Democrats are trying to solidify a ’Plan B’ after President Biden announced he’s dropping his bid for re-election. South Florida’s LGBTQ Democrats scrambled Sunday to react and figure out a way forward.
Moments after the news broke, Florida LGBTQ+ Democratic Caucus President Kristen Browde told OutSFL, “We pledge to fully support the nominee of our party.”
Questions of who that nominee will be were swirling after the announcement. Vice President Kamala Harris was quickly endorsed by Biden, but she needs to get the endorsement of delegates at the Democratic National Convention next month in Chicago.
Most official comments focused on thanking Biden for his service.
“The Florida LGBTQ+ Democratic Caucus salutes our President for his decades of leadership and his honor,” Browde said.
Dolphin Democrats President Alfredo Olvera echoed those comments, saying, “While we are heartbroken that this great man and leader will not be seeking reelection, we stand in support of his decision. President Joe Biden will always have a legacy of bravery and being a true patriot and champion of the people. Thank you Joe.”
He also endorsed Harris to get the nomination.
Todd Delmay, executive director at SAVE LGBTQ, also lauded the president and his potential successor. “President Biden has been a steadfast advocate for LGBTQ+ rights, and I felt immense pride standing behind him at the White House when he signed the Respect For Marriage Act in December 2022. Beside him in celebration stood Vice President Kamala Harris, a testament to her unwavering commitment to our community. It is my heartfelt personal belief that she is the ideal successor to President Biden as the nominee.”
Rand Hoch, founder of the Palm Beach County Human Rights Council, will be a delegate at the convention. He’s supporting Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer.
“I strongly feel we need a governor of a midwest state at the top of the ticket,” he said. “To balance the ticket we need to have someone who can motivate Black voters and young voters to turn out in record numbers.”
Hoch says it’s political practicality. “I’m more concerned about defeating Donald Trump and his ilk in November and I believe that’s why we need to let the people who elected delegates to the Democratic national convention make that decision.”
Looming over all announcements and endorsements is the specter of another Trump presidency. Questions about Biden’s ability to beat him a second time grew louder after a debate where he seemed unengaged and confused.
“We know without a doubt this nation cannot afford another four year Trump led disaster,” Browde said.
On Sunday, Biden was trailing by four or more points in Pennsylvania, Nevada, Arizona, North Carolina, and Georgia while also trailing in Michigan, Wisconsin, and Virginia, all states he won in 2020.
Trump leads by 6.3% in Florida. While this state isn’t considered ‘in play’ for democrats on a national level, Delmay stressed the importance of down-ballot races.
“it is crucial to remember that while national narratives capture attention, local races can also profoundly affect our daily lives. Under President Biden’s leadership, we’ve seen remarkable federal progress, yet we’ve also faced numerous setbacks at the state level. The importance of County races for Commission and Constitutional offices, school board elections, and municipal contests across Miami-Dade and Broward counties cannot be overstated. These local elections present critical opportunities to also shape the next four years.”
