Disappointment, pride, resolve. News of Joe Biden's decision to drop out of the presidential race with just more than three months before the 2024 election was met locally with a mix of emotions Sunday afternoon.
"It's kind of shocking, even though you knew this is what they were talking about," said Volusia County Democratic Party Chair Jewel Dickson, a Biden supporter until the end. "I'm disappointed, but I understand. I know we'll come out just fine."
Dickson, who is one of six Volusia-Flagler delegates to the Democratic National Convention in Chicago Aug. 19-22, said she is also a supporter of Vice President Kamala Harris, who Biden endorsed Sunday. Dickson said it remains an open question as to whether Harris might face opposition, but Dickson believes Harris "should be" the nominee.
"There's only three months to campaign and she's a very strong candidate. I like her a lot," Dickson said.
Janet Sullivan, a Palm Coast resident and chair of the Flagler County Democratic Executive Committee, said Biden put the country first.
“I was not surprised,” Sullivan said. “I always thought that Joe Biden would do what he thought was best for the country, not for Joe Biden. Evidently, he thinks this is the best thing for the country, to finish his last few months tying up some things and kicking some major you-know-what.”
She said Biden’s administration has done “a phenomenal job.” and will continue to do so until Jan. 20, 2025.
As for who should replace Biden, Sullivan said that's "way above my paygrade,” but she'll vote for whatever Democrat who faces Republican Donald Trump.
"So is everyone I talk to because that is the only option there is,” Sullivan said. “There is no other option.”
Digging out Harris for President T-shirt
Volusia County Democratic Party State Committeewoman Susanne Raines said Biden will be leaving on a high note.
"My very first reaction is Joe Biden has always done what he feels like is best for this county," Raines said. "I feel like once again he's showing what a good man he is, by putting other people and the country ahead of his personal ambitions."
Raines said she's going to pull out her Harris for President T-shirt left over from the wide-open 2020 Democratic primary Biden ultimately won.
"I love Kamala Harris. I think that she would make a great president," Raines said. "I like that she is a former prosecutor. I know some people think she's not progressive enough, but I feel like she has all the experience of, and capability to be a really, really good president."
And Raines said Republicans would have preferred to run against Biden, so that's a good sign for the Democrats.
Flagler Democrat: 'Time to pass the torch'
Jim Manfre, a former Flagler County sheriff who is a Democrat and Palm Coast resident, agreed with Biden's decision to drop out.
“I think it was a wise decision,” Manfre sad. “I certainly agree that it’s time to pass the torch to a new generation of leaders.”
Manfre said that while he is not a doctor, he sees in Biden some of the same signs he saw in his late mother who had dementia.
“It’s very painful to have that conversation with someone you love, and I’m sure it’s been painful for the Biden family, but it had to happen,” Manfre said. “I think the country is breathing a sigh of relief."
Manfre said he is not convinced Biden can "do the job" for four more years. He wants to see an open, competitive process to replace Biden as the nominee.
Mike Cocchiola, a Palm Coast resident and former chair of the Flagler County Democratic Executive Committee, also agreed with Biden's decision, adding that he did not think the president had enough time to regain support from Democrats.
“When you start losing Democratic voters you've got a real problem,” Cocchiola said. “Now the question of course is who takes his place? I love Kamala Harris, but I don’t think she has enough of the support that she needs.”
Cocchiola said whoever is selected must be able to go toe-to-toe with Republicans.
“You cannot be Joe Biden and take on the MAGAs. You have to fight back,” Cocchiola said. “We need somebody to take the fight right back to the MAGAs.”
Cocchiola said he likes California Gov. Gavin Newsom.
“I think he has the chutzpah. I think he has the presence,” Cocchiola said.
Stepping aside 'to protect American democracy'
L. Ronald Durham, chair of the Volusia County Democratic Black Caucus, said Biden's announcement "brings to a halt all of those negative comments" about whether the president — who wobbled badly in polling after a weak performance in a June 27 debate with Donald Trump — should step aside.
"As I look back over his four years, certainly there are commendable accomplishments that cannot be overlooked," Durham said. "His legacy is one now that I think will have a crowning moment at the pinnacle as he steps aside for the good of the party in order for us to protect American democracy."
Durham said he appreciates Biden's endorsement of Harris as "the right thing to do," as she is a capable, qualified candidate.
"I hope she chooses a great running mate to run with from a state that might be critical like Pennsylvania," Durham said. "I think Gov. (Josh) Shapiro and Vice President Harris would be a winning combination."
Nicole Hammer, chair of the Volusia Young Democrats, wrote in a text that the club commends Biden "for his courage in making decisions that serve the best interests of our country."
Republicans question Biden's fitness
The Volusia-Flagler area's two Republican members of Congress, Michael Waltz and Cory Mills both called on Biden to resign from the presidency.
"If Biden is not fit to run for reelection, then he’s not fit to run the country," Mills posted on X Sunday. "If Biden is too feeble to be charged with mishandling of classified documents as Special Counsel Robert Hur stated, then he’s too feeble to run the country. We need Pres. Trump back in the White House."
Hur, who investigated Biden's retention of classified documents after leaving the White House as vice president in 2017, determined a jury would not ultimately find Biden guilty of a crime, writing Biden was a "sympathetic, well-meaning, elderly man with a poor memory."
Meanwhile, Waltz wrote: "If President Biden isn’t fit to run for re-election, he isn’t fit to continue as commander-in-chief. He should resign. We are in a period of maximum danger with a wide open southern border and the world on fire."
Perry Mitrano, chairman of the Flagler County Republican Party, said it was good that Biden decided to end his campaign.
“I think it’s proper for the country,” Mitrano said, adding that he wants to be kind.
“I think right now we just have to accept the fact that President Biden is doing the right thing for the country and for himself,” Mitrano said.
Palm Coast City Council member Ed Danko, who is also a Republican, also said Biden’s decision to drop out was the right one.
“I’m not surprised. It’s a horrible tragic situation. I feel sorry for the man, for his family, but in the same breath I feel sorry for our country,” Danko said. “I think it’s been clear for quite a while, to some of us at least, that this man was not capable of leading our country. And I’m relieved that he is not going to run again.”
— Staff Writer Frank Fernandez contributed to this story.
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