Biden reaction: What they're saying in the Lehigh Valley political world

BETHLEHEM, Pa. — Local Democrats took Sunday's news of President Joe Biden ending his bid for reelection as a moment to thank him.

After weeks of speculation and scrutiny about Biden's fitness and future, messages of "Thank you, Mr. President" were scattered across social media.

"Four years ago, Joe Biden saved democracy and this country by running for president," said state Rep. Mike Schlossberg, D-Lehigh, on X. "Today, he’ll do it again, by not running. Thank you, Mr. President."

Aidan Levinson, a Pennsylvania delegate for the Democratic National Convention next month in Chicago, said on Facebook he feels "grateful" to Biden for his accomplishments and "his unparalleled record of accomplishment."

"He saved our country once, and I know he won’t stop fighting to save it again. Thank you, Mr. President," said Levinson, of Upper Milford Township. "This is not the responsibility I wanted to have as a delegate to the Democratic National Convention, but I will be prepared to take on this weighty responsibility.

"We have a big task ahead of all of us."

Gov. Josh Shapiro — his name is among those as potential vice president nominees — took to X less than an hour after Biden's announcement.

He called Biden a patriot and applauded the "incredible amount" of work he accomplished over the past four years.

In a statement later, without acknowledging speculation he could be in the mix, the Pennsylvania governor issued his own full-throated endorsement of Harris.

"The best path forward for the Democratic Party is to quickly unite behind Vice President Harris and refocus on winning the presidency," Shapiro said. "The contrast in this race could not be clearer and the road to victory in November runs right through Pennsylvania — where this collective work began."

U.S. Sen. Bob Casey paid tribute to Biden, calling him a "patriot who has always put our country first," in a statement posted to X.

"President Biden has always dedicated himself to improving the lives of Americans," said Casey, who, like Biden, is from Scranton. "He deserves our gratitude for his historic achievements, including rebuilding our economy after the pandemic and delivering the largest infrastructure investment in modern history."

U.S. Rep. Susan Wild, D-Lehigh Valley, issued a statement also commending the president for his exemplary "patriotism and selflessness."

She endorsed Harris in leading the Democratic ticket in the presidential election.

"I join Americans across the country in recognizing President Joe Biden's extraordinary career in public service," Wild said.

"... As we reflect on his extraordinary accomplishments, it is time that we come together on a steady and unified path forward — for all future generations of Americans who will be deeply affected by the outcome of November's election."

Questions about Biden exploded after his poor debate performance against former President Donald Trump on June 27. Party leaders worried Biden's lagging poll performance and place at the top of the Democratic ticket would hamper Democrats farther down the ballot.

Wild also thanked those who reached out over the past several weeks as concerns raised for the current president and his bid for reelection.

"I continue to keep their concerns at the forefront of every decision I make," she said in the statement.

Casey and Wild are also seeking re-election in November.

Casey's opponent, Republican Dave McCormick, issued a statement saying Biden is not capable to serve as commander-in-chief.

"Bob Casey is very close to Biden — he’s known this — but in typical Casey fashion, he’s been weak in his refusal to admit to Pennsylvanians that Biden is simply not up to the job," McCormick said.

"Keeping his head down when times get tough, that's who Bob Casey is. As a veteran and an American, I believe our troops deserve a commander-in-chief who is fully capable of doing the job — and Casey’s refusal to stand up for them throughout President Biden’s obvious decline is despicable."

State Rep. Ryan Mackenzie, who is running against Wild for the Lehigh Valley's congressional seat, issued a statement of his own:

"The pressure campaign from Democratic donors and D.C. elites worked in pushing out Joe Biden, overruling the votes of 14 million Democratic Primary voters," said Mackenzie, R-Lehigh.

"Donald Trump and Republicans highlighted the failures of Democrats like Joe Biden and Susan Wild ... at the RNC Convention, and whoever Democrats install as their nominee will continue to have to run away from that failed record that is hurting everyday Americans."

In Allentown, state Rep. Josh Siegel commended the Biden administration as "the most legislatively successful since Lyndon Johnson," citing prescription drug cost reductions and union labor support, among others.

Siegel, D-Lehigh, said the announcement only changes the nominee — Biden endorsed Vice President Kamala Harris — not the goal of "defeating a Republican ticket," and ideals.

Wild also expressed her support for Harris in a statement, calling her "an accomplished and exceptional public servant."

Allentown Mayor Matt Tuerk, who welcomed Biden to Lehigh Valley International Airport for a visit earlier this year, saluted him on social media.

"President Biden has been there for our Commonwealth and for Allentown," Tuerk said. "He has convened Pennsylvania leaders over and over to consult with us on what we need to improve the lives of our residents, and always kept the Keystone State in his heart."