ATLANTA — With people constantly coming and going at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, 11Alive spoke to passengers about President Joe Biden's decision to withdraw from the 2024 presidential race.
"Coming home from the airport, I didn’t expect to read that on the news. Yeah, it was a shock, for sure," said one passenger who didn't know about the president's decision until he landed.
"I was tremendously relieved. I felt really helpless going into the election," added another.
11Alive ended up telling some people about the news, as they had just gotten off a plane and hadn't heard yet.
"I’m surprised," said one passenger who didn't yet know about the announcement. "A lot of people say Biden is old and everything, but I say give the man a chance."
"I don’t think it’s very surprising, but I think it’s a very good choice," said another passenger after arriving at Hartsfield-Jackson. "In my eyes, he’s not very competent. And I think it’s going to give the nation a better opportunity to choose between two people."
Some passengers 11Alive spoke with also shared concerns about the president's health.
"I was wondering was he alright, thinking about his health," said one man who was trying to get back to Texas. "He’s a person just like we are, and we should be kind to one another."
"He looked health-wise that he was not feeling 100%," added one woman. "And I think he made a good decision."
"I think a man that can’t get up a flight of stairs shouldn’t run our country," said one man.
"He’s served his country well," said a man in the atrium. "As far as his health, his strength, his family, he did his part. I think being an American, we all have a part. He’s done his part, he served well. We’re just hoping we can get someone in the White House that does the right thing."
People also discussed their thoughts on the president's endorsement of Vice President Kamala Harris.
"I believe she’ll do a good job," said one passenger.
"Harris wouldn’t have necessarily been my first choice for the Democratic nominee," said one Atlantan arriving home. "But I feel like I can look someone in the eyes and say with a straight face that I support her candidacy, which was something I didn’t truly feel about Biden."
"I support her," said a passenger. "I’d love to see our first woman president. I support her 100%."