LEWISTON — After President Joe Biden bowed out of the 2024 presidential election Sunday, and as Vice President Kamala Harris steps in as the presumptive Democratic Party nominee, the feeling on the street is a mixed bag.

As Democrats put behind them 25 days of damage control since Biden’s weak showing in the June 27 debate with former president and Republican nominee Donald Trump, they also fear a close race come Election Day on Nov. 6.

Mandy Libby of Lewiston. Daryn Slover/Sun Journal

Mandy Libby, 47, of Lewiston was perusing the stacks at Lewiston Public Library when she got the question many are burning to ask friends, family and coworkers: Is this a good sign? Who does it benefit and does it change your vote?

Libby said she is not sure if Biden stepping aside strengthens either party’s position, but Biden’s decision was the honorable thing to do. “If he can’t do it right now, if he’s sick, he needs to step aside. It’s what a good person does, a good leader.”

Libby said she voted for former President Donald Trump in 2016 because he is a businessman and is wealthy. She said she also voted for former President Barack Obama because he is a good speaker and knows how to bring people together.

“Even if (Trump) did corrupt things, maybe he can corrupt America out of some bad situations. Hey, a little bit of bad can make some good, right?”

Roger Strickland of Biddeford. Daryn Slover/Sun Journal

As for Biden’s replacement, likely to be Harris as Democrats nationwide call for her nomination, Libby still is not sure how she might vote.

“If the (replacement) is like Obama, I’d vote for them,” Libby said, “But I kind of wait until it’s getting close and then figure it out.”

Roger Strickland, 56, of Biddeford, was enjoying a hot dog at Simone’s Hot Dog Stand on Chestnut Street when he got the question, and he already had his answer ready: Biden’s decision to step aside changes nothing.

“I called it a week ago and I’m still voting Democrat,” Strickland said. “I absolutely think it’s fine for the ticket and she has a chance to win.”

Alexis Paradis of Portland. Daryn Slover/Sun Journal

Alexis Paradis, 26, of Portland was walking down Lisbon Street in Lewiston on her way to visit her mother Monday afternoon. Paradis stopped to say she was never going to vote for Trump, but is much more comfortable in her choices after the Sunday announcement.

“I hope it will help Democrats. It certainly helps my vote,” she said. “I would love to see a woman in power, but I don’t know if everyone else feels the same.”

Quinesha Edouard of Lewiston. Daryn Slover/Sun Journal

Lewiston resident Quinesha Edouard was taking a downtown stroll with her two young children when the question took her by surprise. After Biden’s performance in the June 27 debate affirmed her growing concerns about Biden’s ability, she was wondering whether she would go to the polls at all Nov. 6.

“I definitely don’t think Biden should continue in office,” Edouard said. “I think it’s good that there will be someone else to take his place. I think it will help all of us as a whole especially with all the rules he’s been making.”

Reshid Shankol, right, of Lewiston. Daryn Slover/Sun Journal

Dr. Reshid Shankol, 52, of Lewiston was chatting with his friend, Didier Mulumba, outside his Lisbon Street shop when he said the news came as a great relief to him. While Biden’s service and history are admirable, his ability to continue leading the country was too uncertain.

“If Biden continued to be the candidate, I wouldn’t vote in the election. I think that Biden is a very nice person, he’s one of the best presidents I could expect in my life, but he’s too old now. He has to be replaced. I respect all his contributions to this country, more than 50 years, he sacrificed a lot. He’s got a big heart, and I have much respect for him.”