Biden Withdraws from 2024 Election, Endorses Harris, Local Leaders React

In a stunning turn of events, President Joe Biden (D-DE) announced over the weekend that he will not seek re-election in 2024. The announcement came as a shock to many within the Democratic Party and has left the political landscape in disarray following President Biden’s disappointing debate performance last month. Adding to the drama, Biden has thrown his support behind Vice President Kamala Harris (D-CA), setting the stage for a possibly contentious and uncertain path to the Democratic nomination.

Biden’s withdrawal this late in the election season has significant implications for the Democratic primary process. With just over 100 days until the November election, the timing of his decision effectively disenfranchises voters who had participated in the primaries. The sudden shift means that delegates at the upcoming Democratic Convention are now likely to pick the nominee, circumventing the traditional primary voting process.

This move has sparked criticism and concern within both political parties and among voters. Many question his abilities; others believe he should resign immediately or the 25th Amendment should be invoked. Some think if he is not capable of running in November, he is not capable of leading the country currently. The abrupt end to Biden’s campaign leaves little time for a robust primary contest for the Democrats, raising questions about the legitimacy and democratic nature of the nominee selection process moving forward. Many feel that the will of the voters is being sidelined in favor of a quick decision by Democratic party insiders.

The Democratic Party now faces the daunting task of uniting behind a new candidate with the election rapidly approaching. The scramble to find a nominee who can coalesce the various factions within the party will be a significant challenge. Harris, despite Biden’s endorsement, is not without her detractors. Many criticize her role in the current administration regarding covering up for the President’s apparent mental decline, her seemingly non-existent actions in addressing the border crisis as the Border Czar and her withdrawing from the Democratic primaries in 2019 prior to the Iowa Caucuses due to lack of support for her own presidential campaign. This can lead to other potential candidates that may still emerge as the convention nears, even though she claims to have secured the appropriate number of delegates needed for the nomination since the announcement.

Political analysts have noted the apparent disarray within the Democratic ranks. The sudden need to pivot to a new candidate has exposed underlying divisions and a lack of preparedness for such a scenario, although they seem to be coming together and “anointing” Harris for the nomination. The party’s ability to mount a cohesive and effective campaign against the Republican nominee is now in question within such a short amount of time.

The Republican Party, in contrast to the Democratic Party, appears to be firmly united following their extremely enthusiastic national convention. Former President Donald Trump (R-FL), who secured the Republican nomination, has been quick to criticize the Democrats’ handling of the situation. Republicans point out the hypocrisy that after years of the Democrats stating that Former President Donald Trump is “a threat to democracy”, the Democrats’ current actions and approach undermines the true democratic process by bypassing the primary voters and shows the establishment and elites running the party are choosing a candidate of their liking behind the scenes when the polls aren’t in their favor.

“Crooked Joe Biden is the Worst President, by far, in the history of our nation. He has done everything possible to destroy our country, from our southern border to energy dominance, national security, international standing, and so much more,” wrote Trump in a statement.

Jesse Garcia (R-Ridge) (pictured left), the Suffolk County Republican Chairman wrote in a statement, “President Biden today finally admitted that he is not up to the talks required of his office. Because of this, for the sake of our nation, he must step down as Commander-in-Chief immediately. Unfortunately, that would elevate the very person who has been most complicit in perpetuating the fraud of Biden’s mental health – Kamala Harris. Kamala Harris by her own words, has been side by side with Biden in the disaster of his presidency. From out-of-control inflation to the failure of our border, the failed record of this administration is hers.”

Congressman Nick LaLota (R, NY-01) (pictured right) in a statement wrote, “Firstly, we should genuinely wish President Biden well. After fifty years of service, it’s good to see his family finally acknowledging his mental decline. Prioritizing his health is essential, and it’s better late than never. Secondly, from a government perspective, President Biden’s obvious lack of acuity requires him to take the next step and resign. America needs a Commander-in Chief with basic cognitive abilities.”

Congressman Andrew Garbarino (R-Bayport) (pictured left) in a statement wrote, “President Biden has made the right decision. Our country needs a leader who can effectively address the serious problems we face both at home and abroad. “The dysfunction we have witnessed from the Democratic Party over the last several weeks makes it clear we need new leadership in The White House.”

As the Democratic Party scrambles to regain its footing, the path forward remains uncertain. The endorsement of Kamala Harris by President Biden gives her a significant advantage, but it does not necessarily guarantee a smooth transition in making her the democratic candidate. The upcoming Democratic Convention will be a critical moment for the party.

Voters and party members alike are watching closely to see how the situation unfolds. The ability of the Democrats to quickly rally behind a single candidate will be tested as the nation quickly leads-up to the November election. The stakes could not be higher for the Democratic Party which appears to be severely fractured after President Biden’s exit.

Legislator Leslie Kennedy (R-Nesconset) (pictured right) did not mince words when relaying her thoughts on this ordeal.

“Our country cannot afford to have a President who cannot respond instantly to all situations that come before him. I find it sad that those around him chose power and self-interest over reality and lied about his failing abilities. They are responsible for putting our nation in danger,” said Legislator Kennedy.

When speaking with Suffolk County Comptroller John Kennedy (R-Nesconset) (pictured left), he remarked, “Lifelong Democrats and America deserved better. It is appalling what a select few Washington insiders were able to perpetuate upon our nation under the guise of governance. There is little time left for President Trump to save us!”

With the Republicans presenting a united front behind Former President Donald Trump, Chairman Garcia firmly stated, “Donald J Trump is committed to making America great again. He has not wavered throughout politically motivated trials, personal attacks and being vilified by the left-wing media. Only one week ago he was struck by would be assassin ‘s bullet, raised his fist and called on supporters to continue their fight – then appeared at the Republican National Convention to amplify that message. That’s what leadership looks like”.

In the coming weeks, the focus will be on how the Democrats navigate this twist and whether they can effectively mobilize behind their new nominee. The outcome of this process will undoubtedly shape the dynamics of the 2024 presidential race.