People across New Jersey reacted to President Biden’s speech with a mixture of admiration and disdain. Many applauded the 11-minute Oval Office address — including Biden’s rationale for exiting the race, and endorsing Kamala Harris.

“Nothing can come in the way of saving our democracy,” Biden said Wednesday night. “That includes personal ambition. So I’ve decided the best way forward is to pass the torch to a new generation.”

“I think it’s really gonna revitalize the younger base, and I think his choice is probably gonna bring a lot of voters to their camp,” said Xavier Blum, of Scotch Plains.

“I think it was a pretty easy decision for him. There was a lot of people saying he couldn’t do interviews cause of his physical ability — he was not ready for it,” added Javier Gutierrez, also from Scotch Plains.

Rutgers Eagleton Institute director Ashley Koning said, “There could be arguments still made whether or not he’s fit to serve. I think he wanted to show himself, especially given all of the rumors. Is he critically ill? Did something — God forbid — worse happen? I think he wanted to show that he is, you know, alive and well.”

Stepping down freed Biden from the rigors of campaigning, Koning said. But some complained the president’s sometimes stumbling speech didn’t really answer their nagging questions about Biden’s mental and physical fitness.

“I think he could’ve given a little bit more,” said Adrianna Norton of Westfield. “It was quick. And robotic, I feel.”

Meanwhile, conservative Tamela Beene said, she found little, if anything, to praise about the speech or Kamala Harris.

“The puppeteer changes the marionette doll. But it’s still the puppeteer. Does that make sense? It doesn’t matter, really, who’s in the office. It’s gonna be the same.”

New Jersey hasn’t voted for a Republican president since George H.W. Bush in 1988. But Republicans have won statewide races since then and hold sway in some parts of the state.  Candidates at the top of the ticket impact races down-ballot.

“We’ve seen a groundswell of support coming especially from black women, from other voters of color, from women voters in general for Kamala Harris,” Koning said.

Rep. Mikie Sherrill (D-11th) was the first among New Jersey’s Congressional Democrats to endorse Harris. She says voters will demand a President who eases inflation and improves transit — and that Biden did the right thing.

“You hear it across the board: someone who can prosecute the case against Donald Trump, somebody who is a fierce advocate for abortion and women’s rights,” she said. “I think she’s going to be a great champion for New Jersey, not just for affordability, not just for abortion — but for who we are as Americans, and for opportunity across this nation. So I’m thrilled.”

Harris has about three weeks to go before Democrats convene in Chicago.