Local Democratic Party members responded favorably to the notion of President Joe Biden passing the torch along to his vice president, Kamala Harris, after his announcement that he would no longer accept the Democratic nomination for president Sunday, July 21.

Former local high school history teacher Ernest Hauk — who said he identified as an Independent who has also chosen individuals over political a party — said he has a tremendous amount of respect for Biden. He believes Sunday’s announcement was a testament to the president’s willingness to set aside his personal ambitions in order to do what he felt was the best thing for the country.

“I think [Biden] genuinely wanted to have a second term to work toward achieving the things he started. However, like statements of old, he put his own personal desires behind him and looked to do what he felt was in the best interest of the party and the country. I have a ton of respect for him for doing that,” Hauk said.

In-party division increased between Democrats following Biden’s lackluster debate performance in June as several of the party’s high-ranking officials began quietly floating the prospect of a replacement candidate. Vice-chair of the Cullman County Democratic Party, Sally Brown, spoke with The Times in the days following the debate. While she remained committed to supporting Biden, she admitted the performance from both candidates had been worrisome.

Brown said she felt “much better” about the Democratic Party the day following Biden’s announcement. She described his decision to step away from the race as “admirable” and believed Harris would be able to reinvigorate Democratic voters as well as attract crucial swing voters needed to deliver a win in November.

“As a moderate, she has proved herself to be able to work with all sides. She brings in these different aspects of the party: women, Blacks and other minorities, younger voters,” Brown said. “So many people were so tired of the idea of a rematch and were wanting something different. I think she offers that. She’s younger and has more years ahead of her. She offers a new voice to the Democratic party. I think that will appeal to swing voters and hopefully she can capitalize on that,” Brown said.

Harris will still be required to secure the nomination from the Democratic convention delegates before officially receiving the nomination, and while no opposition has appeared as of yet, she could still face some challenges.

Cullman-native and DNC-member Josh Coleman has been involved in a number of campaigns at local, state and national levels. He said the polarized landscape could present difficulties for Harris, but pointed to her stances on social justice, economic equality and health care as those that were likely to win over a wide range of voters.

“Her ability to connect with diverse communities and articulate a vision for a more inclusive America is inspiring,” Coleman said. “The infighting within the party has been a concern, but her announcement presents a unique opportunity to unify the Democrats around common goals and values.

“Winning over swing voters will be crucial. Many are looking for fresh ideas and solutions rather than a repeat of 2020. V.P. Harris can appeal to these voters by emphasizing her forward-thinking policies and her commitment to tackling the issues that matter most to everyday Americans.”

Local Democratic Party Chair Lance Conn agreed. He said that although he felt the national party currently had several talented, viable actors to select from, he believed Harris’s track record as a moderate and her stance on women’s rights made for a good opportunity against Republicans.

“Harris has accomplished much in her career as the US senator from California, the attorney general of California, and our vice president of the United States. In a time where women’s rights are under attack, my hope is that our nation can elect its first woman President to lead the charge to restore and broaden those liberties.”

Conn said the remaining talent among Democrats made for several potential running mates for Harris. One in particular he expressed excitement about was current Secretary of Transportation Pete Buttigieg.

“{span}I would be excited to support a Harris/Buttigieg ticket,” Conn said. “He{/span} served in Afghanistan, is a Rhodes scholar, is an upstanding family man and has transformed consumer rights in the flight industry. But Harris has many other great choices in Kentucky governor Andy Beshear, Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro, Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer and the list goes on.”