GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. — Just a few hours after President Joe Biden announced he'll be dropping out of the 2024 presidential race on Sunday, Michiganders are speaking out about his decision.
"I was really hoping he would just continue to stay in the race, but I understand," said Grand Rapids resident Jorge Padron.
"It's bittersweet in that I think Joe Biden is an incredible American and a real leader for this country, but I think it's ultimately the right thing for him and for the campaign," said Javi Zubizarreta.
President Biden's announcement brings an abrupt end to his half-century-long political career and race for the White House just four months before Election Day. Two Democrats in downtown Grand Rapids Sunday afternoon said the announcement is bittersweet, but they said they're looking ahead.
"I'm optimistic, and I hope Joe Biden dropping out doesn't take away from the last three and a half years of the work that he did, especially after Donald Trump was president from 2016 to 2020 where this country went downhill," said Padron.
"I'm excited for what Kamala Harris can do. I think she is a fighter. When she is sitting up there against President Trump, they're going to see him for the old fool that he is," said Zubizarreta.
After Sunday's announcement, Black organizations came together at Four Star Theatre to educate the community on social issues and voter registration. CEO of Jump Ahead L3C Dee Jones said it's important to be knowledgeable about presidential candidates and their policies.
"The August 6 election is coming up, and then November 6 is the actual general election. So people need to vote in their primaries, which usually Black communities don't vote in those primaries. They always say, we'll see you in the general election but we need to start voting for the people and just educating people that our primary election even exists," said Jones.
Other organizers of Sunday's event said no matter what side of the aisle you're on this upcoming election, it's important that you vote.
"I'm just hoping that we just make an educated voice. I'm hoping that we can get out as a community and exercise our right to vote. We have ancestors that died for civil rights, slavery, things like that so we need to make sure we're voting," said Alfred Fowler from Proactive Grand Rapids.
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