MEMPHIS, Tenn. — The news of President Joe Biden dropping out of the presidential race in November became one of the biggest conversations amongst Memphians and state lawmakers.
Biden delegate and Tennessee state representative, Karen Camper (D-Memphis) told ABC24 she was saddened to hear Biden was no longer running for re-election, but believes there is a silver lining to his decision.
"We are Biden delegates," Camper said. "We really wanna be Biden delegates, but we understood what he was facing and maybe some things that we just don't know. We have to respect him for it."
On Sunday, many people on Beale Street shared mixed reactions to Biden dropping out of the presidential race and showing his support for Vice President Kamala Harris running as a presidential candidate.
Hunter Jones was among those people sharing their thoughts on Biden's nomination.
"It's really not surprising," Jones said. "I was just waiting on it to be announced. I think it shows loyalty to his campaign, to back his vice-presidential nominee."
Mike Curry was another individual who spoke with ABC24. He believes Biden shouldn't have attempted to run for re-election.
"He didn't stand a chance anyway," Curry said. "He should've pulled out. He should not have been in it in the first place."
Camper said on Sunday afternoon she and other delegates had a scheduled conference call. She said they as a group will respect Biden's decision and show their support for Harris as a presidential candidate.
"We have an opportunity here not only in our state, but in the country to make history yet again, by one: nominating her. And by two: electing her," Camper said.
Republican consultant Susan Williams from Knoxville, Tennessee, said lawmakers have called for Biden to step down. She said his decision to not seek re-election did come to her as a surprise.
"I'm a little surprised because the president had said he wasn't going to get out, but I think yesterday really turned a corner on that decision," Williams said. "There were so many additional people that have called for him to at least to step down."
Vice President Harris has accepted Biden's support for her to run as president, but she has to be nominated at the Democratic National Convention, running August 19-22.