Rep. John Lewis Tosses Support Behind Biden: ‘We Have a Choice, We Must Decide’

A civil rights icon is tossing his support behind former Vice President Joe Biden (D) as the former vice president continues to garner endorsements.

Rep. John Lewis (D-Ga.) praised Biden as a “dear friend” and “a man of courage, a man with a great conscience, a man of faith” during a call with reporters in announcing his endorsement.

“He will be a great president,” Lewis said. “He will lead our country to a better place. He would inspire another generation to stand up, to speak up and to speak out, to be brave and to be bold.”

In a message to young voters, Lewis said, “Look around. We have a choice. We must decide. Get out there and vote like we’ve never ever voted before.”

“The vote is the most powerful non-violent instrument or tool that we have in a democratic society and we must use it,” he added. The Democratic lawmaker continued:

“I gave a little blood on that bridge, almost died. And I would say to young people that it’s my hope that you will not be beaten or arrested or jailed. Let’s go out and vote and help elect a man of conscience, a man who would look out for each and every one of us and help build a society where no one would be left out or left behind because of their race or their color of their skin or their gender.”

In response to the endorsement, Biden tweeted, “I’m honored to call him a friend — and grateful to have him by my side in this battle for the soul of our nation.”

Additionally, Lewis — the 38th member