Biden ‘shared his love for his country’ in speech, says Fresno delegate

FRESNO, Calif ( KSEE/KGPE ) – In President Biden’s Oval Office address Wednesday evening, he said stepping down from the race is the best way to unite our nation.

“I’ve decided the best way forward is to pass the torch to a new generation,” President Biden said.

Eric Payne, Democratic National Convention delegate from Fresno, says President Biden’s address was an emotional moment.

“He just shared his love for his country, the apathy of being this leader that he is. We know him to be a selfless leader. He’ll go down in history as one of the most selfless leaders this nation has ever seen,” Payne said.

Fresno Democratic Congressmember Jim Costa believes Biden no longer seeking re-election is an act of merit.

“When you reach the pinnacle of power and the willingness to decide, ‘I’m going to walk away from that, I’ve done a good job’. And I feel that it’s important that we give a new generation an opportunity to lead. You know, that’s what America is all about,” Costa said.

Republican Congressman John Duarte says, despite announcing his withdrawal on social media, he appreciates the President formally addressing the nation on his decision.

“I welcome his decision not to run again. I think America deserves a president that has got better health and is younger. And, you know, as can sustain their acuity and their energy to do George Washington’s job,” Duarte said.

Duarte says, although Biden spoke of strength and unity, he says the nation is still bitterly divided.

“Joe Biden did some packaging tonight, but it’s not what we’re feeling out there. And I hope that Kamala Harris and Donald Trump have a real dialog about what’s going to help American families, what’s going to help American farms, what’s going to bring back businesses back to hiring and expanding,” Duarte said.

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