Former Springfield Mayor praises Biden’s decision to step down

CHICOPEE, Mass. (WWLP) – Former Mayor of Springfield Robert Markel is a long-time friend of President Biden, and after hearing about his decision to drop out of the race, he told 22News that Biden had a good run and that he is an accomplished president.

This announcement from Biden comes less than four months before the election. In the meantime, the president plans to focus on his duties to the end of his term and Markel says while his family, friends, and supporters are sad to see him go, it took a lot of courage to make that decision.

He told 22News that President Biden made the sacrifice as the most powerful man in the world to walk away from his presidency. “I think he realizes that he has some limits now because of age and rather than take care of himself I think he decided to do what was best for the country ahead of the party and his ego and I think he will be recognized for that as time goes by,” stated Markel.

While President Biden chose to support and endorse Vice President Harris to be a nominee for the presidential race, he says this allows her to show that she is the type of leader that the democratic party needs.

Also with all of her credentials, Markel says she would be a good candidate.

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WWLP-22News, an NBC affiliate, began broadcasting in March 1953 to provide local news, network, syndicated, and local programming to western Massachusetts. Watch the 22News Digital Edition weekdays at 4 p.m. on WWLP.com.

Kiara Smith is a reporter who has been a part of the 22News team since March 2023. Follow Kiara on X @KiaraBSmith1 and view her bio to see more of her work.

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