Following President Joe Biden’s announcement that he would not seek reelection in 2024, New Yorkers were hit with mixed emotions — and relief.
“We knew this was coming,” Bronx resident Roberto Ruiz said of his decision to step down. “It took too long. He should have stepped down a long time ago.”
Rumors began to circulate that Biden, 81, would drop out of the race due to widespread concern over his devastating performance in last month’s debate.
“Things looked pretty bleak that night,” said Sam Warren, 62.[Biden] He looked very weak, but then he had a big campaign rally in Pennsylvania and a great interview with Lester Holt.
Queens real estate agent Thomas Henderson agrees.
“I think it’s the right decision for the country,” said Henderson, 47. “After watching the debate, it was clear that he looked fragile and weak.”
In a statement, Biden admitted that he believed dropping out of the race four months before Election Day was in the best interest of the Democratic Party and the country. He indicated that he would spend the remainder of his term in the Oval Office fulfilling his presidential duties.
“I am 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 anxious about the months ahead as election season gets into full swing.
“Now we’re going to scramble to figure out who we’re going to replace him,” said Zimmerman, 57.[Harris is] I’m not going to win it. I don’t think she wants that job.
Other New Yorkers felt relieved 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 the news immediately [and] “I thought, ‘Thank God,'” said Muhammed Begaliev of Bensonhurst. “It was kind of a done deal after a horrible debate situation. [Biden] I was inclined to give up anyway.
Later Sunday, and with Biden’s support, Vice President Kamala Harris announced she would run for president.
“I don’t see how they could find another candidate strong enough to beat Trump in a matter of months,” Warren said. “If they think it’s going to be Kamala Harris, I don’t think she has a chance.”
Harris has faced intense criticism over her visibility and impact in office, leaving some doubtful that she can prevail in the Empire State.
“I don’t think New Yorkers will support Kamala,” said Ivan Stallings, 31. “She didn’t do very well as vice president.”
Although Harris is the frontrunner with Biden’s support, other potential candidates include California Gov. Gavin Newsom, Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer and Biden’s Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg.
But any other option might have come too late, said Upper West Side resident 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 welcome if things had gone differently.”
Cohen also questioned whether a Democratic candidate joining the race at the last minute could beat former President Donald Trump, who last week survived a grazed ear when Thomas Matthew Crooks, 20, opened fire at a campaign rally in Butler, Pennsylvania, killing one attendee and wounding two others.
“I don’t think any candidate has time to run a successful campaign against Donald Trump, especially in the months following an assassination attempt,” she added.
