EAST TEXAS (KLTV) – East Texas leaders are reacting to President Joe Biden withdrawing from the presidential race just months before Election Day.
Smith County Democratic Party Chairman Hector Garza released the following statement:
“I was very impressed. His unselfish choice set him apart and stood out from his opponents. I believe his endorsement of Ms. Harris gives America exactly what it needs – a young, dynamic, energetic person who can definitely run this country.”
Cody Grace, a Democratic candidate for state House of Representatives, said he expects Vice President Kamala Harris to win the nomination.
“I’m confident that Harris will be the nominee of the DNC,” Grace said. “There may be factions here and there. She was the border commissioner in the Biden administration. I feel like the Biden administration hasn’t given her much time or mandate to accomplish her goals. Let’s assume she wins. I’d like to see how she accomplishes her goals. I think Harris will end up being the nominee. Hopefully there will be a debate after that, and I think Kamala Harris will win in a landslide victory.”
Rep. Nathaniel Moran said the president’s decision to withdraw from the election doesn’t change anything.
“This changes nothing: whoever the next Democratic nominee is will adopt the same failed Biden policies,” Moran said in a statement to X.
Moran went on to accuse Democrats of ignoring their voters.
“It’s become clear that the Democratic Party doesn’t really care what its members think…Over 14 million people voted to nominate President Biden as the Democratic nominee, and now party leaders are just wasting all those votes.”
Shortly after the unprecedented announcement, Biden endorsed Vice President Kamala Harris and urged Democrats to unite behind her. The chairman of the Texas Democratic Party issued a statement echoing the president’s message.
“The path forward is clear: Democrats, Independents and Republicans must come together, unite and vote to once again reject Donald Trump, whose extreme ideals run counter to middle-class values.”
Rep. Pete Sessions said Biden’s decision to withdraw was expected.
“It’s not surprising given the president’s recent performance has not been good for himself or his party.”
Asked how Republicans plan to counter Kamala Harris’s opposition, Sessions said he believes the party is moving in the right direction.
“Every single one of our Democratic elected officials, including the vice president, has steadfastly supported the policies Joe Biden has promoted that aren’t working… We’re going to stand up to them no matter what.”
Smith County Republican Party Chairman David Stein said in an interview that the decision to withdraw from the race with the Democratic convention on the horizon caused further damage.
“He’s been a disaster, and frankly it would have been wise on the Democratic side to try to do this sooner rather than later, especially before the convention,” Stein said.
Asked about her position on what happens to the 14 million Americans who have already voted for Biden, Stein said that makes the primary election less important.
“If such a switch could happen at any time, it lends further credence to the fact that this whole thing has been a farce for far too long.”
Regarding the nomination of Kamala Harris, the Chairman recalled Harris’s capabilities in previous issues and described her as incompetent.
“She was ineffective. What on earth did she do while she was vice president other than pacing around and giving incoherent speeches? I think she’s a worse leader than Joe Biden.”
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