Alabama Republicans, Democrats react to Biden withdrawing from presidential race

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. ( WIAT ) — Alabama political leaders are reacting to the news President Joe Biden will not accept the Democratic nomination for the 2024 race .

Republicans said it has been clear for years that Biden is unfit to serve. Some Democrats said they are disappointed the president is stepping aside.

“We love that guy,” said Wayne Rogers, the chair of the Jefferson County Democratic Party. “We wanted him to be president for four more years. He would have done a great job.”

Rogers said Democrats know why Biden chose to step aside.

“We understand the situation of his declining health,” Rogers said. “He’s an older guy.”

Rogers spoke with delegates who will be attending the Democratic National Convention in August. Some are ready to cast their votes for Vice President Kamala Harris, who announced Sunday she is seeking the nomination.

“Some of them want to hear other folks out, and I believe that’s what will happen,” Rogers said.

Former Republican state Rep. Paul DeMarco is concerned about the way the new nominee will be selected because millions cast their vote for Biden in the primary election. With Biden stepping away, delegates will cast votes for someone who voters may not have chosen.

“Voters should have the final say, and this decision today was clearly not made with voters’ preferences in mind with the Democratic Party,” DeMarco said.

Steve Flowers, CBS 42 political analyst, said whoever ends up on the Democratic ticket will not have much of an affect in Alabama.

“It doesn’t matter,” Flowers said. “Mickey Mouse could be the Republican nominee for president, and he’s going to carry Alabama. By the same token, Donald Duck could be the Democratic nominee, and he’ll carry California.”

Rogers said Democratic National Committe leadership is meeting to plan out how the party will proceed and pick its nominee. He expects the DNC will provide some sort of plan soon.

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