Editorial: What does Biden's withdrawal mean for Pennsylvania voters?

On Sunday afternoon, President Joe Biden posted to social media a letter that was both surprising and anticipated.

He bowed out of the presidential election.

It was surprising because it is really unheard of at this point in an election year. The closest analog is when Lyndon B. Johnson stepped out of his reelection. He did that March 31, 1968 — 219 days before the November election in which Americans chose Richard Nixon over Hubert Humphrey.

It has been anticipated, however, since the June 27 debate with former president and now GOP nominee Donald Trump. Biden’s performance alarmed many supporters because it spotlighted his limitations as an 81-year-old man. While he followed it with appearances and interviews meant to shore up support and assuage fears, every day brought more questions, more concerns and more Democrats asking the president to step aside.

Biden followed his announcement Sunday with an endorsement of Vice President Kamala Harris. Whether that is the direction the Democratic Party goes remains to be seen. While it seems likely, as significant party members — including former President Bill Clinton and wife and 2016 nominee Hillary Clinton — came out with their support, the Democratic National Convention is still weeks away.

Everything from here out matters in Pennsylvania.

Yes, it matters everywhere, but Pennsylvania is the biggest prize in the short list of swing states. Its 19 electoral votes have been awarded to Democrats and Republicans alike. Since 1968, Keystone State voters have picked the president all but twice — in 2000 and 2004. If you want to win the White House, speaking to the needs of Pennsylvanians is key.

Additionally, this is more than just the president withdrawing from the contest. If Harris is the party’s pick, that opens the vice president’s slot. Among the top names being discussed are two major Democratic swing state governors. One is Gretchen Whitmer of Michigan. The other is Pennsylvania’s Josh Shapiro.

”President Biden is a patriot who has served our country honorably in the Senate, as Vice President, and as one of the most consequential presidents in modern history. President Biden has gotten an incredible amount done to move our country forward, defend our democracy, and protect real freedom. I am proud to work by his side and am grateful for his leadership and his unwavering commitment to delivering for Pennsylvania — the Commonwealth that raised him,” Shapiro posted on the social media platform X on Sunday.

Shapiro could be tapped for that job. It could be seen as a counter to the GOP pick of U.S. Sen. J.D. Vance, R-Ohio. Both are younger, rising leaders in their party.

Where Vance is a pick in a state that is already all but cemented in Trump’s column, Shapiro could make a real difference in Pennsylvania. And that could be instrumental in the state where Trump was the victim of an assassination attempt July 13.

But whether Shapiro is offered the vice presidential slot — or whether he accepts it — is immaterial.

What matters is that he is being mentioned as part of the discussion. Biden leaned heavily on his Pennsylvania roots in his campaigning, both nationally and in the Keystone State. Shapiro’s name being bandied about at this historic time is acknowledgment of what everyone has always known.

The way to the White House is through the 67 counties of Pennsylvania.