Broome political party leaders weigh in on Biden's departure from presidential race

Broome County political party leaders weighed in Sunday after President Joe Biden's announcement that he is dropping out of the 2024 presidential race.

The departure comes after weeks of scrutiny surrounding Biden's mental fitness and mounting pressure from lawmakers calling for him to end his bid for reelection. Biden also posted his announcement to endorse Vice President Kamala Harris on Sunday.

“My very first decision as the party nominee in 2020 was to pick Kamala Harris as my Vice President. 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. Democrats — it’s time to come together and beat Trump. Let’s do this.”

More: Read President Joe Biden's full statement as he drops out of 2024 presidential race

In a statement Sunday, Broome County Democratic Committee Chair Karen Beebe applauded Biden for having "dedicated decades in service to this country," and said the committee would "always be grateful" for his work.

“His decision is as selfless as always, putting country above all," Beebe said.

Local Democrats believe the news brings "an opportunity to engage and energize" voters.

"Democrats in Broome County and across the country are prepared to fight for democratic values and Democratic leadership," Beebe said.

Broome County Republican Committee Chair Benji Federman called Biden's departure from the race a last-minute "bait and switch."

“New York Democrat leaders said for months that Joe Biden was fit to campaign and serve," Federman said. "We now know Democrats were deceiving us for their political benefit."

Despite the race shakeup, he said, local voters will not be swayed by Biden's departure.

"While national Democrats undergo a divisive nomination process, local Republicans are united and ready to lead.”

Biden said Sunday he would speak to the nation later this week to provide more details about his decision.

This article originally appeared on Binghamton Press & Sun-Bulletin: Biden's drop from presidential race assessed by Broome party leaders