It took just one day after announcing her candidacy for Kamala Harris to secure not only record donations but also the support of enough Democratic voters to officially receive the party’s anointing.
An Associated Press poll showed Harris had received the endorsement of more than the 1,976 delegates needed to win the nomination in the first round of voting. Voters in at least 27 states have issued statements endorsing Harris, according to CBS.
This development means that we are unlikely to see another executive step forward to claim the nomination, although the fact that Barack Obama has so far avoided openly expressing his support for Kamala Harris has many talking about a Michelle Obama candidacy.
106 days of hard work to defeat Trump
Speaking at her campaign headquarters in Wilmington, Delaware, on Monday night, Ms Harris told those working for her victory: “We have 106 days until Election Day, and in that time, we have the hard work to do.”
She also presented her vision for the country in contrast to Trump’s.
“Our campaign has always been about two different versions of what we see as the future of our country,” he said. “One focuses on the future, the other on the past. Donald Trump wants to take our country backwards… We believe in a better future that will make room for all Americans,” he said.
Donald Trump wants to take our country back to a time when many of our fellow Americans had full freedoms and rights, but we believe in a better future that makes room for all Americans.
We believe in a future where every person has the opportunity not only to survive,…
-Kamala Harris (@KamalaHarris) July 23, 2024
He also highlighted Biden’s accomplishments, saying his time as vice president was “one of the greatest honors of my life.”
It was one of the greatest honors of my life to serve as Vice President to the President @Joe Biden.
Joe’s legacy of accomplishments is unmatched in modern history. pic.twitter.com/tMQrerMYu5
-Kamala Harris (@KamalaHarris) July 23, 2024
Harris spoke of a “rollercoaster” of emotions because “I love Joe Biden and I know we all do.” She promised to work hard to unite Democrats and the country as a whole.
Biden: Give your whole heart to Kamala
Before Harris took the stage, Joe Biden delivered his first remarks since dropping out of the 2024 race via video call.
He thanked aides and told them to “embrace” Ms Harris because “she’s the best”. “I know yesterday’s news was heartbreaking and hard to hear, but it was the right thing to do,” Mr Biden told them.
He acknowledged that the group had put “heart and soul” into helping him stay in office for a second term, but said, “I’m not going anywhere” and vowed to remain “fully committed” to the campaign. “I expect you to give all the heart and soul that you gave to me and Kamala,” he said, concluding, “There is still a need to save this democracy. Trump is still a danger to this nation.”
Biden is expected to return to the White House on Tuesday night after isolating in Delaware.