Michigan leaders react to Biden decision

 

BENTON HARBOR, Mich. -- Democratic National Convention delegate, Chokwe Pitchford told ABC57 News on Monday that he would be pledging his delegates to Vice President Kamala Harris at next month’s DNC.

This decision comes in light of President Joe Biden’s announcement that he would be removing himself from the candidacy, a historic choice not made since Lyndon B. Johnson in 1968.

Pitchford says Democrats he’s spoken with so far are confident in Harris’ ability to carry the campaign forward, citing the record-breaking $81 million raised for the party since Biden’s decision on Sunday.

Michigan Republican fifth district representative, Tim Walberg, shared his statement as well, saying “If Joe Biden is unfit to run for re-election, he is unfit to be commander in chief. He must resign immediately.”

Michigan State Representative Joey Andrews says he was surprised by Biden’s announcement, but believes Harris brings forward a youthful energy that’s needed within the party right now.

Pitchford adds that he expects the DNC in Chicago next month to be a celebration of Harris as the presumptive nominee rather than a disruption.

ABC57 will have continuing live coverage of the DNC with Tim Spears and Julianne Grohowski starting August 19th.