'Profound Respect' For Biden, Who Drops Relection Bid: LI Democrats

LONG ISLAND, NY — Politicans across Long Island are reacting to the seismic shift in the presidential race.

President Joe Biden, facing mounting pressure from party leaders, the voters and donors, decided to "stand down" from his reelection bid on Sunday.

Moments after posting an open letter to the country, Biden gave his full endorsement of Vice President Kamala Harris for the Democratic nomination.

Biden is being praised for displaying personal courage.

"I have never admired Joe Biden more than I do today. Voluntarily ceding the nomination and forgoing a chance to serve for another four years in the job that he did so well in and spent a lifetime dreaming of attaining, is as noble an act as ever recorded in America’s political history," said Jay Jacobs, Nassau County Democratic Chairman.

Nassau County Legislative Minority Leader Delia DeRiggi-Whitton said: "I stand in profound respect and admiration for President Joe Biden, who has made the courageous and selfless decision not to seek a second term as President of the United States. This decision exemplifies his unwavering commitment to prioritizing the nation’s interests above his own."

DeRiggi-Whitton is also a Democratic National Convention delegate.

"His decision to pass the torch to the next generation of leaders is a testament to the enduring strength of our democracy," she said, although not specifically giving an endorsement for who should succeed Biden.

Rep. Tom Suozzi (D-Glen Cove) said on X: "My heartfelt thanks to President Biden for his years of accomplishments. I will continue working with anyone of good faith who genuinely wants to fix the border, to reduce the cost of living, and to help heal the divide in our nation."

Democrat John Avlon, challenging Republican incumbent Nick LaLota for the 1st Congressional District seat, also took to X on Sunday. "We need to recognize Joe Biden’s half-century of public service. That he has been a consequential and effective president. Joe Biden has set an example of selflessness vs selfishness. He has put country over party."

LaLota reflected on the news: "We should genuinely wish President Biden well. After 50 years of service, it's good to see his family finally acknowledging his mental decline. Prioritizing his health is essential, and I hope he takes the necessary steps for his well-being."

He also called for Biden to resign: "President Biden's obvious lack of mental acuity requires him to resign, so America can have a Commander in Chief with basic cognitive abilities. Our national security is at risk, and the 25th Amendment must be considered if he does not step down."

Finally, of his challenger Avlon, he said: "American needs accountability from national Democrats and the media, like CNN's John Avlon, who," LaLota maintains that he believes, "covered up Biden's decline. Americans deserve leaders who tell the truth when it matters most, not those who mislead for political gain."

Many Republicans also spoke out on Biden's announcement.

Rep. Anthony D'Esposito (R-Island Park) released a pair of statements Sunday about Biden's campaign withdrawal, first: “President Biden’s record in office: chaos at our border, debilitating inflation, crises overseas. Biden and Democrats have failed the American people on all fronts. No matter the nominee, we must elect Republicans up and down the ballot this November."

Several hours later, he joined LaLota on calling on Biden to leave office now.

“It is clear to all Americans that President Biden is in a state of cognitive decline, and Biden’s decision to end his candidacy is tied directly to that troubling fact... For the good of the country, President Biden should resign as president,” said D’Esposito.

D'Esposito's opponent in November, Laura Gillen, said of Biden:

"[He] has worked for decades reaching across the aisle to serve the American people. I wish him the best and thank him for his selflessness and his service."

Jacobs added: "While the nation’s gratitude may be blurred by the politics of our current times, history will record and all will long remember Joe Biden not just for what he did as President, but for what he gave up, so that we may continue as that 'shining city on a hill.'"