Joe Biden is out and Kamala Harris is in. Disenchanted voters are taking a new look at their choices

WASHINGTON (AP) — Carolyn Valone was not going to cast a presidential vote in November.

The 84-year-old Democrat from St. Louis said she “just cannot forgive Joe Biden for Gaza” and his continued support for the Israeli counteroffensive against Hamas.

Matteo Saracco and Cooper Brock, two 25-year-old traffic planners in Atlanta, were prepared to vote for Biden over Republican Donald Trump. But neither was thrilled with the idea of a rematch of the 2020 election between two men who were then already a combined 150 years old.

“I was kind of hoping something would change,” Saracco said of watching Biden, now 81, age over his three-plus years in office.

And then it did.

“It’s a fresh choice now,” said Valone, explaining her willingness to give Vice President Kamala Harris, now the likely Democratic nominee, a chance after Biden ended his reelection bid.

What to know about the 2024 Election

• Democracy: American democracy has overcome big stress tests since 2020. More challenges lie ahead in 2024.
• AP’s Role: The Associated Press is the most trusted source of information on election night, with a history of accuracy dating to 1848. Learn more.
• Stay informed. Keep your pulse on the news with breaking news email alerts. Sign up here.

Valone, Saracco and Brock reflect what had come to define the 2024 presidential campaign: The wide swath of voters who were disillusioned or dissatisfied with having to choose between the same two men who waged a bitter national fight four years ago.

Now, those voters, especially those who lean left, are expressing a renewed interest in the campaign and are eager to see Harris take on the Democratic Party mantle in place of Biden.

“I don’t know enough about her yet but I look forward to learning more,” Brock