LANSING, Mich. (Michigan News Source) – In a surprising and sudden announcement on Sunday, President Joe Biden revealed on his X social media account that he will not seek re-election. Instead, he has endorsed Vice President Kamala Harris as his successor on the Democratic ticket to face Donald Trump.
Biden described his time in office as “the greatest honor” of his life and stated that stepping down was in the best interest of his party and the country. He further mentioned that for the remainder of his term, he will “focus solely on fulfilling my duties as President.”
He also highlighted in a second post that selecting Harris as his running mate was “the best decision” he had made and urged Democrats to unite behind her.
Michigan Democrats rally Behind Harris and have gratitude for Biden’s service.
Michigan’s Democratic leaders quickly voiced their gratitude for Biden’s presidency and their support for Harris. Michigan Democratic Governor Gretchen Whitmer, a national co-chair of Biden’s campaign, praised the president’s service and reaffirmed her commitment to defeating Trump saying, “President Biden is a great public servant who knows better than anyone what it takes to defeat Donald Trump,” Whitmer stated. “My job in this election will remain the same: doing everything I can to elect Democrats and stop Donald Trump.”
Congresswoman Haley Stevens (D-Birmingham) echoed Whitmer’s sentiments, commending Biden’s leadership and endorsing Harris. She said, “President Biden’s decision to step aside is another example of his extraordinary leadership,” Stevens wrote. “I look forward to supporting Vice President Kamala Harris as our Democratic nominee.”
Representatives Hillary Scholten (D-Grand Rapids) and Dan Kildee (D-Flint) also expressed their support, emphasizing the need for unity to combat extremism and protect democratic values.
U.S. Rep. Debbie Dingell (D-Ann Arbor) gave a ringing endorsement of Harris saying, “Kamala Harris is an incredible leader who will unite our country and will win in November. She has my full support. Now let’s get to work.”
Michigan’s senators speak out.
Democratic Senator Gary Peters said about Biden on X: “Joe Biden’s life has been dedicated to our nation. There is no greater dedication a leader can make than sacrifice. Today, Joe and Jill Biden put America first…Michigan is better because we have delivered an unmatched track record of accomplishments together.”
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Outgoing Democratic Senator Debbie Stabenow said, “POTUS has done more for MI during his presidency than any other president in my lifetime.”
Democratic Rep. Elissa Slotkin, who is running to be Michigan’s next senator, said on X: “We all know our country is going through a period of political turmoil right now, and very few Americans want it this way. There’s so much at stake this November – so it’s imperative that we be focused and united. Over the last four years, Vice President Harris has taken on Big Pharma, helped usher in a manufacturing renaissance in Michigan, and fought to protect our rights and our democracy. I support her, and her essential task of uniting the country.”
Michigan Democratic Party on board with changes.
Lavora Barnes, the Chair of the Michigan Democratic Party said in a statement, “President Biden has spent the last three years delivering for Michiganders and all Americans. He shepherded our nation through a global pandemic, prioritizing the health and safety of our communities above all else. He never wavered in his commitment to reproductive freedom, LGBTQ+ equality, and the fight to end gun violence. President Biden has always been there for Michigan, and Michigan Democrats will always be grateful for his vision of a country that sets aside its differences and finds hope in a brighter future, together.”
Republican reactions: skepticism and criticism,
In contrast, Michigan Republicans responded with skepticism and criticism about today’s announcements. Michigan Republican Party Chairman Pete Hoekstra said in a statement: “President Trump is winning Michigan in November not because of Joe Biden, but because of the mess Joe Biden, Kamala Harris, and the radical left’s policies have made. Michiganders need a President who will fix inflation and lower the cost of living, protect our manufacturing jobs, and secure our Southern Border. That’s Donald Trump.”
Senate Minority Leader Aric Nesbitt (R-Porter Twp.) called for Biden’s immediate resignation, citing his diminished capacity saying, “Biden must resign IMMEDIATELY,” Nesbitt wrote. “If you can’t campaign, you cannot be commander in chief.”
Congressman Bill Huizenga criticized Harris’s record, particularly on border policies and government spending saying, “Vice President Harris cannot run from the open border policies she implemented as ‘Border Czar’ that allowed millions to cross illegally.”
Michigan’s political landscape: uncertainty ahead
Bridge Michigan reported that political analysts like Dave Dulio from Oakland University see potential for a fresh start for Democrats but warn of possible pitfalls. He says a new candidate could be a net positive, but it could quickly become a net negative depending on who the nominee is.
Adrian Hemond, another political consultant, critiqued the timing of Biden’s decision, suggesting it should have been made earlier. ““This was avoidable,” Hemond said. “He’s an old man. He was an old man when he got elected – any reasonable person with a candidate that old, a president that old, would realize that you were at high water.”
Future implications for Michigan.
Biden’s decision leaves Michigan Democrats in uncharted territory. A recent Epic-MRA poll showed Biden trailing Trump by seven percentage points in Michigan, underscoring the urgency for Democrats to rally behind a strong candidate. “The Democratic nominee will need to reverse the bleeding in key battleground states,” Dulio emphasized.
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