Tampa Bay area voters unsurprised by Biden exiting race

TAMPA, Fla. (WFLA) — Tampa Bay area voters are expressing similar feelings about President Joe Biden’s decision to end his campaign. Most Democrats and Republicans say they support the choice.

Voter Alan Heflin explains, “I said a couple weeks ago, that I thought it’d be the right thing for Joe Biden to drop out of the race.” Many members of the Democratic Party say they’re cautiously optimistic but a little wary as they wait to see who the party selects as a replacement nominee.

Biden quickly endorsed Vice President Kamala Harris to lead the ticket. Voter Gabrielle Byrd describes, “I would love for Kamala to step up, but I do not think we are at the stage where everyone can accept that, unfortunately.”

Some worry Harris won’t have the numbers to pull off a victory over former President Donald Trump. “As a Black woman, and of course just knowing often times Black women do not get the representation, as well as the support that they need,” voter Cecil Robinson explains, “a lot of times they are undermined because of their capabilities and what they bring to the table.”

Republican supporters believe Trump would easily sail to victory with Harris at the helm of the Democratic Party. Voter Leah Strand says, “The two together didn’t really nothing. So, what are we going to do? We took the frying pan, now we’re going to put the pot? I don’t think so. Let’s just get past all that and put it to the side and say ‘Trump 2024’.”

According to undecided voters, they’re watching how both parties respond to the game-changing announcement.

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