US Vice President Kamala Harris announced that will seek the Democratic presidential nomination after Joe Biden’s exit from the 2024 racewhile endorsing his former running mate to take his place.
“I am honored to have the President’s endorsement and intend to win this nomination,” Harris said in a statement Sunday.I will do everything in my power to unite the Democratic Party, and unite our nation, to defeat Donald Trump.”.
Biden, the oldest US president in history at 81, said on Sunday he would not seek re-election, reversing his decision after weeks of mounting pressure to drop his candidacy from fellow Democrats.
A disastrous debate performance in June set off a political nightmare for Democrats, who feared Biden would be unable to prevent Trump from returning to the White House.
Biden endorsed Harris, 59, as the Democratic nominee, saying she had his “full support.” The president and Harris spoke several times Sunday before he announced his decision, according to a person familiar with the conversations.
However, The president’s decision comes just weeks before the convention in Chicago, which could open the door to chaos if other candidates decide to enter the race.
Harris — the first Black and Asian vice president — is popular among key sectors of the Democratic base and could rally support among voters.The image of overlooking Harris would also be politically risky for the party, which relies heavily on the participation of people of color.including black women.
Several prominent Democrats and liberal groups offered their support to Harris shortly after Biden’s announcement, including former President Bill Clinton and 2016 Democratic nominee Hillary Clinton, as well as progressive icon Senator Elizabeth Warren and major Democratic donor Reid Hoffman.
Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer does not intend to challenge Harris for the nomination, according to a person with knowledge of the matter.
According to CBS News, California Governor, Gavin Newsom is also not scheduled to run against Harris. Newsom and Whitmer were considered possible candidates for the nomination.
Democratic National Committee Chairman Jaime Harrison said Sunday that “the American people will hear from the Democratic Party about what the next steps will be and the path forward in the nominating process.”
Harris has yet to be tested in the front row of the ticket. He ran for president in 2020, but ended his campaign before a single vote was cast.
Trump told CNN in an interview on Sunday that he thinks Harris will be easier to beat. However, Polls in recent weeks have shown Harris performing better against Trump than the president.
His standing among voters in key states has also improved after a shaky start to his term. A Bloomberg News/Morning Consult poll conducted in July found that 77% of Democrats said they would support Harris if Biden were no longer able to continue his campaign.
Harris came under attack early in the presidential race as polls showed unease among voters about Biden’s age and physical condition, and Republicans said that a vote for the incumbent was a vote for his running mate.
One of the main reasons whyWhat made Harris emerge as Biden’s most practical successor was her legal ability to access campaign funds. She is also the most recognized alternative candidate.
Some observers have expressed concern about the possibility that Harris’s immediate coronation as heir apparent may seem undemocraticespecially considering that Biden won the nomination during the primaries.
Some Democrats have called for an open convention, where potential candidates could compete for the nomination. However, it is unclear whether other party figures will challenge Harris.
Will Jawando, a Democratic delegate from Maryland and former Obama administration official, said he would not support a so-called “mini-primary,” stressing the need for the party to unite with about three months to go until election day.
“We don’t have time for that,” Jawando said. “The only way Donald Trump can win is if we’re divided right now and we don’t support the vice president.”
