ALBANY, N.Y. (NEWS10)---New York’s Lieutenant governor is adding his voice to the growing number of calls by Democrats saying President Joe Biden should drop out of the race.
Antonio Delgado stated in part, “He can add to his legacy, showing his strength and grace by ending his campaign and making room for a new leader.”
This is stark contrast to Governor Kathy Hochul who has touted her support for the president.
"It’s not a surprise that there are various voices that have emerged with different opinions from the Democratic Party," said Governor Hochul at a press conference in New York City. "But I stand firmly with the president. The last time I met with him personally, he said he’s in this race."
Jeff Wice, adjunct professor and senior fellow at NY Law School, said differing opinions is nothing new.
" Lieutenant governors and governors have often disagreed, have not been on the same page," explained Wice. "I haven’t seen this come up in terms of a presidential nomination split before. I think the lieutenant governor is trying to show his oats, possibly, for his own political future. But Governor Hochul is the leader of the Democratic Party in New York State, and she so far is sticking with President Biden."
As for New York’s Democratic congressional members, they too are split on the issue. Wice brought up left leaning Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez.
"Now she’s saying he needs to stay in the campaign too."
However, Representative Pat Ryan thinks otherwise.
"Because I believe, and know Joe Biden is a patriot, I think we have to put forward the strongest candidate to defeat Trump," said Ryan.
As for now….
"It’s still kind of a day-to-day situation to see what the president does, how well he does, and if he decides to stay in the race," said Wice.
