After President Joe Biden’s announcement that he would not seek reelection in 2024, New Yorkers weighed in with mixed emotions — and relief.
“We knew that it was coming,” Bronx resident Roberto Ruiz said of the decision to bow out. “It took too long. He should have dropped out a long time ago.”
Rumors began swirling that Biden, 81, would drop out of the race after widespread concern after his devastating debate performance last month.
“That night, things looked pretty bleak,” said 62-year-old Sam Warren. “[Biden] looked very weak, but then he had a great campaign rally in Pennsylvania and a great interview with Lester Holt.”
Queens real estate agent Thomas Henderson agreed.
“I think it is the right thing for the country,” said Henderson, 47. “After watching the debate, it was clear he comes off frail and weak.”
In a statement, Biden admitted he believes dropping out of the race four months before Election Day is in the best interest of the Democratic Party and the country. He noted he would spend the rest of his time in the Oval Office fulfilling presidential duties.
“I feel sorry for [Biden],” said Ruiz, 60. “He’s a good guy. He made a mistake staying this long.”
The announcement left Brooklyn resident Victoria Zimmerman worried about the coming months as election season revs up.
“Now we’re going to scramble to figure out who we’re going to get as his replacement,” said Zimmerman, 57. “[Harris is] not going to win it. I don’t think she wants the job.”
Other New Yorkers felt relief and even celebrated the announcement.
AP Photo/Susan Walsh
President Joe Biden speaks at the 115th NAACP National Convention in Las Vegas, Tuesday, July 16, 2024. (AP Photo/Susan Walsh)
“I heard about the news immediately [and] I was like, thank God,” said Muhammed Begaliev, of Bensonhurst. “It was kind of a done deal after a horrible debate situation. [Biden] was leaning towards dropping out anyways.”
Later Sunday — and with Biden’s backing — Vice President Kamala Harris announced she would be running for president.
“I don’t see how they can get another candidate strong enough to beat Trump in several months,” said Warren. “If they think it’s going to be Kamala Harris, I don’t think she has a chance.”
Harris has faced stiff criticism over her visibility and impact in office, leaving some doubting she would come out on top in the Empire State.
“I don’t think people in New York are going to support Kamala,” said Ivan Stallings, 31. “She didn’t do too well as a vice president.”
Though Harris is the front-runner with Biden’s support, other rumored potential nominees are California Gov. Gavin Newsom, Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer and Biden’s transportation secretary, Pete Buttigieg.
But any other option may have come too late, according to Upper West Sider Leah Cohen.
“I think a lot of Democrats would have been happy to hear this news last year,” said Cohen, 37. “Biden is too old and Trump is out of his mind. Younger, fresher candidates would have been welcomed had this unfolded differently.”
Cohen also questioned whether a Democratic candidate joining the race in the eleventh hour could beat former President Donald Trump, who last week survived a graze wound to the ear when 20-year-old Thomas Matthew Crooks opened fire during a campaign rally in Butler, PA, killing one attendee and wounding two others.
“I don’t believe there’s time for a candidate to run a successful campaign against Donald Trump, especially in the months following an assassination attempt,” she added.