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Palm Beach County voters react to President Biden dropping out of race

WPTV spoke to residents on both sides of the aisle to get their thoughts on the president's decision
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PALM BEACH COUNTY, Fla. — Following the announcement of President Joe Biden's ending his reelection bid, voters in Palm Beach County are chiming in.

WPTV reporter Zitlali Solache listened to both Democratic, Republican and independent voters get their thoughts on the announcement.

“I found out on social media, probably like a lot of people, and I felt sad, disappointed," Democratic voter Laura Lippo said. "But I also felt hopeful that this would unite our party, and we could hopefully make some positive change.”

Lippo said she wants to see a woman in the White House who fights for women's rights.

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"I want a candidate who is going to protect my daughter's rights and her future and Kamala definitely has that so I’m very excited about that possibility when it comes to her," shared Lippo. "I want my daughter to see a woman in the White House."

With the Democratic National Convention just four weeks away, some said it's all about voting blue.

"I think that there have been some concerns about having a contentious convention and I’m hoping that it is not that way," Lippo said. "I am hoping they unite behind someone, whoever that is and then we go forward with that person, and we show up for them in the polls."

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Meanwhile, Republicans said this was the best decision that Biden could have made.

"For me, it was a firm no, just seeing him degrade on the stage and his responses," said Republican voter Nicole Roesch. "We see it in older people in our lives and it’s just, you have to make the call what’s best for the American people."

Roesch said Biden is no longer fit for the role and feels confident Trump will take the win.

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"We're voting for Trump, we’re voting Republican," Roesch said. "Just history within our family and we feel that he is the strongest candidate to take America where it needs to go. I think it's stronger and solidifies Trump's position."

As for independent voters, they said the decision may not be as easy.

"I feel as an independent voter, I feel I would really vote for what's best for the U.S. right now," Jennifer Sharify said. "The way things are going, it’s a scary world. I have four children and I just want it to be a good place.”

On X, Biden said he will speak to the nation later this week about his decision.