Local Democrats discuss Biden’s withdrawal
By Ashley Luthans
Several area Democrats shared their thoughts about the presidential election and the Democratic nomination after President Joe Biden announced Sunday that he was dropping out of the race.
Missouri Democrat Jessica Piper, who previously ran for a state representative seat and now serves as executive director of Blue Missouri, said that although she supported Biden, she is excited to see what Kamala Harris does.
“Kamala and what is happening in the Democratic party is just a bright light,” Piper said. “And like I said, I was behind, you know, Joe staying in the race. But now that he has bowed out, I mean, I am excited and that’s all I see around me.”
Biden and Rep. Nancy Pelosi, former speaker of the House, endorsed Vice President Kamala Harris as the Democratic presidential candidate, and many Democrats have followed suit.
Ron Hook, the Buchanan County Western District Commissioner, said he believes Harris will become the Democratic presidential nominee. Hook shared his thoughts on the idea of having Harris in the presidential race.
“I think she’s probably gonna get the endorsement,” Hook said. “I just hope, you know, the United States is ready for that, I really do … It didn’t happen back in 2016, but this is a new day and age and we’ll see what happens.”
Jane Frick of the Buchanan County Democratic Women’s Club said she is excited at the prospect of having another woman in the presidential race.
The first time a woman was in the presidential race was in 2016 with Democrat Hilary Clinton against Republican Donald Trump. After losing against Biden in 2020, former President Trump will be back on the ballot this year after being selected as the Republican nominee at the 2024 Republican National Convention.
Hook said regardless of political party, voters should educate themselves on the candidates and issues before voting.
“The United States is so divided on different policies, you know, what interests you may not interest me as far as what they’re running on,” Hook said. “So, I think people are trying to educate themselves and find the right candidate that’s gonna be the best one to run our country in their eyes.”
