'Time to go in another direction': Central Mass. reaction to Biden's withdrawal

Reaction from area politicians is coming in after President Joe Biden’s decision Sunday afternoon not to seek reelection.

Sen. Michael Moore, D-Millbury, said Biden has “done a good job,” especially when dealing with a Republican majority in the U.S. House of Representatives.

However, since Biden's poor performance in last month’s debate against Republican nominee and former President Donald Trump, Moore said “it was time to go in another direction.”

“I felt we needed someone younger or someone who can handle the stress of the election and the next four-year cycle.”

Moore was one of seven Massachusetts state senators who on Thursday night released a letter calling on Biden to withdraw from the race.

Biden endorsed Vice President Kamala Harris in a post on X, formerly Twitter, to lead the Democratic ticket, and Moore said she's a leading contender to replace him.

Moore said though that he prefers an open process and thinks there are other strong choices, including Gov. Gretchen Whitmer of Michigan and Gov. Joshua Shapiro of Pennsylvania.

“There are good choices out there for the (Democratic Convention next month) to choose from, to come out strong, and take us through the election," said Moore.

State Sen. Jamie Eldridge, D-Marlborough, also signed the letter in support of Biden leaving the race.

Saddened and appreciative was Eldridge's reaction to Sunday's news. He said Biden's presidency turned the country around.

"Today, President Biden put the Democratic party and the nation ahead of himself," said Eldridge.

While there was a lot of talk of donors and major Democratic officials urging Biden to step aside, Eldridge said the overwhelming number of rank-and-file Democrats who in polls indicated they wished for someone else to be the party's nominee was a major factor.

Eldridge is one of the more than 4,000 Democratic delegates who will vote on Biden's replacement, and said he "thinks highly" of Vice President Harris, but it's important for the democratic process to play out on who the nominee will be.

To reach a decision, Eldridge said, some officials think there could be a virtual vote among all delegates to choose the nominee before next month's convention in Chicago. However, Eldridge said he needed to gain a better understanding of the process to get a better picture of how decisions will move forward.

U.S. Rep. James P. McGovern called Biden one of the most consequential presidents in his lifetime, and supported Harris to win the party's nomination in a post on X , formerly Twitter.

"He promised to restore the soul of our nation, and he delivered on that promise — bringing us back from the brink of authoritarianism, rebuilding our economy after a global pandemic, and repairing our standing in the world as a beacon of freedom and hope," said McGovern of Biden's term in office.

Biden's accomplishments, said McGovern, include the infrastructure and climate bills, gun safety legislation, job creation, and efforts to end hunger and improve nutrition. An act of patriotism is how McGovern described Biden's decision to step aside.

"He put our country ahead of himself – something Donald Trump has never done and is incapable of doing."

McGovern made it clear in his post that he's firmly behind Harris becoming the party's nominee.

"I’m proud to support Vice President Kamala Harris moving forward. As Attorney General of California, she stood with those who had nowhere left to turn, prosecuting sex offenders and victims of for-profit college scams. As a Senator, she championed legislation to fight hunger and combat the climate crisis. As Vice President, she has worked hand-in-glove with President Biden to advance opportunity for all and represent America’s interests on the world stage.

"She is a proven, experienced leader who will unite this country and be an incredible leader."

U.S. Rep. Lori Trahan said on X , formerly Twitter, that Biden saved democracy in 2020 and worked with House Democrats to deliver unprecedented progress to the American people.

"President Biden’s decision to pass the baton positions us to defeat Donald Trump again this November and build on the work we’ve done," said Trahan's post. Another Trahan post supports Harris for the nomination, calling her "strong" and "proven."

While not agreeing with all of Biden's presidential decisions, state Sen. Robyn Kennedy, D-Worcester, said his leadership in the Oval Office "brought our country back from some of the darkest days" in American politics. The Build Back Better Act that established a family medical leave program was one of Biden's signature achievements, said Kennedy.

Kennedy supports Harris as the nominee, stating her primary vote for the Biden/Harris ticket was an endorsement of the vice president to step into the highest highest office in the land if needed. However, Kennedy said she will support whomever the convention delegates vote as the nominee.

Gov. Maura Healey praised Biden in a prepared statement.

"Few could have risen to the challenge the way Joe Biden has," said Healey. "He has restored our economy, defended our freedoms, and protected democracy at home and abroad. He has led with decency, empathy and brought Americans together.

"President Biden's decision today not to seek reelection is the ultimate example of putting the country first – something Joe Biden has done over and over again in his unparalleled career. We are all deeply grateful to President Biden for his lifetime of service."

It's no surprise to state Sen. Peter Durant, R-Spencer, that Biden dropped out.

"[Republicans] have been saying for years that Biden is in cognitive decline. It's unfortunate it took a debate for somebody to say that the 'emperor has no clothes,'" said Durant.

Biden's policies have failed, according to Durant, including spending mandates for electric vehicles and other energy initiatives that contributed to rising inflation.

It's unclear what Biden's decision will have on Trump's election prospects, said Durant. He would like to see Harris take Biden's place at the top of the ticket, believing Trump can beat her in the general election. Harris was supposed to be the Southern border czar, but her performance has been lacking, said Durant. She also promoted Green New Deal policies that fell short of the mark, he said.

Durant would like to see policies in place that increase domestic oil and gas production to boost America's economy, policies he said the Democrats, especially Harris, don't support.

However, Durant said a dynamic Democratic challenger could emerge that could give Trump a run for his money. Durant hopes Harris is the Democrats' choice to replace Biden.

"At the end of the day, I'd rather run against the devil you know than the devil you don't," he said.

The state's Republican party views Biden's presidency as failed policies, a point included in a statement on its Facebook page .

"No matter the nominee, Americans now see through the failed policies of the Democratic Party. From the economy to border security, Democrats have fallen short. Americans want a shift, and we’re confident that no Democrat will measure up to the Republican ticket."

Stay with telegram.com on this developing story.

Contact Henry Schwan at henry.schwan@telegram.com . Follow him on X: @henrytelegram .

This article originally appeared on Telegram & Gazette: 'Time to go in another direction': Central Mass. reaction to Biden's withdrawal