Southern Tier Democrats say Kamala Harris will be a "dynamic candidate," while local Republicans believe she is more unpopular than President Biden.
Elmira Star-Gazette
President Joe Biden's decision to drop his reelection bid and endorse Vice President Kamala Harris to take his place as the nominee will provide a big boost for Democrats this fall.
Or will it help Republican nominee and former President Donald Trump win a second term in November?
It depends on who you ask.
Biden's announcement Sunday that he will suspend his campaign but continue to serve until the end of his term follows weeks of pressure from fellow Democrats to drop out of the race after what many saw as a poor live debate performance against Trump in late June.
Chemung County Republican Chair Sara Lattin believes Biden's decision only strengthens Trump's chances.
"I believe this shows a lack of confidence in Biden. To how it will affect the campaign, many Democrats came out endorsing the vice president," Lattin said. "Obviously the polls show her likeability isn't as high as Biden's.
"We will continue to support our candidate. We will focus on our platform," she added. "(Harris) spoke strongly for the president and his policies and we are concerned if she has the best interest of Americans as a priority."
But Chemung County Democratic Election Commissioner and former Elmira mayor Jim Hare applauded Biden's decision, and said it will only strengthen the Democrats' chances this election season.
"This clearly places the focus of the campaign on Trump, a convicted felon, sexual abuser who is guilty of massive business fraud," Hare said. "Who’s lies, bigotry and total lack of character should disqualify him, but the press have been numbed by that and have made the issue Biden’s age."
Shawn Hogan, the Steuben County Democratic Committee Chairman, said Biden's move to step aside was a selfless decision.
"I think President Joe Biden is an honorable man, a decent man who cares more about country than he does about his ego. He made a difficult decision, but it was the right decision for him, his family and this nation," said Hogan, the former mayor of Hornell.
"Vice President Kamala Harris will represent the party and the nation in a similar fashion. She’s got a lot of work to do," Hogan added. "She’s got to get after it, and we have to coalesce behind her with unity and work to defeat Trump and defend democracy."
Hogan said Harris replacing Biden at the top of the ticket "changes the dynamic" in the race against Trump.
"We certainly have the younger candidate, but one with experience not only as a local prosecutor but a state attorney general, a U.S. Senator and one that has the confidence of the president, Joe Biden," said Hogan.
"Kamala Harris will be a dynamic candidate," Hare added.
Most Popular
Comments / 0