C.O. residents and visitors, Oregon politicians, political analyst weigh in on President Biden’s withdrawal from race
(Update: Adding video, reactions from residents and visitors, Pacific University political analyst)
BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) -- Central Oregonians joined Oregon politicians, a political analyst and many others in sharing their reactions Sunday to President Biden's decision to withdraw from the 2024 presidential race and endorsement of Vice-President Kamala Harris in his place.
Biden's decision to end his re-election bid flooded social media notifications across the country and right here in Bend.
At Drake Park, residents didn't let a run around the park stop them from hearing their alerts on their phones, and sharing their thoughts.
"I think he had no choice this time," Bend resident Mark Muir said, "He's just gotten too old, I suppose. He would probably do the job okay, but I don't think he can win the election."
In downtown Bend, the news became a topic during lunch and while out with friends and family. For some, the move came as a shock and disappointment. The decision is sparking concern for the future.
Bend resident Carol A. Felix-Yanez said, "Im just really scared. I'm really scared for my child. I'm scared for senior citizens. I'm scared for people that are going to need help that Biden has opened doors for. and I don't know what i'm going to do."
Meanwhile, other Bend residents expressed relief and called it a fresh start.
Bend resident Steve Gevurtz said, "I think Joe's a genuine hero. It's just some of the stuff he's done. And now he gets to have a legacy of accomplishment and putting the country before himself, putting the party before himself, I think it's fantastic."
Another Bend resident, Julie Smith, said, "They had to. There was just no other way they were going to be able to move forward, with him in his current state."
Political analyst Jim Moore, a politics professor at Pacific University in Forest Grove, said the news was a mild surprise, but not unexpected.
"There's a tremendous amount of pressure on the Democratic delegates to choose and get behind Kamala Harris, the vice president. President Biden endorsed her immediately. Hillary and Bill Clinton endorsed her. A whole bunch of people have endorsed her."
But Moore said former President Obama has not endorsed Harris and is calling for a process.
"The thing is, we don't know what that process would be at the convention. Would they, in effect, have a series of primaries on the convention floor, with multiple candidates? We simply don't know."
Visitors to Bend also had opinions on the matter.
Travis Cowan, visiting from Washington, said the decision was "probably wise on his part. I think I'm happy that the Democratic Party is in a turmoil. There was a discussion of how it was going to affect the whole race from here on."
Another visitor, Andy Jaehrling of Colorado, said, "I think Kamala is a good, good candidate. It strikes me as positive. A little bit late, but positive. It probably should have happened, before, you know, the race started."
Here's some official reaction, from the Democratic Party of Oregon, members of Oregon's congressional delegation and a challenge in one closely watched House race:
Democratic Party of Oregon Statement on Biden Announcement to Step Aside as Nominee
Portland, OR - Dr. Rosa Colquitt, Chair of the Democratic Party of Oregon, said, “Oregon Democrats stand firmly with our President, who has ushered in a historic economic recovery at a time when most countries have struggled to bounce back from the global recession. What President Biden has achieved during his presidency is unparalleled and should make all Americans proud. We look forward to supporting him as he completes his term of office, and to working to support our new Democratic nominee to soundly defeat the existential threat of a Donald Trump election in November.”
The Democratic Party of Oregon will share further information about the process of selecting a new nominee as information becomes available.
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Merkley: No President in My Lifetime Has Done More Than Biden
Washington, D.C. – Oregon’s U.S. Senator Jeff Merkley today issued the following statement after President Joe Biden announced he will not seek a second term:
“No president in my lifetime has done more than Joe Biden. He’s achieved historic successes in investments in American manufacturing, renewable energy, and infrastructure, strengthened our security, and repaired relationships around the world.
“Throughout decades of public service, President Biden has led with humility and compassion, with a laser-focus on making life better for ordinary Americans. I am grateful to have worked with him to serve the people and stand up to the powerful, and respect today’s decision that positions us to protect the programs he’s championed.
“This election is between democracy and autocracy. I stand with a vision that commits to strengthening all Americans’ well-being.”
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Senator Ron Wyden's statement:
“I’ve been proud to work with President Biden on a record of Democratic successes these past 3 1/2 years that includes historic wins over Big Pharma, and major gains in the fights against both wealthy tax cheats and the climate crisis,” Wyden said. “History will judge well those landmark achievements. I’m all in to support Vice President Harris with all my energy to go forward building on that impressive record and defeating Donald Trump – a convicted felon who wants to yank America backward with his checkered and erratic past of right-wing extremism on women’s health care, dirty energy and more.”
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An aide provided NewsChannel 21 with this statement from Rep. Lori Chavez-DeRemer, R-Ore.:
“I'm concerned that President Biden is unfit to carry out the demanding responsibilities that come with being the leader of the free world. If he’s unable to run for re-election, he shouldn’t be making day-to-day decisions that impact our national security.”
Chavez-DeRemer Campaign Statement on Joe Biden Dropping Out of the Presidential Race
HAPPY VALLEY, Oregon – Following reports that President Joe Biden will no longer seek re-election, Rep. Lori Chavez-DeRemer’s (OR-05) campaign released the following statement:
“Joe Biden’s inability to continue campaigning raises serious concerns about his capacity to serve the remainder of his term. After weeks of dodging questions, Oregon voters deserve to know if Janelle Bynum believes President Biden is fit to serve as commander-in-chief for four more months. Additionally, Democrats will be scrambling to choose their new nominee as we quickly approach Election Day. Liberals like Bynum owe it to the millions of Americans who voted for Biden to be transparent in who they will support during this process,” Senior Advisor Nick Trainer said.
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Chavez-DeRemer's Democratic challenger, Janelle Bynum, posted on X (Twitter):
"Thank you to President Biden for your tireless work and dedication to our country. In the midst of crisis, this administration created the strongest economy in the world and lifted up the middle class.
"This November, we must come together to stand up for democracy, reproductive rights, and all Oregonians. The work continues!"
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CONGRESSWOMAN ANDREA SALINAS STATEMENT ON PRESIDENT JOE BIDEN
Tualatin, OR – Today, Congresswoman Andrea Salinas (D-OR) issued the following statement on President Joe Biden’s decision to end his re-election bid:
"President Biden has been a faithful public servant who has delivered on his promise to restore stability and rebuild the middle class. He has done more for working families during times of crisis than any other modern day president.
As we enter this unprecedented moment in history, we must stand together in our common goal of defeating Donald Trump and his extreme agenda. This is not a choice between Republican or Democrat. It’s a choice between democracy and authoritarianism. We must make our voices heard loud and clear at the ballot box this November and protect democracy for future generations."
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KGW reports that Rep. Earl Blumenauer, D-Portland, commended the move, saying, in part, "He made the right decision to spend the remainder of his presidency implementing his landmark achievements rather than fighting a campaign against Donald Trump."
Blumenauer was the first member of Oregon's congressional delegation to publicly call for Biden to drop out of the presidential race, calling it "a painful and difficult conclusion" made in the interest of "protecting democracy."
Rep. Suzanne Bonamici, D-Ore., who represents Oregon's First District, said, "I thank Joe Biden for his many years of exemplary service, and am grateful to have worked together during his very productive years as President of the United States. Now we must move forward and come together as a country to help Kamala Harris beat Donald Trump and J.D. Vance."
