Wisconsin leaders react to Biden pulling out of the presidential race
STOUGHTON, Wis. (CBS 58) -- Following President Joe Biden's announcement Sunday he would drop out of the 2024 presidential race, Wisconsin's congressional Democrats all voices their support for the decision and publicly backed Vice President Kamala Harris as their party's new nominee.
Sen. Tammy Baldwin, in a reelection fight of her own, hosted a campaign event in Stoughton, about 20 miles southeast of Madison. The rally was headlined by Massachusetts Sen. Elizabeth Warren, who ran against President Biden in the 2020 Democratic presidential primary.
Before the event, Baldwin told reporters she supported Mr. Biden's decision to end his campaign.
"He is someone who has committed his life to his country, and I think he made the right decision," Baldwin said.
Until Sunday, Baldwin had not publicly stated whether she believed Mr. Biden should stay in the race. Baldwin said she'd gotten numerous messages from voters concerned about the president's ability to handle a second term.
Baldwin did directly answer a question Sunday asking if she shared those concerns, but she said those messages from voters were still coming in, up until the moment President Biden announced he was dropping out of the race.
"They say they are very proud of his legacy, but they think it's time for him to step aside," Baldwin said. "I've conveyed that to the top advisors to the president in the White House, as well as to the top campaign officials, and I've continued to do that as recently as [Saturday]."
President Biden's announcement came a little more than two weeks after he visited Madison in an effort to reassure Democrats. Rep. Mark Pocan appeared with Mr. Biden at that rally, but on Friday, he joined a growing list of congressional Democrats calling for the president to end his campaign.
"I've always been respectful of the president and the accomplishments he's had, and the question was was he able to campaign at a level we need him to," Pocan said in an interview Sunday evening. "And unfortunately, the polls and many, many contacts in my district weren't there."
At the Stoughton campaign event, Warren told the crowd Mr. Biden's decision "showed us what true patriotism is."
Pocan said he received a call Sunday evening from Vice President Harris. Pocan, Baldwin and Rep. Gwen Moore all stated Sunday they were backing the vice president as the new Democratic presidential nominee.
"She reached out, and we just talked about Wisconsin and her readiness to take on this campaign," Pocan said. "And I told her anything I can do, I really am very excited."
Pocan said he did not ask Vice President Harris if she still planned to visit Milwaukee Tuesday, as the Biden campaign had previously announced. A campaign spokesperson did not immediately respond to questions about the visit Sunday.
Republican response
GOP businessman Eric Hovde, who is challenging Baldwin, issued a statement criticizing Baldwin for not having taken an earlier stance on whether Biden should continue as the Democratic nominee.
"While Democrats across the country stood up and asked President Biden to step aside, Senator Tammy Baldwin did exactly what she’s done for over 25 years in Washington – NOTHING!"
Hovde then suggested Baldwin took part in an effort to hide Mr. Biden's mental decline from the public.
"She’s been friends with President Biden for decades and never once told us about his obvious problems," Hovde said. "We need to know right now – how long has Tammy Baldwin been part of the Biden cover-up?"
Rep. Glenn Grothman said he believed it will be more difficult for former President Donald Trump to run against Vice President Harris or another Democrat.
"It is, I think, gonna be more difficult to beat somebody who is not Joe Biden," Grothman said.
Grothman said he believed Ms. Harris was still vulnerable to campaign attacks, especially on the issue of illegal immigration, which has consistently rated as one of the two biggest issues to Wisconsin voters in polling throughout the campaign.
"I know there are some Democrats who don't like her, and she has the obvious weakness of the border, as well as she hasn't been the most articulate candidate so far," Grothman said. "But apparently, they feel, or a lot of Democrats feel, they have to stick with her because of her ethnic background."
The number of migrant encountered at the southern border exploded in recent months, spiking to an all-time monthly record of more than 300,000 encounters in December. However, the amount of migrant traffic has since sharply declined. According to U.S. Customs and Border Protection data, there were about 140,000 encounters in June, the fewest of any June under the Biden administration.
The Wisconsin GOP's Chairman Brian Schimming released a statement on Sunday:
"Having already denied voters the chance to replace Joe Biden during the primaries, the Democrat Party is now subjecting the American people to chaos, uncertainty, and an incapacitated presidency. If Joe Biden is incapable of the rigors of running for reelection, then he cannot be trusted to fulfill the duties of his office. Everyone from Vice President Harris, Tammy Baldwin, and the Democrat establishment bears responsibility for enabling the vanity and self-delusion of the Bidens."
Other Wisconsin, Milwaukee Democratic leaders weigh in
Wisconsin Governor Tony Evers released a statement, it said, in part:
"President Biden is a leader who’s always chosen unity over division, people over politics, selflessness over selfishness, and decency and respect over cruelty and retribution, and that’s as evident today as it has been throughout each day of his decades of public service. I’ve been proud and honored to support him, and I’m incredibly grateful for all the work we’ve been able to do together. Thank you, Mr. President."
Milwaukee Mayor Cavalier Johnson released a statement on the president's decision, saying "President Joe Biden has been an extraordinary leader for the Democratic Party and more importantly, for our country. He promised to be a president for all Americans, regardless of which states supported his candidacy."
CBS 58 spoke with County Executive David Crowley. He told us he is thankful for President Biden and his five decades of service to the country.
"The news has been on whether or not Biden was going to stay in this race, I think that now this decision has been made by our president, I think this gives us an opportunity as democrats to move forward, because it was a distraction, let’s be honest about that, we didn’t have an opportunity to really talk about the policies that will help us win," said Crowley.
The County Executive told us he is supportive of Kamala Harris and hope this is a time to reinvigorate the party.
Democratic Party of Wisconsin Chair Ben Wikler released the following statement, in part:
"Joe Biden met the moment at a time of urgent need. That’s who he is. President Biden has always answered the call to service and put duty and country first. Today’s decision reflects President Biden’s profound commitment to our nation. As we prepare for the next chapter in the fight to defeat MAGA extremism and win the battle for the soul of America, we feel profound gratitude for the patriotism and leadership of President Biden.”