In a dramatic turn of events, U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris praised President Joe Biden for his significant contributions to the country in her first public appearance since Biden's surprising exit from the 2024 presidential race. At a White House event honoring college athletes on Monday, Harris highlighted Biden’s remarkable legacy.
“Joe Biden’s legacy over the past three years is truly unmatched,” Harris declared. “Every single day, President Biden has championed the American people, and we owe him a deep debt of gratitude for his unwavering dedication to our nation.”
Harris, however, didn't directly address her new role as the leading Democratic contender for president, following Biden’s sudden decision to step down. Biden’s exit, driven by mounting pressure from within his party, has left Harris as the de facto Democratic nominee.
As Biden’s endorsement shifts the political landscape, campaign officials and allies are already rallying support for Harris. They’ve made countless calls urging delegates to back her nomination at next month's Democratic National Convention. The upcoming convention, set for August 19-22 in Chicago, will be crucial as Harris gears up to face Republican Donald Trump in the November 5 election.
The political arena has been nothing short of turbulent lately. Biden’s withdrawal comes amid a tumultuous White House race that has seen former President Trump’s near-assassination by a gunman and the nomination of Trump’s ally, U.S. Senator J.D. Vance, as his running mate.
Harris took to social media, announcing that she would be visiting what was previously Biden’s campaign headquarters in Delaware—now her own campaign base. Despite Biden testing positive for COVID-19 last week, Harris reported that the President is on the mend.
A wave of prominent Democrats, previously considered potential rivals to Harris, have rallied behind her. This includes notable figures like Governors Gretchen Whitmer of Michigan, Gavin Newsom of California, and Andy Beshear of Kentucky. Their support signals a unified front within the party as Harris seeks to secure the nomination.
In her statement on Sunday, Harris expressed her commitment to the campaign, saying, “My intention is to earn and win this nomination. I will do everything in my power to unite the Democratic Party—and our nation—to defeat Donald Trump.”
Harris, who brings a distinctive generational and cultural contrast to Trump, would be the first Black and Asian American president if elected. This new dynamic has stirred anticipation and also prompted Trump’s campaign to prepare a detailed critique of Harris. They have accused her of holding more liberal stances than Biden, pointing to her previous support for policies like abolishing the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agency, decriminalizing border crossings, and endorsing the Green New Deal.
However, Harris’s stances on these issues during her 2020 presidential bid were more liberal compared to the current administration’s policies, particularly concerning border security and law enforcement.
At 81, Biden remains the oldest person to have ever occupied the Oval Office and has pledged to complete his term, which concludes on January 20, 2025. His performance during a debate with Trump in late June, however, sparked calls from senior Democrats for him to exit the race, while Republicans have questioned his fitness to govern if he can’t campaign effectively.
Amidst the political whirlwind, Harris has been busy making strategic moves. On Sunday, she was seen working the phones in a Howard University sweatshirt, eating pizza with anchovies, and engaging with key figures like Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro and House Democratic leader Hakeem Jeffries.
Meanwhile, Trump, who has continued to propagate false claims about his 2020 election loss, voiced skepticism about the Democrats’ decision to change candidates. On his Truth Social platform, he alleged, “They stole the race from Biden after he won it in the primaries.”
Despite the early wave of support for Harris, discussions about an open convention remain. Prominent Democrats like former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and former President Barack Obama have yet to make endorsements, although both have praised Biden. Additionally, billionaire Michael Bloomberg, a significant Democratic donor, has urged the party to gauge voter sentiment before finalizing any decisions.
As the Democratic National Committee prepares for the nomination process, Chair Jaime Harrison has promised that details about the next steps will be announced soon.
The Path Forward for Kamala Harris
Harris, a former California Attorney General and U.S. Senator, is expected to largely adhere to Biden’s foreign policy strategies regarding China, Iran, and Ukraine. However, if she becomes the Democratic nominee and wins the election, she might adopt a more assertive stance on issues like the Gaza conflict.
Abortion rights have been a significant focus for Harris, resonating strongly with younger and more progressive voters. Advocates believe her candidacy could energize these voters, consolidate Black support, and offer sharp debating skills against Trump.
Yet, some Democrats express concerns about Harris’s candidacy due to the historical challenges faced by women and people of color in U.S. presidential politics. Polling data reveals that Harris’s performance against Trump is statistically similar to Biden’s, with a recent Reuters/Ipsos poll showing them tied at 44% support each.
At the end of June, Biden’s campaign reported having $95 million in funds, while Trump’s campaign ended the month with $128 million. The transfer of funds to a Harris-led campaign remains a point of contention among experts. Notably, Harris's campaign raised $49.6 million in less than 24 hours following Biden’s exit, highlighting strong initial support.
Support from over 44,000 Black women and allies, including key political figures like Representatives Maxine Waters and Jasmine Crockett, has been substantial. They joined a three-hour call on Sunday evening, raising over $1.5 million for Harris’s campaign.
As Biden continues his recovery from COVID-19 in isolation at his Rehoboth Beach, Delaware, home, he is tentatively scheduled to meet Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu if his health permits.
In summary, Kamala Harris’s ascent to the forefront of the Democratic race represents a significant shift in the 2024 election landscape. With Biden’s endorsement and the rallying support from key Democrats and grassroots activists, Harris is poised to make a formidable run against Trump, setting the stage for a historic election battle.
Login