SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (WGGB/WSHM) – Our team coverage now turns to how local leaders are taking the news of President Biden stepping away from the 2024 presidential race. Western Mass News caught up with two state leaders who told us the president’s decision was the best for the democratic party and the nation.

In a shocking announcement, President Biden posting on X on Sunday afternoon, he’s exiting the 2024 presidential race versus former president Donald Trump.

Leaders across the nation including right here in Western Massachusetts sounding off on the president’s decision to walk away from a reelection bid.

“I trusted Joe Biden that he would look at the data, look at the polls, talk to his advisers talk with his family to make a decision that was best for the nation, that’s what Joe Biden does,” expressed Senator Joanne Comerford.

Along with State Senator Jo Comerford, State Senator John Velis spoke with Western Mass News. He is thinking forward to the 2024 election, saying Americans need to find common ground.

“I firmly believe that compromise, and working across the aisle is the most important thing that we should be looking for as Americans,” added Senator Velis. “Now more than ever if you look at what the past week has shown us, the assassination attempt to a convention, to the president stepping down. We as a nation need to heal right we need to start engaging in civil discourse again.”

Upon President Biden’s announcement, he also gave Vice President Kamala Harris his full endorsement to take on former president Trump in November.

State Senators Velis and Comerford weighed in on the president’s announcement.

“This is unprecedented, uncharted territory, I believe in Vice President Harris,” noted Comerford. “She is proven, she’s tested and she’s ready.”

“Everybody knows who the president is but let’s be honest, the role of the vice president isn’t really near as high profile as the presidency,” explained Senator Velis. “So I think it’s an uphill battle, people are going to make their case and we’ll see what happens.”

The leader of the bay state, Governor Maura Healey, posting her reaction to social media:

”Joe Biden ran for president to restore the soul of our country and defeat the greatest threat our democracy has ever seen. And that’s exactly what he did… President Biden’s decision today not to seek reelection is the ultimate example of putting the country first – something Joe Biden has done over and over again in his unparalleled career…”

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