Former Secretary of State John Kerry endorsed Joe Biden’s bid for president on Thursday, touting his longtime friend’s character, record in the Senate and ability to beat President Donald Trump in 2020.

“I believe Joe Biden is the President our country desperately needs right now, not because I’ve known Joe so long, but because I know Joe so well,” Kerry said in a written statement, adding he “doesn’t endorse lightly,” but is confident in Biden’s abilities after serving alongside him for 24 years on the Senate Foreign Relations Committee.


“I’ve never before seen the world more in need of someone who on day one can begin the incredibly hard work of putting back together the world Donald Trump has smashed apart,” he wrote. “Joe is uniquely the person running for president who can beat Donald Trump and get to work on day one at home and in the world with no time to waste."