(The Center Square) – In the wake of President Joe Biden’s historic decision to step away from the 2024 presidential election, Ohio Democrats are lining up behind Vice President Kamala Harris.
State Republicans, however, say Biden should resign and not complete the remainder of his term.
In a statement, Ohio Republican Party Chairman Alex Triantafilou called Biden’s decision to remain in office is why Americans don’t trust the administration.
“Joe Biden’s decision to withdraw from the race while remaining president is the reason the American people are so distrustful of this administration,” Triantafilou said. “If Joe Biden is not fit to be president in January, he is not fit to be president today.”
Other Republicans, like Gov. Mike DeWine, who served with Biden in the U.S. Senate, thanked the president for his service.
“I have known President Biden since 1995, when I entered the U.S. Senate and served with him on the Senate Judiciary Committee,” DeWine said on social media. “Fran and I wish President Biden and the first lady all the best as he serves out the remainder of his term and in the years ahead.”
Leading Democrats also praised Biden’s service.
“President Biden has accomplished more in one term than many have in two,” said Ohio Senate Democratic Leader Nickie Antonio, D-Lakewood. “I’d like to thank President Biden for his unwavering dedication and service to the people of the United States. Even as he steps away as a candidate, his sacrifice is in service to our democracy of, by and for the people. With gratitude and anticipation, I look forward to the remainder of his term in office.”
House Minority Leader Allison Russo, D-Upper Arlington, called Biden a selfless leader and praised his work on growing jobs and moving the country out of the COVID-19 pandemic.
“President Biden is and always has been a brave and selfless leader," Russo said. "His love for his country first has cemented his legacy as one of the greatest American presidents in history. We are thankful for his years of service, and we know when he leaves office, he’ll continue to be a party statesman and hero for the next generation. The successes Americans will have in the future will be thanks to the leadership of President Biden. The legislation he championed created some of the strongest years of job growth in history, lowered costs for our working families, and rebuilt our roads, bridges and our communities. He helped bring us out of the darkness of the COVID-19 pandemic, signed historic gun violence legislation, and gave a voice to millions in America and around the world who had none.
U.S. Sen. Sherrod Brown also thanked Biden for his service, but only Democratic Congresswomen Emilia Sykes and Joyce Beatty voiced support for both Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris.
“Join me in supporting Vice President Kamala Harris and the Democratic Party as we work to keep the White House and Senate and take the back the House of Representatives,” Beatty said on social media. “VP Harris’ vision stands in stark contrast to the extremes proposed by Trump and his MAGA Republicans. The stakes could not higher.”
Sykes said the country needs leaders who look to the future and find common ground.
“President Biden has served this country with honor and while I am sure this decision was not easy, I want to thank him for his service,” Sykes said in a statement. “The future prosperity of our country is a serious matter, and right now, more than ever, we need leaders that are looking toward the future and willing to work with anyone to find common ground and deliver meaningful results to our communities. I look forward to working with Democrats to unify around Vice President Kamala Harris as our presidential nominee.”
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