Bend Mayor Melanie Kebler poses with Vice President Kamala Harris.

President Joe Biden’s weekend announcement that he is dropping out of the race for president and endorsing Vice President Kamala Harris was met with mixed reactions on the streets of Bend on Monday.

Opinions ranged from disappointment that Biden is stepping down to enthusiasm for the possibility of a female candidate.

Others just shrugged their shoulders, steadfast in their plans to vote for Donald Trump no matter who the Democrats eventually nominate.

“I was saddened that he (Biden) chose to pull out. I think he has done a lot for the economy,” said Bend resident Ned Powers, a retiree, speaking at a food cart pod near the Box Factory. “I hate to see a career based on one debate.”

Powers was referring to Biden’s poor performance in a June 27 debate with Trump that ultimately unraveled his campaign.

He said Harris may struggle to build a reputation for herself in the time left before the Nov. 5 election but believes her experience as a prosecutor in California could serve her well. Still, he said he is “fearful” for what’s next.

“I am scared for the country, that it will go back to two sides fighting against each other and not getting anything done,” Powers said.

Local praise for Biden

Political leaders in Bend were quick to praise Biden on Monday as Central Oregon.

State Rep. Emerson Levy, D-Bend, described Biden’s decision to stand down as an “act of selfless patriotism.”

Bend Mayor Melanie Kebler said the Biden-Harris administration has focused on housing and infrastructure, and she supports Harris to lead a new Democratic ticket in November.

“Kamala Harris will continue the work to protect our rights, uphold our laws and help our cities thrive. I fully endorse her. It’s time to unify and defeat Trump and Project 2025, which will be a disaster for cities like Bend,” said Kebler.

On Monday Kebler joined nearly 300 other Democratic mayors across the country endorsing Harris for president.

Deschutes County Commissioner Patti Adair was brief in her assessment of Biden’s exit from the campaign.

“President Biden made the right decision,” said Adair. “His health is clearly declining, and it is what is best for him and the American people.”

Others were not certain that Biden’s departure and the likely nomination of Harris will have a major impact in the election.

Speaking from the Box Factory, Peter Askew believes most people have already made up their minds and will vote along party lines. The race hinges on voter enthusiasm, he said.

“This election largely comes down to whose folks show up. I think (Harris) has got to be more energizing for the Democratic base than Joe Biden,” said Askew.

Stability needed

A few blocks north of the Box Factory, Rich Morris was enjoying a meal at Family Kitchen. The retired Vietnam veteran said it doesn’t matter who is at the top of the Democratic Party ticket, he is all in for Trump.

“We need someone who is going to change things. We need oil. We need drill, drill, drill,” said Morris, 77. “Dividing the country with green technology helps the rich and makes the poor poorer. I am not in for that. We need stability in this county.”

Morris said his support for Trump and the Republican Party is based on his belief that crime and drug use are increasing under democratic leadership. He also worries about waves of illegal immigrants crossing the southern border.

“The general populace has to be tired with this nonsense,” he said. “(Biden) has destroyed the country.”

Wave of emotion

Outside the Boys and Girls Club in downtown Bend, Lauren Allen was trying to keep cool in the shade with her children.

Reflecting on the previous 24 hours, the Bend resident said she was “hopeful” that Harris would gain the nomination and receive support but believes Trump is riding a wave of emotion following the recent attempted assassination.

“I think a lot of people have a lot of sympathy and strengthened their belief in him,” she said.

She believes Biden made the right decision to drop out of the race and looks forward to the opportunity to have a female president.

“I have two daughters myself, and my son, and for them it’s important to see women in power. It would be amazing.”

Read more

Find more coverage of President Biden’s withdrawal and his endorsement of Vice President Kamala Harris on Page A3.