In a historic move that has sent shockwaves through the political landscape, President Joe Biden on Sunday announced his decision to withdraw from the presidential race. While New York pols largely hailed Biden’s decision, the unprecedented move has sparked a variety of reactions from locals, with opinions ranging from excitement to criticism.
Park Slope resident Megan, who asked to be identified by first name only, told Brooklyn Paper she was extremely excited when she learned that Biden had dropped out of the presidential race.
“I feel like everyone knew or wanted it to come, and Democrats have not really been doing what their constituents want for a long time. So to see them actually act on something that people have been asking for was exciting,” said Megan, who loves the prospect of President Kamala Harris. “I love it. I will be voting for her.”
Gloria Mattera, a third-party supporter, said Biden’s withdrawal from the race was long overdue and felt he should have withdrawn sooner.
“It was clear that he was really not up to capacity to do this job for the next four years, and who knows if he could have sustained the rigors of a campaign from now until November,” Mattera said. “It’s just typical that the Democrats seem to be in disarray about what to do.”
Mattera expressed disappointment in the Democrats shutting down the primaries.
“There was no ability for any candidate to run against [Biden] in the Democratic primary. [The Democrats] basically anointed him. They didn’t want opposition. [But] still people should have the option,” Mattera said.
Regarding Harris, Mattera said the vice president’s political stances were similar to Biden’s. She doubted Harris would take a different position on Israel and Palestine, and said Harris is “very heavy-handed around policing.”
“When she became the vice president, people were already concerned about how she was tough on crime and the kind of crime that needed not to be so tough on,” she said.
Mattera decried the system at-large, saying it was “amazing” — not necessarily in a good way — that Harris’ presidential campaign raised $50 million within hours of Biden’s endorsement.
“[The Democrats] and the Republicans are the parties of war and Wall Street — and that’s how they make their money,” So that’s who they have to be beholden to,” she said. “Where did the $50 million come from? This is a dysfunctional, corrupt political system. You have to have a lot of money. It’s a winner-take-all system.”
Brooklynite Vickie Capeci said she is relieved that Biden bowed out of the race — but that he should have done so earlier.
“Clearly, [Biden] is not up to it,” she told Brooklyn Paper. “I feel like he should call a horse by its name and fess up and make it not about him but the country. [Donald] Trump is a threat to democracy, but [Biden] being all about [himself] rather than winning the election and defeating Trump wasn’t doing anyone any good.”
Capeci said she hopes that Biden’s withdrawal will revive the Democratic presidential race.
“[Harris] is certainly stronger. She’s got her wits about her,” Capeci said.
But the sitting VP will need a strong vice presidential candidate herself, she added.
“Unfortunately, Trump has a ticket that resonates with a lot of people,” Capeci said. “I hope that [Harris] picks somebody that will make their combined presence a contender.”
