Oregonians: Biden leaving presidential race means ‘interesting next 4 months’

PORTLAND, Ore. ( KOIN ) — Many Oregonians are reacting to President Joe Biden’s Sunday announcement that he was formally stepping down from the presidential election in November.

Most say Biden made the right decision but have mixed reactions on who should be next in line.

“It’s going to be an interesting next four months,” said Jimmie Suchanek.

One month before President Biden was scheduled to officially accept his party’s nomination, this is a shakeup at the top of the Democratic ticket.

Medford city councilor and Oregon delegate to the DNC Kevin Stine told KOIN 6 News he supports Biden’s endorsement of Vice President Kamala Harris.

“You are going to see a very vibrant person,” he said. “At the convention, we’re excited they see a path to victory and winning these purple states. You look at Kamala Harris and what she’s been able to do as an Attorney General in California, as a United States Senator, as a Vice President – she has years of experience.”

While other voters have another candidate in mind.

“I’d love to see a woman president, but I think it’s we’re not quite there yet,” said Brendan Ferrell. “I like her a lot. She’s great. I don’t think she would win it. I think Pete Buttigieg has to be a better candidate.”

Today’s big announcement was also seen by Oregon voters as an opportunity to entice younger people.

“It is time to bring in fresh blood, we need to invigorate more younger voters and coming out,” emphasized Liam Watkins. “And we need somebody who we can really rely on that is going to be around for the next four years.”

During the debate between President Biden with former President Donald Trump in June, some questioned if he was fit to run.

“It probably makes more sense,” Suchanek added. “Especially, just the last few days, things have happened. And you’ve seen more people come up, but I’m more worried about his health.”

City of Portland Commissioner Rene Gonzalez also released a statement in support of Harris being the Democratic presidential nominee.

“We need to unite to defeat Donald Trump. The nation cannot endure another four years of divisive, hateful politics that hurt so many and threaten our democracy,” the statement said in part.

Time is of the essence for the Democratic party as the Democratic National Convention starts August 19 in Chicago.

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