Biden Drops Out Of Race, But Now Will He Resign?
Republicans have swiftly reacted to President Joe Biden’s decision not to seek reelection, with prominent voices calling for his immediate resignation and raising concerns about Vice President Kamala Harris as his potential successor. House Speaker Mike Johnson led the charge, insisting that if Biden is deemed unfit to run for reelection, he should also step down from the presidency without delay. This sentiment was echoed across social media by other GOP leaders like Rep. Elise Stefanik and House Majority Leader Steve Scalise, who pointed to what they perceive as Biden’s declining mental acuity.
Senator Bill Cassidy highlighted his longstanding concerns over Biden’s mental capacity, while Senator John Cornyn emphasized the principle that a president who can’t run for reelection shouldn’t continue in office. These calls intensified after Senator J.D. Vance questioned the rationale behind Biden remaining in office if he opts out of the presidential race, suggesting it would validate previous criticisms about his fitness for the role.
Republicans also criticized Democrats for the timing of Biden’s decision, accusing them of undermining the electoral process so close to the election. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell expressed concern that Democrats were disregarding the will of voters in upcoming primaries, while Speaker Johnson condemned what he described as a move to force the Democratic nominee off the ballot.
In tandem with calls for Biden’s resignation, Republicans turned their attention to Vice President Kamala Harris. Donald Trump Jr. and Speaker Johnson both criticized Harris’s record, particularly focusing on her handling of border security issues. They portrayed her as ineffective in managing key responsibilities assigned to her by the administration.
Beyond immediate reactions, former presidential candidate Vivek Ramaswamy warned against the broader Democratic agenda, suggesting that challenges within the party could lead to an open convention and potential contenders against Harris for the nomination. This sentiment underscores Republican skepticism about Harris’s ability to lead effectively, especially amid internal party strife and ongoing policy debates.
Overall, the Republican response to Biden’s announcement reflects deep-seated concerns about leadership continuity and Democratic policy direction. It underscores a readiness to challenge Harris’s candidacy and the broader Democratic platform as the 2024 election cycle approaches.
