Local reaction to President Biden dropping out of the election

AUGUSTA, GA. (WJBF) – At home, we are following local reaction to President Biden’s decision.

There have been mixed reactions from those in the community when hearing about this.

Some were surprised by the news, not expecting this from Biden. But they are happy to have Biden endorsing Vice President Kamala Harris and hope others in the Democratic party do the same.

“So, I’m hoping that those persons that were adamant as far as trying, you know, maybe encourage him to leave will also be equally as adamant and make sure that they endorse her for the nomination for our party,” said Senator Harold Jones II.

Some saw this coming and said it was time for it to happen after the president’s poor showing at the debate just a few weeks ago.

“As the days drew closer to their convention and as he continued to have lapses, I think it was obvious that they had to do something, and more and more members of congress and members of senate and doners were saying, hey you got to step down,” said Rick Allen, GA.12th District U.S. House of Representative.

Mayor Garnett Johnson says he had the opportunity to work closely with Biden and his team. He hopes that no matter what happens, that work continues on the Workforce HUB project, which President Biden announced last year to bring tech jobs to five cities, including Augusta.

“Well, I’m disappointed in that Augusta was one of five hub workforce cities. We had the opportunity to develop a very close relationship with President Biden, as well as his administration. Excited for him and what’s next, and that he certainly deserves to be able to take a break or to retire,” said Augusta Mayor Garnett Johnson.

Others in the area admire President Biden’s decision and are confident in the Democratic Party.

“I think President Biden was actually extremely courageous and displayed true leadership in this move that he made today and basically saying I’m listening to the will of the people. So, I feel good, honestly; I feel optimistic and hopeful moving forward. That we are going to be exactly the place we need to be,” said Cherise d’ Abadie, Chair of Aiken County Democratic Party.

Democrats will hold their national convention beginning August 12th in Chicago.

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