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Vice President Kamala Harris wasted no time launching her 2024 presidential campaign, garnering the support of fellow Democrats with President Joe Biden’s endorsement after he withdrew from the race due to concerns about his age and health.
Campaign officials and allies acted swiftly on Sunday, making hundreds of calls to Democratic Party convention delegates next month, urging them to nominate Harris for the November election against Republican Donald Trump. The calls, aimed at dissuading potential Democratic challengers, commenced shortly after Biden, aged 81, exited the race.
Democratic state party chairs also threw their weight behind Harris in a decisive phone call, as confirmed by several participants. Harris herself engaged with key figures such as Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro, potential vice presidential candidate, House Democratic leader Hakeem Jeffries, and Congressional Black Caucus chair Representative Steven Horsford.
Harris, a 59-year-old Black and Asian-American woman, represents a stark contrast to the 78-year-old Trump, promising a generational and cultural divergence. Notably, the United States has never elected a female president in its history.
“Harris will be easier to beat than Joe Biden would have been,” remarked Trump on CNN following Biden’s announcement. Biden, the oldest person to have occupied the Oval Office, pledged to remain in office until January 20, 2025, while endorsing Harris to succeed him.
The White House scheduled Harris to deliver remarks on Monday morning, celebrating NCAA 2023-24 college championship teams on the South Lawn. Biden, facing mounting questions about his mental sharpness, becomes the first sitting president since Lyndon B. Johnson in 1968 to forego seeking reelection.
Despite early endorsements for Harris, speculation about an open convention at the Democratic gathering in Chicago from August 19-22 persisted. Former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and ex-President Barack Obama refrained from endorsements but praised Biden.
Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer and Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear, potential challengers, did not mention Harris in their statements. Democratic National Committee Chair Jaime Harrison confirmed forthcoming steps in the nomination process amidst Biden’s withdrawal reshaping the White House race.
Biden, yet to appear publicly since testing positive for COVID-19, articulated his intention to address the nation this week, reiterating his decision to step aside for the party’s benefit. Congressional Republicans called for his immediate resignation, advocating for Harris to assume office.
Johnson, House Speaker and a Republican, highlighted concerns about Biden’s ability to govern effectively given the remaining months of his term. Biden’s decision to seek reelection despite previous suggestions of being a transitional figure created challenges for his campaign, compounded by a debate performance that raised doubts about his electoral viability and fitness for office.
