(The Center Square) - Wisconsin leaders and lawmakers are rejoicing that President Joe Biden has stepped down from the presidential race, some with more flattering comments than others.
Democrats have lavished Biden with praise for the decision, while Republicans have responded that it’s about time he did so, given what they call his obvious mental and physical decline.
Democratic Party of Wisconsin Chair Ben Wikler released a statement lauding Biden’s presidency and long political record.
“President Biden will be remembered by history as one our nation’s greatest presidents – a transformational leader who dedicated a lifetime of service to our country. It has been an honor for all of us at the Democratic Party of Wisconsin to work alongside him and his team for these past three and a half years,” Wikler said. “Today’s decision reflects President Biden’s profound commitment to our nation. As we prepare for the next chapter in the fight to defeat MAGA extremism and win the battle for the soul of America, we feel profound gratitude for the patriotism and leadership of President Biden.”
In a social media post announcing his exiting the race, Biden endorsed Vice President Kamala Harris as the Democratic nominee.
U.S. Sen. Tammy Baldwin, a vocal supporter of Biden until his debate performance, praised the president's decision and accomplishments.
“It has been an honor to work with Joe Biden to deliver real, meaningful change for working Wisconsinites across our state,” she said. “Today, seniors are paying less for their prescription drugs, our state has been put to work rebuilding our infrastructure, and millions of Wisconsinites with preexisting conditions have health care coverage because of the work we’ve done together. Throughout all of that work, I’ve been inspired by his decency, integrity, and dedication to service, and I am deeply grateful for that.”
Republican candidate for U.S. Senate Eric Hovde, who has repeatedly criticized Baldwin’s support of Biden’s presidency, didn’t hold back on social media.
“For years, the Democrats have hidden the truth behind Joe Biden’s condition. They were more focused on holding onto power than solving the problems our nation faces,” Hovde said. “It really doesn’t matter who the Democrats pick. All the top options hold extreme views completely out of touch with our nation and are complicit in this scandal to defraud the American people. They will all push agendas that make America less safe and put more burden on American families.”
Democratic Gov. Tony Evers released a glowing statement flattering the president’s accomplishments.
“President Biden has been an extraordinary president, one of – if not the most – well-accomplished presidents of my lifetime. He has led and guided us through some of the most tumultuous times in our nation’s history – a ravaging pandemic and economic disaster, wars the world over, an insurrection, and a near-daily assault on basic tenets of our democracy and our more prized institutions,” Evers said. “President Biden is a leader who’s always chosen unity over division, people over politics, selflessness over selfishness, and decency and respect over cruelty and retribution, and that’s as evident today as it has been throughout each day of his decades of public service. I’ve been proud and honored to support him.”
Wisconsin Republican Party Chairman Brian Schimming held a different view, calling Biden’s decision to drop out more proof he is unfit to be leading the country.
“If Joe Biden is incapable of the rigors of running for reelection, then he cannot be trusted to fulfill the duties of his office. Everyone from Vice President Harris, Tammy Baldwin, and the Democrat establishment bears responsibility for enabling the vanity and self-delusion of the Bidens,” Schimming said.
A May poll from Marquette Law School showed Harris had a favorability rating 3 points lower than Biden and 7 points lower than Trump.
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