COLUMBIA, S.C. — President Joe Biden announced his decision to withdraw from the 2024 presidential race Sunday afternoon, just weeks before the Democratic National Convention. The announcement has sent shock waves through the political world and prompted reactions from residents nationwide, including here in the Midlands.
"After his performance in the debate, I had my doubts and I was behind that he should drop out," said Laura Caskey, a resident.
Christopher Bickel, another local, echoed her sentiment.
"The debate really hurt him quite a bit," he said.
Biden’s statement declaring his decision not to seek re-election has garnered mixed reactions. Some South Carolinians support his choice.
"I'm cool with it. I think they did the right thing and realized their candidate was unfit," Caskey said. "I kind of wish the right would do that as well, and I think it will energize the younger voters."
Bickel praised Biden’s decision as "really patriotic."
"I think people are going to accept his decision and fall in line with Harris and support her," Bickel said.
Despite the criticism Biden faced following the debate and calls from within his party to step out of the race, Democratic strategist Antjuan Seawright said he was proud of Biden's decision.
"I'm proud of him for having the steel spine to say that I'm going to keep my word to being a bridge candidate, keep my word to the American people, keep my word to my party, but also keep my word that I am going to do what is always in the best interest of this country and its long-term benefit," Seawright said.
With the Democratic National Convention starting in less than a month, some worry about the party's response.
"It's a turkey shoot right now, and we are rolling the dice," Bill Kellum said. "I have no idea what will happen."
Others are hopeful that Vice President Kamala Harris will take the nomination.
"She is going to appeal to the younger voters a lot more because we need younger people in politics," Bickel said.
As a younger voter, Caskey agreed.
"I'm more excited about voting for her than I was for Biden after the debate," she said.
In a separate social media post on Sunday, Biden endorsed Vice President Harris to replace him as the party's standard-bearer ahead of its national convention, which will take place in Chicago in four weeks.