Hubertus Heil is currently sitting with campaign strategists from the US Democrats – when the news of Biden’s withdrawal hits the mobile phones. What are the reactions?
After incumbent Joe Biden withdrew from the race for the next US presidency, Federal Labor Minister Hubertus Heil (SPD) hopes that Republican candidate Donald Trump will lose the race for the White House. “The news of Joe Biden’s decision is of historic importance,” Heil said in a dpa video interview in Washington. “This is now an open presidential race again, and that is also important for us in Germany and Europe.”
Special moment in Washington
When Biden announced on social media Instagram, Facebook and X that he would no longer be running in the November election, Heil sat with Democratic campaign strategists in Washington and was briefed on the state of affairs. Suddenly, the cell phones in the group announced Biden’s move. There was a prompt sigh of relief – and hope that Biden’s deputy Kamala Harris would lead the Democrats to success as a candidate.
Heil dutifully stated that the federal government had also worked well with the Trump administration and was prepared for all scenarios. “But I can say that many observers here in Washington are very, very relieved that this decision has been made.” Biden probably had little chance – just because of his age – was heard from Democratic campaign strategists at the meeting.
Healing about his personal hope
“Personally, I have great respect for Joe Biden’s decision. This is a big step by a great man who has achieved a lot for his country and for the world,” said Heil. Now, “it’s an open race again.” Right-wing populists have lost and Democrats have won in other countries too – in France, for example, in Great Britain and in Poland. “That gives us hope that these elections can turn out well here too.”
Heil agreed with his Democratic interlocutors that a jolt would now go through the unsettled party. “I assume that the observers are right: The Democrats will not fall apart now, but will stand together and they want to win this election.
The federal government must be prepared for anything. “We hope for the best and must also expect difficulties. But of course my personal sympathies as a Democrat, as a Social Democrat, are with Kamala Harris, and I hope that she will be able to win with a strong campaign.”
Source: Stern
I have been working in the news industry for over 6 years, first as a reporter and now as an editor. I have covered politics extensively, and my work has appeared in major newspapers and online news outlets around the world. In addition to my writing, I also contribute regularly to 24 Hours World.
