While Rep. Pallone thanked Biden, Rep. Smith said his withdrawal “underscores questions about who has been running the administration.”
Carly Baldwin,Patch Staff
Posted Mon, Jul 22, 2024
MIDDLETOWN, NJ — Middletown is represented by two Congressmen in Washington, D.C.: North Middletown and the area along the Raritan Bay (Keansburg, Leonardo, Belford, Port Monmouth) is represented by Rep. Frank Pallone, a Democrat.
And south Middletown, Holmdel, Colts Neck, Lincroft and Tinton Falls, plus Rumson and Fair Haven, is represented by Rep. Chris Smith, a Republican.
Not surprisingly, the two had vastly different views on President Biden’s announcement Sunday he is dropping out of the race for U.S. President. Meanwhile, Gov. Phil Murphy is being named as a possible vice president candidate to run with Kamala Harris, according to the latest report in the New Jersey Globe.
Smith, the Republican, accused Biden of not being honest with the American people in his decision to withdraw from the race.
“Biden’s withdrawal underscores serious, ongoing questions about who has been running the administration and who has been making significant decisions about America’s international security — especially as it relates to Russia, Ukraine, China and the Middle East,” said Rep. Smith on Monday. “And America’s domestic policies, including the egregiously misguided and dangerous open border.”
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Smith even implied Biden should step down as U.S. President if he is not running for re-election.
“He must be honest to the American people about his situation and tell us why he thinks he is not fit to run for President, but qualified to continue to serve in the most difficult and most important job in the world,” said Smith.
Smith already endorsed President Donald Trump, and Smith appeared on stage with Trump at Trump’s rally in Wildwood in May. Smith and South Jersey Congressman Jeff Van Drew are New Jersey’s only two remaining Republican representatives to Congress, and both have said they support Trump in 2024.
Meanwhile, Congressman Pallone thanked Biden for dropping out of the race.
“President Biden’s decision to step back from the nomination reflects his selflessness as a leader,” said Pallone Sunday night. “His legacy of putting his country first is underscored by more than fifty years of public service. I am grateful for his calm leadership while navigating the most challenging role on the planet, especially after four years of tumult and division sowed by Donald Trump.”
“Now, our party must come together to defeat the authoritarian policies of the Republican nominee and ensure American democracy endures,” said the Democrat.
“I’m proud to endorse Kamala Harris for President,” said Pallone. “Under President Biden and Vice President Harris, we have seen America forge ahead with the strongest economy in the Western world, historically low unemployment, and strong job creation. This election will be an accomplished prosecutor versus a convicted felon. Kamala Harris is the leader we need to drive real change and ensure everyone has a fair shot.”
Who’s Been Running The White House? Rep. Smith On Biden’s Withdrawal | Middletown, NJ Patch
