The response to President Joe Biden’s announcement that he was ending his campaign for president and supporting Vice President Kamala Harris to run has followed party lines.
Nassau Democrats, like Gov. Kathy Hochul and New York City Mayor Eric Adams, both Democrats, endorsed Biden’s decision to end his re-election campaign – a decision with important implications for congressional races for two congressional races in the county Those races are seen as potentially affecting the balance in the U.S. House of Representatives.
Jay Jacobs, the chairman of the Nassau County and the state Democratic Party, praised Biden’s decision to step down at a time polls said the president’s presence on the ballot threatened the chance of Senate and House candidates.
“Joe Biden’s selflessness; his putting country and party above his own personal desires, places him in the category of every great political leader since George Washington set the standard some 225 years ago,” Jacobs said in a press release.
Congressman Tom Suozzi D-District 3) took to X (formerly Twitter) to say, “My heartfelt thanks to President Biden for his years of accomplishments. I will continue working with anyone of good faith who genuinely wants to fix the border, to reduce the cost of living, and to help heal the divide in our nation.”
Nassau County Legislature Minority Leader and Democratic National Committee Delegate DeRiggi-Whitton said Biden’s decision not to seek a second term as president exemplifies his commitment to prioritizing the nation’s interests above his own.
“Over the past four years, President Biden has led our country through some of the most challenging times in recent history. His leadership during the COVID-19 pandemic and the subsequent economic recovery has been nothing short of extraordinary. President Biden’s dedication to guiding us through these crises has solidified his place among the great leaders of our time,” said DeRiggi-Whitton. “His administration has worked tirelessly to restore decency and respect to the highest office in our land, and for that, we are deeply grateful.”
DeRiggi-Whitton also acknowledged that his decision reflects an understanding of the challenges that come with getting older.
“It is never easy to confront the realities of aging, especially in a role as demanding as the presidency,” said DeRiggi Whitton. “His decision to pass the torch to the next generation of leaders is a testament to the enduring strength of our democracy.”
Democratic National Committeeman Robert Zimmerman also commended Biden for prioritizing the nation’s needs.
“President Biden’s decision today once again demonstrates why he will be recognized as a truly great and transformational President. He placed the nation’s needs ahead of his own political ambition,” said Zimmerman. “This is the exact opposite of Donald Trump.”
Zimmerman calls upon his colleagues on the Democratic National Committee, members of Congress and delegates to unite as a party and support Harris in the election because of the achievements she and Biden have made in office.
“The stakes are at their highest; the threat [Trump] poses is more dire than ever. And the future we can forge together has never been brighter,” said Zimmerman.
While Democrats are thanking Biden for his decision and supporting Harris, Republican Congressman Anthony D’Esposito (R-District 4) is now calling for Biden to resign from the presidency following his decision to end his re-election campaign.
“It is clear to all Americans that President Biden is in a state of cognitive decline, and Biden’s decision to end his candidacy is tied directly to that troubling fact. If President Biden, his campaign team, and Democrats writ-large believe Biden is unable to engage in a re-election campaign given his failing health, it begs the question as to whether Biden can carry out his presidential duties through the end of his term,” said D’Esposito. “For the good of the country, President Biden should resign as president.”
Biden’s decision to withdraw from the presidential race comes after intense pressure from his own party.
In his statement announcing his decision, Biden stated that he believes dropping out of the race would be best for the Democratic party and the country so he can focus on fulfilling his duties as president for the remainder of his term.
