President Biden shocked the world on Sunday when he announced that he won’t seek re-election in the 2024 presidential campaign.
The news is without precedent but not entirely surprising, given how bad Biden did a few weeks ago in the debate against GOP presidential nominee Donald Trump.
The debate, held in Atlanta and hosted by CNN, exposed the President, 81, as someone who couldn’t remember basic facts and names. The gaffes not only were seized on by Trump, but the political stage at large. What happened in Atlanta became fodder for the world.
“While it has been my intention to seek reelection, I believe it is in the best interest of my party and the country for me to stand down and to focus solely on fulfilling my duties as President for the remainder of my term,” Biden wrote in a letter posted on social media site X. “I will speak to the Nation later this week in more detail about my decision.”
I’m Atlanta, reaction to Biden’s exit was swift:
Atlanta Mayor Andre DIckens said Biden “an extraordinary American who has dedicated his entire life to working people.”
“His incredible record on jobs, the economy, climate, reproductive rights, and his leadership on the world stage make him one of the most consequential leaders in history,” Dickens said in a statement. “Atlanta is stronger because of his leadership. Our nation is better off because of his service and I’m proud to call him friend, leader, and most of all, President.”
Former Mayor and current Biden Administration aide Keisha Lance Bottoms said “my heart is filled with a profound sense of sadness and admiration for the man who ahs served our nation with unwavering dedication and grace.”
Bill Simmons, a lifelong Democrat and Atlanta resident, said he was stunned when he saw the news about Biden.
”Shocked isn’t the word,” Simmons, a Morehouse College Alumni, said over the phone. “We’re a few months from the election. To say that this will throw the Democratic Party in disarray is an understatement.”
On the other hand, some feel that a younger candidate — like Vice President Kamala Harris —will help energize the base.
”This is actually exciting,” said Kelli Freeman, an occupational therapist from Woodstock, Georgia. “The first black woman president? Are you kidding me?”
In his announcement, Biden said endorsed Harris for president.
“My very first decision as the party nominee in 2020 was to pick Kamala Harris as my Vice President,” Biden posted. “And it’s been the best decision I’ve made. Today I want to offer my full support and endorsement for Kamala to be the nominee of our party this year.”
Harris thanked Biden for his support and said she will continue to ready herself for the race.
“I am honored to have the President’s endorsement and my intention is to earn and win this nomination,” she said.
Biden visited Atlanta frequently during his term as president as well as vice president to Barack Obama, who weighed in on the race as well post-Biden.
”We will be navigating uncharted waters in the days ahead,” Obama said in a statement. “But I have extraordinary confidence that the leaders of our party will be able to create a process from which an outstanding nominee emerges. I believe that Joe Biden’s vision of a generous, prosperous, and united America that provides opportunity for everyone will be on full display at the Democratic Convention in August. And I expect that every single one of us are prepared to carry that message of hope and progress forward into November and beyond.”
Harris is no stranger to Atlanta, having visited the city twice in the past month for different initiatives such as economic empowerment and anti-gun violence.
For his part, Biden made himself at home in Georgia’s largest city as well, eating at soul food place Busy Bee near the AU Center well as Waffle House right after the debate that sealed his presidential fate.