Topline
Key Democrats backed Vice President Kamala Harris as the party’s nominee for president, who announced she is running to replace President Joe Biden after he left the race Sunday and endorsed her to take his place on the ticket.
Vice President Kamala Harris speaks at a labor conference.
Key Facts
Politico reports that a large group of current and former members of the Democratic National Convention have signed a letter endorsing Vice President Kamala Harris, who they say they favor for her experience as a prosecutor, as well as her “resolve and fortitude in the face of racist and sexist attacks by MAGA Republicans.”
Arizona Senator Mark Kelly, reportedly a possible pick for Harris’ running mate, endorsed her via X late Sunday afternoon.
Several candidates are using their backing to call for unity under Harris, including Senator Tim Kaine of Virginia and Congressman Andy Kim of New Jersey.
Former President Bill Clinton and former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton published a joint statement to X endorsing Harris, saying that the two “are honored to join the President in endorsing Vice President Harris and will do whatever we can to support her.”
Key Background
Biden announced Sunday afternoon he would not seek reelection in November after weeks of pressure from more than 30 elected Democrats for the 81-year-old to drop out of the race . Their calls followed his poor debate performance against former President Donald Trump last month and numerous speaking gaffes, including once calling Harris “Vice President Trump.” Soon after he released his first statement, Biden released a second endorsing Harris, who is seeing mixed results in polls against Trump, though she currently polls better than lesser-known Democrats to take Biden’s place.
What To Watch For
Democrats have a few weeks before they officially choose a presidential nominee. The party’s 4,700 delegates will make their choice during a roll call vote between Aug. 1 and Aug. 7, including the 4,000 delegates who were previously slated to vote for Biden. The Democratic National Convention runs from Aug. 19 until Aug. 22.
What We Don’t Know
Who Harris will pick as her running mate. Sen. Mark Kelly, a Navy veteran and former astronaut, is the only rumored candidate so far to endorse Harris. Other possible Democrats who could run alongside her include California Gov. Gavin Newsom, North Carolina Gov. Roy Cooper, Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear, Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer, Georgia Sen. Raphael Warnock, Minnesota Sen. Amy Klobuchar, Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg and Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro. All but Warnock have made statements praising Biden for his work and decision to withdraw from the race.
Further Reading
Biden Drops Out Of 2024 Race—Here’s What Happens Next
Kamala Harris’ Running Mate: Here’s Who Could Be Her VP After Biden Drops Out And Endorses Her
Joe Biden’s Letter To Americans: Time ‘To Stand Down’
Biden Drops Out: GOP Threatens To Sue Over Ballot Change—Here’s Why It’s Unlikely To Succeed
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