Kamala Harris Garnering Support from Democratic Party Leaders
Since stepping up to vie for the Democratic presidential nomination in place of Joe Biden, Kamala Harris has swiftly gained the endorsement of various high-profile party members. Following his announcement to withdraw from the US election, Biden wasted no time in throwing his support behind his vice president, urging party unity in ousting Trump.
With the likes of former president Bill Clinton among them, several influential Democrats have voiced their support for Harris. This wave of endorsement led to a tremendous influx of donations, with nearly $50m raised, marking the party’s most lucrative fundraising day of the year.
Despite these backing, Harris faced a setback when ex-president Barack Obama refrained from formally endorsing her, opting instead to support the overall Democratic process to nurture an outstanding nominee.
Notably, former House speaker Nancy Pelosi, House minority leader Hakeem Jeffries, and Senate majority leader Chuck Schumer stopped short of explicitly endorsing Harris in their responses to Biden’s departure.
The Road Ahead for Kamala Harris
Looking ahead, Harris aims to secure the presidential nomination uncontested; however, the party lacks any formal mechanism to select a new candidate before the convention commences on August 19th.
Winning the nomination requires the support of the majority of the party’s approximately 4,000 delegates, a feat Biden nearly accomplished by garnering around 3,900 during the primaries.
Speculation suggests that Senator Joe Manchin of West Virginia might throw his hat into the ring after leaving the Democrats earlier this year to become an independent.
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Parallels in Popularity Indicated for Harris similar to Biden
Although limited surveys are available in the early stages, recent polls indicate that she is garnering comparable favorability ratings to Mr. Biden.
On July 16th, a Reuters-Ipsos poll revealed Ms. Harris being at an equal standing with Donald Trump, both at 44% each.
In her initial declaration, Ms. Harris pledged to “merit and secure” the nomination, stating: “I am vying for the position of President of the United States. It has been my esteemed privilege to serve alongside our Commander-in-Chief, my ally, President Joe Biden – one of the most exceptional public servants we shall ever encounter.
“I am privileged to have his backing and endorsement, and I am enthusiastic about running on the accomplishments Joe and I have achieved collectively.”
Learn more:
Potential Successors to Joe Biden as he Steps Aside
Exploring Kamala Harris – Biden’s Favored Successor
Trump’s Critique on Biden’s Presidency
She is set to make her inaugural public appearance since Mr. Biden’s departure on Monday morning, filling in for him at a White House function for the National Collegiate Athletic Association.
Ms. Harris has yet to reveal her vice presidential candidate, but prominent Democrats who promptly endorsed her are among those being considered – including California Governor Gavin Newsom, Pennsylvania’s Josh Shapiro, North Carolina’s Roy Cooper, and Arizona Senator Mark Kelly.
It is believed that she spent Sunday with her family and team, contacting over 100 officials to secure their backing.
Mr. Biden’s resolution concludes 25 days of pressure for him to resign following the previous TV debate against Mr. Trump, which was labeled as an “unmitigated disaster” and a “slow motion car crash” for the president.
Mr. Trump rallied support at the Republican National Convention after the attempted shooting at a rally in Pennsylvania.
