By Hank Russell
In a surprise move that shocked his followers, President Joe Biden announced on July 21 that he would not seek a second term. That announcement elicited various responses from both sides of the aisle, with Democrats and Republicans differing on the way Biden has run the country.
Nassau County Legislative Minority Leader Delia DeRiggi-Whitton (D-Glen Cove), who is also a Democratic National Committee delegate, called Biden’s decision to drop out of the race “courageous and selfless,” adding, “This decision exemplifies his unwavering commitment to prioritizing the nation’s interests above his own.”
Many fellow Democrats called for Biden to step down, especially after his poor performance in his debate against former President Trump on June 22. “It is never easy to confront the realities of aging, especially in a role as demanding as the Presidency,” DeRiggi-Whitton said. “Yet, in his characteristic humility and wisdom, President Biden has recognized that stepping aside is the right choice for the nation. His decision to pass the torch to the next generation of leaders is a testament to the enduring strength of our democracy.”
New York State Assemblywoman Gina Sillitti (D-Port Washington) stated, “[On July 21], a good man made the hardest decision for the future of our nation, Thank you @JoeBiden.”
New York State Senate Majority Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins (D-Yonkers) said Biden “has dedicated his life to public service and strengthening the fabric of America. … We owe President Biden our deepest appreciation and gratitude.”
While Democrats heaped praise on the outgoing president, Republicans saw Biden as a leader with a history of poor judgment that has made everything worse for the American people.
Suffolk GOP Chairman Jesse Garcia was blunt in his assessment of Biden, saying the 81-year-old president was “not up to the tasks required of his office.” He also called for the 25th Amendment to be exercised due to his declining cognitive health.
According to the Corell Law School’s Legal Information Institute, the 25th Amendment — which was passed by Congress and ratified by the states after President John F. Kennedy was assassinated — could be invoked to remove the president or vice president in the event either one is incapacitated, removed, resigned or passed away.
Since Biden has stepped down, some Democrats are rallying around Kamala Harris to be their new candidate. Garcia said Harris “has been most complicit in perpetuating the fraud of [President] Biden’s mental health. … Kamala Haris, 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 the administration is hers. America simply can’t afford Kamala Harris. It’s time for her to go too.”
Elias Cunningham, the chairman of the New York State Republicans, echoed Garcia’s sentiments. “In one term alone, this administration has proven to be incompetent of the leadership America so desperately needs.”
He railed against the border crisis, record inflation crisis at our border, inflation at a record high, billions of dollars for :”multiple foreign wars” and government bureaucracy. “As high schoolers, we hope to graduate and be able to live the Ameican dream,” Cunningham said. “If we give 4 more years yo Kamala Harris or whomever the Democratic nominee may be, our future as we hope to be may be over.”
But Assemblyman Doug Smith (R-Ronkonkoma) seemed more diplomatic and focused more on what needs to be done on a statewide level. “Regardless of who is at the top of the ticket, our Republican Assembly Members and candidates here in Suffolk County are committed to making New York safer and more affordable,” he said. “The people of Long Island stand with us in our continued rescue mission to save New York!”