Vice President Kamala Harris looks on as President Joe Biden delivers remarks in the Roosevelt Room in the White House on Jan. 5, 2023, in Washington, D.C. (Photo by Drew Angerer/Getty Images)
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Florida Democrats reacted to President Joe Biden’s withdrawal from his reelection campaign by praising his legacy. Some followed his lead in endorsing Vice President Kamala Harris to top the ticket.
Florida Democratic Party chair Nikki Fried had defended Biden as recently as Thursday, and he retained support in the state party notwithstanding his terrible performance during his June 27 debate with Donald Trump.
Screenshot of Zoom call with FDP Chair Nikki Fried on June 26, 2024.
“President Biden has been one of the greatest presidents in American history,” Fried said in a written statement.
“As a leader, he has turned our economy around, guided us out of the COVID-19 pandemic, rebuilt our crumbling infrastructure and restored America’s place on the world stage. Florida Democrats are grateful to him for his work and for all of the sacrifices he has made in service to our country. His legacy will never be forgotten.
“Now is the time for Democrats to step up and secure the future of that legacy — because the race may have changed, but our focus has not. This is the most consequential election of our lifetime, and Democrats must stand united to defeat Donald Trump and J.D. Vance in November,” Fried concluded.
South Florida state Sen. Shevrin Jones echoed that praise.
“President Joe Biden is the greatest president of our lifetime. The nation is forever indebted and grateful for his years of service,” Jones said in his own statement.
“It’s time for Democrats to unite in support of Vice President Kamala Harris. She has my full support as the leader needed to meet this moment and defeat Donald Trump. The Trump-Vance ticket is dead-set on taking away Americans’ rights, destroying democracy, and doing the bidding of greedy corporations price gouging working families. Together, we can beat this threat and continue moving America forward.”
‘The right decision’
State Rep. Anna Eskamani of Orange County said:
“This is the right decision for the American people and the Democratic Party. I thank President Joe Biden for making this brave and difficult choice and for his leadership in many policy arenas. As Democrats, our values compel us to fight for the underdog, to defend everyday Americans in the face of injustice, and to champion policies that lift up all people. Let’s stay focused and energized for the future. The only way we will win is if we are united throughout what will no doubt be a messy, but necessary, process. Too many issues and freedoms are on the line for us to get this wrong. Onward to November and onward to victory.
State Rep. Fentrice Driskell with VP Kamala Harris via Driskell’s X page
Fentrice Driskell, Democratic leader in the Florida Housem posted a picture of herself with Harris on her X page.
“Thank you @JoeBiden for your incredible service to our country. @KamalaHarris — Can’t wait to call you POTUS. Folks we have an election to win — let’s do this!” Driskell wrote.
“Our country is a better, stronger, more united place because of President Joe Biden’s decades of selfless and steadfast service to the American people,” state Senate Democratic leader Lauren Book posted.
“Today, as the President announced his decision not to seek re-election, I thank him and his family for the sacrifices they’ve made in service to our nation.”
State Sen.-elect Carlos Guillermo Smith also had recently spoken in support of Biden’s candidacy.
‘Joe Biden will be remembered as one of the greatest presidential leaders in American History. I am so grateful to him for everything he has done for us and for his selfless commitment to our country. Thank you and we love you,” Smith wrote on X.
Fit to serve?
State Chief Financial Officer Jimmy Patronis, a Republican, welcomed the move.
“This is the best thing for America. It’s time for a real leader. It’s time for President Trump. Let’s make America great again, close the border and restore our strength around the world,” he wrote on X.
“President Trump was right all along. 6 months is an eternity in a presidency. If Joe Biden can’t run, he shouldn’t serve. This isn’t about politics, this is about confidence in the person running our country,” wrote state Agriculture Commissioner Wilton Simpson, also a Republican.
“If Joe Biden is too old and infirm to run for President, he is too old and infirm to BE President,” Republican state House member Randy Fine wrote, opening a thread.
“Now the ‘Party of Democracy’ will nominate someone who did not get a single vote for President,” he added. “It’s insane that we have a President who is so sick he can’t even announce he isn’t running for re-election live. The fraud that Democrats have perpetuated on this country is criminal.”
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