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How Biden stepping aside in presidential run could impact voters in the Hudson Valley

Since that debate on June 27, calls have been growing fiercely from Democrats for Biden to step aside.

Melanie Palmer

Jul 21, 2024, 8:48 PM

Updated 123 days ago

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A monumental but not so unpredictable decision – that's how political analysts around the Hudson Valley are describing the historic decision from President Joe Biden to step aside in the presidential race.
"No one has run for office that has been this old before, no one has run for office that has been a convicted felon before and no one has withdrawn from the race this far in the process," says Laura Tamman, a political science professor at Pace University.
Tamman believes this announcement was overdue.
"I think there was pretty universal agreement the night of the debate, what needed to happen," Tamman says.
Since that debate on June 27, calls have been growing fiercely from Democrats for Biden to step aside. That includes from representatives who serve the Hudson Valley like Rep. Pat Ryan.
"He is no longer the strongest candidate to beat Trump," Ryan previously told News 12.
In a story on July 11, Ryan told News 12 that something needed to give. In a new statement Sunday, Ryan said Biden is delivering on his promise to be a bridge to a new generation of leaders.
"I think that is the right call. It gives Democrats time before the [Democratic] Convention to rally behind the next candidate," says former Sen. David Carlucci, who served New York's 38th District.
Carlucci says the timing of the announcement adds up. It comes on the heels of the Republican National Convention and about a month out from the Democratic one.
As for what this all means for voters in the Hudson Valley, political analysts are expecting the polls to be busy on Nov. 5.
"I think the likely impact will be an increase in turn out, an increase in excitement and activity," Tamman tells News 12.