Biden’s withdrawal from presidential race stirs mixed reactions among expatriates in Finland

U.S. President Joe Biden’s withdrawal from the presidential race has elicited mixed reactions from American expatriates residing in Finland. Oli Arthurs, a resident of Oulu originally from Florida, expressed relief upon hearing the news. He noted that Biden had not been a popular candidate, particularly among Republicans, and that Democrats were also dissatisfied with him. “I think his age affected his capability. People talked about his health and mental acuity. He wasn’t strong enough to serve another four years as president,” Arthurs said. He has been closely following the campaign from abroad, acknowledging its personal impact on both him and his family in Florida.

Matthew Bowen, who moved to Pori over seven years ago, also felt relieved by Biden’s decision but noted ongoing uncertainty about finding a suitable challenger to Donald Trump. He speculated on potential candidates, indicating that while Michelle Obama might defeat Trump, he questioned her potential leadership. Bowen emphasized the need for debate focus on critical issues such as abortion, immigration, and border policies, criticizing previous debates for their lack of substance.

Research professor Bruce Forbes, who has lived in Rovaniemi for many years, identified himself as a liberal and expressed relief at Biden’s exit, stating it came too late. He suggested the Democrats should seek a different candidate, favoring a woman like Michigan’s Governor Gretchen Whitmer. Regardless of the Democratic nominee, he doesn’t anticipate a civilized electoral battle.

According to Kirk Ylitalo from Porvoo, he was somewhat surprised by Biden’s exit but recognized the mounting pressure on him to withdraw. With over ten years in Finland, he plans to engage more with the campaign as the November elections approach, hopeful for a more competitive Democratic candidate.