Local Democrats praise Biden for public remarks on dropping out of presidential race

COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)

Mid-Missouri Democrats are reacting positively to President Joe Biden's address to the nation Wednesday night -- his first speech since dropping out of the 2024 presidential race earlier this week.

State Rep. David Tyson Smith (D-Columbia) said Biden is a "true patriot" for dropping out.

"It demonstrated a tremendous amount of self-sacrifice and courage to step aside like that," Tyson Smith said. "And he is a true patriot."

Boone County Democrat Peter Schneeberger said he believes Biden did what is best for the country.

"You know, he gave way for the next generation," Schneeberger said. "I think his speech pointed out that he's leaving behind a good economy, and we have a strong role in the world, and he wants the next leader of the country to continue to do the same."

Schneeberger said Biden listened to the voters and the voters did not want him in the race.

"He was clear that he thought that doing those things had earned him a second term," Schneeberger said. "But he also indicated that he recognized the voters didn't agree with that, and he decided to listen to the voters. So I'm really happy he listened to the voters."

Biden released a statement on social media Sunday afternoon withdrawing from the presidential race "for the best interest of my party and my country." In that same statement, Biden endorsed his vice president, Kamala Harris.

The decision came after weeks of pressure from fellow Democrats over concerns about Biden's age and mental decline.

Biden was on COVID-19 isolation at the time and Wednesday's speech was his first since making the decision.

Republicans have called for Biden to resign the presidency immediately, saying if he's not fit to campaign for another term then he's not fit to govern.

It is unclear when Biden's next public address will be.