South Georgians reaction to President Biden’s ending of his presidential race campaign

ALBANY, Ga. – When President Joe Biden stepped down… What was your immediate reaction when you saw that in the news?

“Shocked. Totally shocked. He seemed like a fighter. Right now, we’re in a hot climate. We’re in a very hot climate. But, what we need is someone to unify this country because this is real divide it right now. So, in your opinion, who do you think would be your choice to be able to unify the country?” said Jimmy Rush, U.S. Marine.

“Right now, I’m listening. I’m a self-proclaimed kingdom independent and I’m looking for a person that really speaks best for the black and African-American community. I’m also a believe in Christ. Of course, when I read is like, dang, like what’s going on? And, I try and go in, but like, at the same time, I’m just trying to see what’s going to happen,” said Dr. Timothy L. Miller Sr., Pastor.

We’re going to step up and we’re going to take the role of running the Democratic Party. What’s your thoughts on Kamala possibly being the Democrat who can step up?

“I think it’s a great situation for her. She definitely is. She possibly could win. She will make history, of course, being the first female black president. So she definitely has the support of a lot of people,” said Myles Joyner, ASU Wide Receiver.

“Just the state of the country in a way, is it’s kind of like divided right now. It’s like half going this way, half going the other way,” said Esau White Jr., Albany citizen.

“I think the country saw it kind of coming. You could tell he’s kind of been in some decline lately. I mean, even the special prosecutor in the documents case indicated to him in his report, you know, he’s 81 years old. I don’t think it’s abnormal to have a cognitive decline at that point. He has been showing it for a while and it wasn’t surprising to me that he dropped out,” said Chase Cannon, Colquitt County Administrator.

“There’s still a convention that’s going to take place, and I think they’ll have to, you know, coalesce around somebody then I’m not sure that Vice President Harris is going to get it. It might be somebody different. Obviously, she’s got some backing of some of the folks in the house and the senate on the Democrat side, I think the President’s endorsed her. I’m not sure if former President Obama endorsed her. I’m not sure if he did or not. But, I mean, it, like I said, is hers to lose. I think anybody’s going to have a hard time beating Trump and Vance. I think the momentum is in Trump’s corner. I think, you know, this remains to be seen, that’s gonna be a tight race regardless. But, I think momentum right now is behind former President Trump,” said Cannon.

“I mean, there’s some angst in the country, particularly about what happened, former President Trump being shot, and then all of a sudden President Biden steps down. Those things don’t really happen all the time. So, those two events can make for some pretty suspenseful moments heading into the election,” said Cannon.

“So, what I want to see is, you know, see the country kind of calm down a little bit and kind of get it under control. Let’s get somebody elected and then go from there,” said Cannon.

 Rodney Washington, De’Andra Jacobs reporting.

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