Ex-NHL goalie Mike McKenna believes big change is needed in deciding US Presidential nominees

Ex-NHL goalie Mike McKenna has shared strong views on the U.S. presidential election process. He believes major changes are needed in how presidential nominees are chosen.

Mike McKenna took to X (formerly Twitter) to say the American people should have a bigger role in picking presidential nominees. Mike McKenna's comments follow President Biden's decision to drop out of the reelection race.

"The American people should decide Presidential nominees," Mike McKenna wrote.

On Sunday, President Biden said he will not run for reelection in 2024. He made the announcement after intense internal talks and high-level meetings over the weekend. Vice President Kamala Harris was the first to hear the news directly from Biden. He also met separately with White House Chief of Staff Jeff Zients and campaign chair Jen O’Malley Dillon to discuss his exit from the race.

White House staff was briefed on Biden’s decision at a meeting called by Zients at 1:45 p.m. Sunday. A formal announcement was made to the entire staff shortly afterward.

The decision followed extensive consultations with key advisors, including Senior Campaign Adviser Mike Donilon, White House Counselor Steve Ricchetti, Deputy Chief of Staff Annie Tomasini and Senior Adviser to the First Lady Anthony Bernal, all of whom were at the president’s vacation home.

Biden’s decision to exit the race followed pressure from the Democratic Party. His performance in a June 27 debate against Trump, which he blamed on jet lag, didn’t ease growing concerns among Democratic lawmakers. In the past week, 36 congressional Democrats publicly urged Biden to withdraw, worrying about his mental sharpness and the party’s future.

Reports suggest Biden was hesitant to withdraw until the last moment. He made the decision on Sunday afternoon after meetings with top advisors. As the 2024 election nears, Biden has endorsed Vice President Kamala Harris as the new Democratic candidate, leading to a significant change in the presidential race.

Mike McKenna's statement came after Joe Biden decided to step down from presidential candidature

Joe Biden announced on Sunday that he will not seek reelection, influencing the upcoming U.S. presidential race.

"I believe it is in the best interest of my party and the country for me to stand down," he tweeted.

Biden talked about progress in the economy, healthcare, veterans' care, gun safety and climate action during his term. He was 81 years old, and there were concerns about his age and capability to serve another term.

Previously, Biden asserted he was the best candidate to oppose Republican nominee Donald Trump. The Democratic Party will now have to choose a new candidate for the scheduled election on Nov. 5.