Maury County Dems respond to Biden dropout, Harris endorsement and DNC in August

Much like this year's election season, President Joe Biden's announcement Sunday to step down from the November race and endorse Vice President Kamala Harris as his replacement continues to polarize voters.

In Tennessee, local Democrats, appear to support Biden's choice to no longer seek a second term, and see Harris to accepting the nomination for president as an opportunity to unite the Democratic Party.

Following Biden's announcement Sunday, Tennessee Democratic Party voted to support his endorsement of Harris.

"Mr. President, we will carry out the mission and finish the job of building back better," the Tennessee Democratic Party posted to social media following the Sunday announcement. "Our President @joebiden has delivered for the American people, now it’s our turn. We must unite and defeat Donald Trump."

Dems praise Biden's work, excited for Harris

In Maury County, local Democratic Party leaders also believe that, while initially surprising to hear, it has "breathed new life" into the party.

"I am very enthusiastically supporting Kamala Harris, I believe she has made a great vice president and will make an even greater president," Maury County Democratic Chair James Dallas said.

Dallas added that while Biden's decision to step down is "understanding and respectable" he never doubted Biden's ability to run. The hard part, he said, is convincing others.

"I saw the same debate that everyone else did, and I had serious concerns about his ability, not necessarily to do the job as president, but his ability to convince people that he was fit enough to continue leading the country," Dallas said. "Unfortunately, a lot of politics is perception versus reality."

Maury County Democratic Party Vice Chair Vicki Hale remarked on Biden's choice to make the announcement.

"What courage that took, to not be a selfish politician and put your country ahead of your own ego, and that's what he did," Hale said.

Hale added that she believes in Harris's abilities.

"I see a confident woman who's been vice president, on a learning curve, for the past four years, and this is what it's about, taking that next step, the appropriate step," Hale said.

"With Biden's endorsement for Harris as his replacement, this couldn't be a better time to rev things up, unite and gain more forward momentum."

"The switch is flipped on and there is a real race now. This is a breath of fresh air for our party, though obviously what people are saying in public and behind closed doors are obviously two different things."

Maury County goes to DNC

With the upcoming Democratic National Convention set to take place in Chicago for the first time since 1996, Maury County will maintain a supportive presence.

Earlier this year, two Maury County women were selected to serve as delegates at the Aug. 19-22 convention, Jai Lipscomb of Columbia and Lisa Brooks of Williamsport.

Both were selected in April at the 5th Congressional District Convention in Nashville.

"Maury County was an underdog, because we only have about 10% of the Democrats in the 5th Congressional District," Dallas stated in a press release at the time. "But our people showed up enthusiastically to support Jai and Lisa, despite the convention being scheduled on the same day as the Mule Day parade. As a result of their hard work and determination, as well as the political skill of our candidates, Maury County Democrats got 40% of our district's representation at the DNC."

Brooks shared her excitement for not only being selected as a DNC delegate, but this is also the first time she's attending one.

"Since I was a child, I remember always watching them with my parents," Brooks said. "It's to know what our party stands for and our platform over the next four years and getting everybody behind out candidates. I just can't wait because there is going to be so much excitement."

And when it came to Harris, she is proud of the change she represents.

"If somebody else runs against her, I guess we'll see what we'll do, but she is the right person at the right time," Brooks said. "It's time we had a woman president. Hopefully this new excitement around Kamala will help her to win."

Jay Powell is a general reporter for The Daily Herald. Get up-to-date news in your inbox by subscribing to The Daily Herald newsletter at www.ColumbiaDailyHerald.com

This article originally appeared on The Daily Herald: Maury County Dems respond to Biden dropout, Harris endorsement and DNC in August