinary career of service, the Clintons said in a joint statement that they were honored to join him in endorsing Harris as the Democratic nominee and will do whatever we can to support her.

Nothing has made us more worried for our country than the threat posed by a second Trump term. He has promised to be a dictator on day one, they continued.

Meanwhile, former Democratic House Speaker Nancy Pelosi has hailed Biden over the move, describing him as one of the most consequential Presidents in American history.

Biden is a patriotic American who has always put our country first. His legacy of vision, values and leadership make him one of the most consequential Presidents in American history, Pelosi said in a statement, expressing her love and gratitude to him.

Also,Barack Obama praised Bidens decision to drop out of the White House race on Sunday, saying it was a testament to the US leaders love of country - but warned of uncharted waters ahead of the November 5 election.

Biden had every right to run for reelection, the former president said in a statement, lauding the 81-year-olds record and calling him a patriot of the highest order.

We will be navigating uncharted waters in the days ahead. But I have extraordinary confidence that the leaders of our party will be able to create a process from which an outstanding nominee emerges, he continued. (AFP)