NY leaders react to Biden's decision to end his reelection bid

WASHINGTON — New York Democrats praised President Joe Biden's decision to drop out of the presidential race on Sunday, describing the move as one that would improve the party's chances for victory in November.

State Republicans cast the announcement as a sign of a party in disarray.

Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.), who in recent days reportedly spoke with Biden to relay concerns from some Senate Democrats about Biden’s chances to defeat Republican and former President Donald Trump, said the president’s decision shows he is "a true patriot and great American."

"Joe Biden has not only been a great president and a great legislative leader, but he is a truly amazing human being," Schumer said in a statement. "His decision, of course, was not easy, but he once again put his country, his party and our future first. "

Rep. Tom Suozzi (D-Glen Cove), who was recently at the White House with Biden as the president announced a pair of executive orders aimed at reforming the border asylum seeking process, issued a statement giving Biden "heartfelt thanks . . . for his years of accomplishments."

"I will continue working with anyone of good faith who genuinely wants to fix the border, to reduce the cost of living, and to help heal the divide in our nation," Suozzi said.

Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand (D-N.Y.) in a statement said, "President Biden has served our country with courage, compassion, integrity and decency."

"I am honored to have served in the Senate during his administration, which achieved historic accomplishments related to gun safety, veterans’ health care, infrastructure, advanced manufacturing, climate change, prescription drugs, and more," Gillibrand wrote. "President Biden has improved the lives of millions of Americans and leaves behind a legacy that will echo for generations. On behalf of myself and every New Yorker: Thank you, Joe."

Robert Zimmerman, a Democratic national committeeman from Great Neck, said in a statement that Biden's "decision today once again demonstrates why he will be recognized as a truly great and transformational President. He placed the nation’s needs ahead of his own political ambition."

As Democrats prepare for their upcoming national convention in Chicago next month, Zimmerman said he called "upon my colleagues on the Democratic National Committee, members of Congress and delegates to unite as a party in Chicago to unequivocally support Vice President [Kamala] Harris, who is fully prepared from Day One to confront Donald Trump head-on. The stakes are at their highest; the threat he poses is more dire than ever. And the future we can forge together has never been brighter."

Biden, 81, gave his endorsement to Harris, 59, shortly after issuing a letter announcing his departure from the race. Biden's decision comes after weeks of pressure from Democratic leaders and donors to bow out following a rocky debate performance against Trump last month, where he often stumbled on responses and was slow to respond to Trump's lines of attack.

Most Democrats on Sunday focused their statements on Biden's legacy as a lawmaker for more than 50 years, including his time served in the U.S. Senate and as President Barack Obama's vice president. Most avoided weighing in immediately on a Harris endorsement.

Republicans, fresh off their national convention in Milwaukee this past week, seized on the Biden's announcement to take aim at Democrats.

Rep. Anthony D’Esposito (R-Island Park), who is running against Democrat Laura Gillen, the former Hempstead Town Supervisor, said in a statement: "No matter the nominee, we must elect Republicans up and down the ballot this November."

Rep. Andrew Garbarino (R-Bayport), who is running against Democrat Rob Lubin, a Lindenhurst small business owner, said in a statement: "The dysfunction we have witnessed from the Democratic Party over the last several years makes it clear we need new leadership in the White House."

Rep. Nick LaLota (R-Amityville), who is running against Democrat John Avlon, a former CNN political commentator from Sag Harbor, said Biden should resign from office immediately.

"Our national security is at risk, and the 25th Amendment must be considered if he does not step down," LaLota said in a statement.

White House physician Kevin. C. O'Connor issued a memo Sunday with an update on Biden's recent COVID-19 diagnosis, saying his "pulse, blood pressure, respiratory rate and temperature remain absolutely normal," and that Biden "continues to perform all of his presidential duties."