TAMPA, Fla. — Politicians from across the state have voiced their opinions on President Biden's decision to drop out of the 2024 presidential election.
Rick Scott:
Let me be clear, if Joe Biden can’t run for re-election, he is not capable of serving as president for the next six months and needs to resign today.
— Rick Scott (@ScottforFlorida) July 21, 2024
Read my full statement👇https://t.co/Ktlx4Z6b02
Nikki Fried:
Thank you @POTUS. Joe Biden will be remembered as one of the greatest presidents of our lifetimes — the nation is eternally grateful. Now, the Democratic Party must be more united than ever to defeat Donald Trump.
— Nikki Fried (@NikkiFried) July 21, 2024
Evan Power:
"Weekend at Biden’s is over! Joe Biden's announcement confirms what we've been saying for years: Democrat leadership has failed Americans by propping up someone unfit to do the job. Every Democrat party leader, especially Vice President Harris, is complicit in this sham presidency and voters will hold them accountable this November.
Biden leaves our nation with long-term inflation and high interest rates, record high food and gasoline prices, open borders, indoctrination of children, and empowered the enemies of our nation. And to top it off, Kamala Harris failed with the only job given to her: border czar.
Democrats across the country should be fuming. Their party failed them. Rather than allowing Americans to have their voices heard, they will be forced to carry whatever puppet they elect behind closed doors.
Meanwhile, Republicans are united behind President Trump. It doesn't matter which empty suit they put forward—we will win.
Thank you for your “service” President Biden, we will take it from here.”
Maxwell Alejandro Frost:
“President Joe Biden will go down as one of the most effective and progressive presidents in our country’s history. For his selfless service and commitment to our great country and republic – our nation and party will forever be indebted to him.
As gun violence devastates our communities relentlessly, he pushed for and passed the first piece of gun violence prevention legislation in 30 years. As the climate crisis continues to be an existential threat to humanity, he’s dedicated more resources to fighting climate change than any other administration. As working folks across America struggle to make ends meet, he took the unprecedented step of canceling student debt, never taking no for an answer when it came to getting folks relief.
He proved to us time and time again that he was a champion of the people and of our movement – I will never forget and will forever be honored for the opportunity to work and stand alongside him as he made history by establishing the first ever White House Office of Gun Violence Prevention.
President Biden inherited a country ravaged by a global pandemic, an economy in the dumps, and a people who had lost faith in their country and democracy. He will leave this presidency having strengthened our republic, revived our economy, protected working families, and changed lives. I am proud to have stood by his side.
Make no mistake, the threat of fascism and authoritarianism is real in our country. Which is why now, we must look forward.
Many vulnerable communities across the country will not survive another Trump Administration. It is important for our party to come together around a candidate who can beat him — which is why I am proud to offer my full support and endorsement to Vice President Kamala Harris.
Vice President Harris has been a critical partner to President Biden during his historic presidency and is ready to take Donald Trump to task on the campaign trail and more importantly, to inspire a nation. It’s time to get to work to elect Kamala Harris and once again make history.”
PAY TO STAY
A Florida lawmaker says changes need to be made after the ABC Action News I-Team revealed the impact of Florida's "pay to stay" law, which allows inmates to be charged $50 a day, and in some cases, beyond the time they actually served.