Locals React: Strong Feelings on Biden Passing the Torch

Reaction from local political players Monday to President Joe Biden’s decision to step down as the Democratic Party’s presumptive nominee ran the gamut from jeers to cheers.

Vinny Olsziewski of Rome, a vice chair in the Democratic Party of Georgia and a delegate to the party’s upcoming national convention, is a strong Biden backer who said he’s firmly behind the president’s endorsed successor, Vice President Kamala Harris.

Jamie Palmer, chair of the Floyd County Republican Party, called the development “great news for President (Donald) Trump, Republicans across our nation, and anyone who wants to see America thrive on the world stage again.”

Both the Democratic and Republican candidates for Northwest Georgia’s 14th Congressional District seat were among those shining a spotlight on Biden as president.

“Joe Biden has always looked out for the people of this country in every decision he made as commander in chief. Choosing not to seek reelection is just another example of the kind of values and humility that make him a great leader. Thank you, Mr. President, for your service,” said Shawn Harris, the Democratic nominee.

Incumbent Republican Marjorie Taylor Greene posted a theory about a “soft civil war” in the “deep state” and called for the president to resign immediately.

“We all know Biden can’t be president if he can’t run for president, but he’s avoiding coronating Kamala by not resigning from office,” Greene said. “Never forget they rigged the DNC Convention in 2016 against Bernie Sanders and for Hillary Clinton. It’s a long time until November. Patriots will ultimately be in control.”

Denise Burns, the 14th District GOP chair, also questioned Biden’s current fitness for office.

“I think all of us initially started looking around at each other and asked ourselves, if he’s not fit and capable to finish the last four months of his campaign, is he fit and capable of running the country?” she said.

And Palmer also called for him to resign.

“Though I am concerned about his health, as everyone should be, I am more concerned about what this means for our country if he is to remain in office until our next President is sworn in, in January,” he said.

But local Democrats expressed confidence and praised Biden’s record as the nation’s chief executive.

“The country owes the president a debt of gratitude for what he has done and what he will do for the rest of his term,” Olsziewski said, adding that “Yes, his debate performance was less than stellar, but when I saw him at the NATO summit... This man has shown he can govern. Again, look at his record — and that record does not include 34 felony convictions.”

Meg Franklin is another Floyd County resident chosen as a delegate to the Democratic National Convention, set for Aug. 19-22 in Chicago. She said she’s energized.

“In stepping out of the election, Joe Biden has done what he’s always done in his many years of public service: He’s put the country’s interests above his own,” Franklin said. “I am excited about the united enthusiasm the party is showing for Vice President Harris, and I am confident that she will win the presidency in November.”

While Harris is not the official nominee — that will be done at the convention — Olsziewski said numerous state delegations and elected officials, along with big and small donors, are quickly lining up behind her.

“I, as a delegate, am planning to support her, but if you look in the past 24 hours at everyone coming out in support of her... They’re coming out in huge numbers. It’s time to rally for Vice President Harris,” he said.

Editor's note: News that the Georgia DNC delegation has endorsed Harris as the nominee came after RN-T press time Monday night.