Liberal journalists and reporters have praised President Biden’s withdrawal from the Presidential race as an act of selflessness and heroism. Several commentators, including Van Jones and Rachel Maddow, stated that Biden stepped aside for America’s sake and, in doing so, demonstrated deep patriotism. Former Obama strategist David Axelrod compared the President’s speech to remarks from America’s Founding Father George Washington, who poignantly remarked that the “increasing weight of years” made his retirement from politics “as necessary to me as it will be welcome.”
Similarly, Democratic lawmakers past and present lauded Biden as one of the great historic US leaders. Former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi said Biden was one of “America’s most consequential” Presidents, while Hillary Clinton said he had a “profound compassion” for the American people. California Governor Gavin Newsom simply tweeted, “Thank you.”
Some conservative commentators and lawmakers, however, took a strikingly different view. The Republican National Committee (RNC) mocked Biden for using a teleprompter during his address and for stuttering even while he read from it. Donald Trump said his rival was “barely understandable.” Images of the former President watching the speech were posted to social media after his most recent rally in North Carolina, where he turned his attention toward Kamala Harris.
Mr. Trump framed the Vice President as an ultra-liberal who was the “driving force” behind the Biden administration’s most left-wing policies. The Trump campaign has quickly portrayed Harris as responsible for the US open border and for showing leniency to criminals when she was a California prosecutor. Campaign chiefs have also told Trump supporters to expect an initial polling boost for Ms. Harris but said this would erode when the “honeymoon” period is over.
Some polls are placing Harris ahead of Trump, including the first to emerge after senior Democratic figures cemented her candidacy. An Ipsos survey conducted the day after Harris’s first major rally in Wisconsin placed the Vice President at 44%, ahead of Trump at 42%.
