Hoosiers react to President Biden dropping out of 2024 race – Indianapolis News | Indiana Weather | Indiana Traffic

INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) — Massachusetts Avenue and Monument Circle were abuzz Sunday afternoon and evening as Hoosiers heard the news that Pres. Biden had withdrawn from the 2024 presidential race.

Many people said they felt a variety of emotions when they heard about the change, including relief, sadness and confusion.

First-time voter Andrew Parker was the first to say he was relieved by Biden’s decision.

“I was sitting in church and my buddy looked over at me and was like, ‘Yo, Biden just got out,’ and I was like, ‘Oh, that’s crazy,’” Parker said.

As a staunch Republican, he looks forward to voting for Trump.

Others, however, did not describe their feelings as relief. The word “sadness” was mentioned by several Indianapolis voters.

“I just think it’s a shame that he dropped out of the race at this point,” Amalia Batonbaka said. “I hope he supports someone else, other than what he, who he, supported.”

Those who felt neither relief nor sadness said they felt their voting plan was strengthened by Sunday’s announcement.

“I’m going to vote for Trump,” Davion Owens said. “I like Trump. I’ve liked Trump since the beginning, so yeah, I’m going to vote for Trump.”

But most importantly, voters in the region said they had not yet made a clear decision about what they would do if they were allowed to vote in November, and were even considering not voting at all.

Marq Owens said he lost confidence in Biden’s ability to run and win after his performance at the June presidential debate. He said that night underscored Biden’s age and competence.

Biden is now 81 years old and will turn 82 shortly after the November election.

Before he withdrew from the race, he was the oldest presidential candidate in American history.

With his decision on Sunday, Donald Trump becomes the oldest.

“Honestly, I didn’t want to vote at all, just like that, but I know people tell me it’s bad if you don’t vote, but I don’t know. I just feel like it’s hard to say right now that you should vote,” said Marq Owens.