US Vice President Kamala Harris is racing to secure Democratic support and the party’s nomination to challenge Donald Trump in November after President Joe Biden’s unexpected exit. With Biden’s endorsement, Harris, 59, has quickly garnered support from numerous Democrats as she begins her campaign with a White House event.
However, Harris still needs to win over some key hold-outs to wrap up the nomination, potentially as early as August 1, while some Democrats are calling for an open primary for transparency. As America’s first female, Black, and South Asian vice president, she has a unique opportunity to unify the party following Biden’s historic decision to step aside, which has energized the party and transformed the election landscape.
On Sunday, Harris spent over 10 hours calling more than 100 party leaders, members of Congress, governors, and other figures, expressing her gratitude for Biden’s endorsement and her commitment to earning the nomination. She reportedly spoke with former President Barack Obama, who notably did not endorse her on Sunday.
The Democratic party has pledged a “transparent and orderly process” to replace Biden, who stepped down due to concerns over his age and mental acuity after a poor debate performance against Trump. Independent Senator Joe Manchin, a potential rival, ruled out running against her.
Harris’s campaign has raised an impressive $49.6 million in grassroots donations within 24 hours of Biden’s endorsement. Her entry into the race challenges Trump’s campaign, which had focused on Biden’s age, and puts Trump, a convicted felon, against a woman and former prosecutor.
Despite facing challenges in a fast-paced process, Harris’s approval ratings have been low due to a lackluster first two years in the White House, and she is polling neck-and-neck with Trump. However, this may change as she takes charge of her image during her campaign.
Potential convention delegates are expected to vote on August 1 to formally nominate Harris, with potential challengers like California Governor Gavin Newsom and Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear backing her. Beshear’s support has also sparked speculation about his potential vice-presidential candidacy.
Many Democratic lawmakers and party leaders, including a third of US senators and prominent figures like Bill and Hillary Clinton, have rallied behind Harris. However, influential names like Obama, House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, former Speaker Nancy Pelosi, and Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer initially held back their endorsements.
The Democratic ticket has faced turmoil since Biden’s poor debate performance in June, with Republicans uniting around Trump after an assassination attempt at a Pennsylvania rally. Biden, recovering from Covid at his Delaware beach house, ultimately decided to step down, calling his presidency the “greatest honor of my life” and pledging his full support for Kamala Harris.
