On Sunday, July 21, President Joe Biden announced in a post on social media that he will be forfeiting his bid for re-election, later posting his endorsement for Vice President Kamala Harris to take his spot. The Collegiate asked students what their thoughts are on this historical turning point in the 2024 presidential election.
“I don’t prefer either candidate,” said robotics major Nathan Poltts, 35, when asked about the election. “But it is what it is. Of my choice, I would rather choose independent but I would rather have the Republicans win versus Democrats.”
Democrats have been intently waiting since major party leaders started to call for Biden to step out of the race. For weeks the president refused and detested the idea of bowing out of the race, even saying that “only the Lord Almighty” could convince him to leave.
However, after getting pressure to drop from both former President Barack Obama and former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, Biden announced his decision to exit the race and focus on the remainder of his presidency.
“Personally, I think it’s good he dropped out,” said Grace Flanders, a 21-year-old guest student from Grand Valley State University. “ … I feel like he should’ve done it sooner.”
Many voters and party leaders said they appreciated Biden’s decision over the past weekend, with many calling him selfless and a patriot.
“I feel like it kind of showed that he cares, you know?” said 26-year-old nursing major Liliana Balderas.
“He’s like, well, maybe I’m not doing so well. You know? Let me take care of my health and prioritize my people. You know, give it to somebody that’s more, not fit for the job, but in a healthy space,” she said.
After The Collegiate spoke with students about their thoughts regarding Biden’s departure from the race, the president addressed the nation in an almost 18-minute-long speech stating that it was time for a new generation of leaders and that the fate of democracy is and will always be in the hands of the people. This is the first time Americans have seen him since he fell ill to COVID-19 last week.
“I’ve decided the best way set forward is to pass the torch to a new generation,” Biden said. “That is the best way to unite our nation.”
In his speech, Biden once again praised Harris for her work as vice president.
“When she was running in the primary in 2020 I was excited about her as a candidate,” said Tate Greer, a 20-year-old respiratory care major, when asked about Harris. “My family is pretty conservative but I don’t know, I like her stances on reproductive rights and healthcare is a big thing for me and I like her healthcare stances.”
Before her nomination, Harris had been touring the country for her “Fight for Reproductive Freedoms” tour. She visited Grand Rapids back in February where she met with Gov. Gretchen Whitmer, Rep. Hillary Scholten, D-Grand Rapids and other female leaders from Michigan
“I support Kamala Harris,” said microbiology major Abriel Reister, 19. “I like a lot of the stuff she supports like abortion rights … I think she’ll get a lot of support. She’s pretty likable and I think a lot of people support her over Joe Biden.”
Harris started her presidential campaign on Tuesday, July 23, and quickly secured endorsements from over 80% of Democratic delegates. The Democratic National Convention will begin on Aug. 19, where she is poised to be selected as this year’s nominee.
Reporters Vannsaa Hewitt, Alexa Cheaney and Jack Walker contributed to this story.
