The news of President Biden’s decision Sunday to remove himself from a bid for reelection in November shocked a nation while still seeming somehow inevitable.
The decision by the Democrat came after building pressure from lawmakers, donors, activists and voters within his own party who had concerns about his ability to beat Republican Donald Trump just 106 days from now.
Reaction here in Texas was swift.
U.S. Rep. Lloyd Doggett, D-Austin, was the first notable congressmen to call for Biden to step aside back on July 2. Yesterday, he spoke out about the president’s decision, calling it “selfless”.
“Once again President Biden comes through for America, putting country over ego in a way that Donald Trump never could. Now we must move forward to offer a nominee who can win over disaffected voters and energize Democrats. When I respectfully called for President Biden to step aside almost three weeks ago, I recognized that this would be a painful and difficult decision, not unlike that faced long ago under different circumstances by President Lyndon B. Johnson.”
— Rep. Lloyd Doggett (D-Texas)
The LBJ Foundation issued the following statement…
Austin Mayor Kirk Watson:
Austin City Council member Alison Alter:
San Antonio Mayor Ron Nirenberg:
Former Texas Lt. Gov. Ben Barnes, a Democrat who has known Biden for over fifty years, spoke to the Austin American-Statesman:
“I think it means a lot for Biden’s legacy. Biden has a chance to be one of the most appreciated one-term presidents that we’ve ever had. He had a very good record, and by getting out of the line of fire and not having to run a campaign he had a chance to lose, the historians and other observers of American political history, it will hurry them to start talking about the great record that Biden had.”
U.S. Rep. Colin Allred, D-Dallas, in a race against Ted Cruz for US Senate, responded via his social media accounts:
U.S. Representative Greg Casar:
Texas Representative Gina Hinojosa:
Republican reaction in Texas also included calls for President Biden to leave office even before Election Day.
“If Dems think trading Biden for his failed Border Czar is going to change anything, they’re dreaming. Under her “leadership” criminals and terrorists stream across our wide-open border & fentanyl continues to kill thousands of innocent Americans. If she can’t fix the border, how is she going to run the country? Kamala Harris is even more radical, more extreme and less competent than Joe Biden. And if Pres. Biden is not competent to run for reelection, he should step down from the presidency,”
— U.S. Senator John Cornyn, (R-Texas)
U.S. Representative Roger Williams:
Republican Congressman Nathaniel Moran of Tyler:
“This doesn’t change a thing. Whoever comes next for the Democrats will embrace the same failed Biden policies. Let’s keep pressing the right messages: (1) secure our border (2) reduce spending, debt, and regulations (3) free up our energy sector (4) show strength in the world.”
What do some Texas voters think about Biden dropping out of the race?
Biden’s announcement means a planned fundraiser in Austin on Saturday if off.
The effects of Hurricane Beryl in the Houston area has led to a rise in heat-related deaths. Nearly two dozen residents have died after having no electricity for nearly two weeks. (KXAN-TV)
No injuries were reported after an apartment fire in south Austin early Sunday. (KEYE-TV)
Another apartment fire, this time in north Austin, resulted in one person being sent to the hospital. (KEYE-TV)
Some Texas DPS Driver’s License offices are still closed in the aftermath of the CrowdStrike outage.
Homeless camp sweeps in Austin began three years ago. Why doesn’t the city have a policy on them? (Austin American-Statesman)
When do local school districts begin classes for the 2024-2025 school year? (KXAN-TV)
The best meteor shower of the year has started. Can Austinites see it? (KUT 90.5)
Speaking of showers, it looks like Central Texas is facing a wetter, cooler week. (Weather Channel)
A few roads were closed on Sunday evening due to heavy rain in the Austin area. (Fox7 Austin)
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In Major League Baseball, the Texas Rangers ended a seven-game losing streak and avoided a sweep against Baltimore at home while the Houston Astros couldn’t complete a sweep at Seattle. (Yahoo! Sports)
The Rangers begin a three-game series at Globe Life Field tonight against the Chicago White Sox while the Astros travel to Oakland.
Adrian Beltre, a Texas Rangers legend, was inducted into baseball’s Hall of Fame yesterday. (Major League Baseball)
Take a trip back in time to the cattle era at the Fort Worth Stockyards and meet the Texas state mascot…the Texas Longhorn.
