President Joe Biden's announcement that he will not seek re-election in 2024, endorsing Vice President Kamala Harris instead, has generated a whirlwind of reactions across the United States, including among the Latino community.
Latino politicians, public servants, and analysts largely applaud Biden's decision. However, their reasons vary significantly based on their political leanings. Democrats and Never-Trumpers commended Biden and celebrated his tenure as one of the most significant in recent history. Conversely, Republicans had different reactions.
Key Latino figures and organizations were quick to respond. Voto Latino's María Teresa Kumar and Next Gen America president Cristina Tzintzún Ramirez lauded Biden's legacy. Analysts like Ana Navarro and Julián Castro echoed these sentiments, highlighting Biden's impact on Latino communities. Meanwhile, Miami Mayor Francis Suárez, a Republican who sought his party's presidential nomination, celebrated Biden's decision, but for opposed reasons.
Latino reactions to Biden dropping out of the Presidential campaign for 2024
Voto Latino, a leading civic engagement organization focused on educating and empowering a new generation of Latino voters, has issued the following statement: "President Joe Biden's extraordinary accomplishments saved America from the catastrophic era of Donald Trump in 2020, and he has been a hugely successful, progressive president. His decision to step aside is classic Biden, sacrificing his self-interest for the good of the nation," said Voto Latino President María Teresa Kumar.
The Gen America president wrote on X: "Let me be clear: We will elect the first woman president, we will defeat Donald Trump, and we will ensure that the voices of young Americans remain at the forefront of our democracy. Together, we stand ready to make history."
Robert Garcia, Congressman & Freshman Class President. 28th Mayor of Long Beach wrote: "Joe Biden has dedicated his life to our country and is an American hero. As the most accomplished president of our lifetime, he led us out of a global pandemic, revitalized our economy, and restored the soul of our nation. I could not be more proud of him. It's been an honor to support Joe Biden and Kamala Harris from day one. Now we must unite around our Vice-President and defeat Donald Trump. I'm all in, are you? Let's go!"
Congresswoman for California Nanette Barragán, on her end, said on social media: "I am with you, Joe Biden. I endorse Kamala Harris as our Democratic nominee & will work tirelessly to make sure she is elected our next president in November. Thank you Mr. President for your lifetime of service to this country & the American people."
Former HUD secretary and San Antonio Mayor Julián Castro said: "President Biden deserves enormous credit for bringing the nation back from Covid, reinvigorating our economy, and moving us forward to address climate change, among many other accomplishments. He's been an excellent president. And today, he's shown that's he's a true statesman."
"Our nation needs energetic and engaged leadership," said Republican Suárez, while Miami-Dade county mayor Levine-Cava expressed: "His leadership will be forever written in history books."
Biden's decision was "the best step to preserve his legacy. He has been a good President. The stock market is at its historic high, unemployment is near its historic low, and inflation is going down," wrote The Miami Herald and El Nuevo Herald analyst journalist Andrés Oppenheimer. "The electoral scene has changed."
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