Vice President Kamala Harris, speaking publicly for the first time since President Biden endorsed her, praised the President’s “legacy of accomplishment,” describing it as “unmatched in history.” Harris’s remarks came during a White House event celebrating NCAA championship teams, where she commended Biden for achieving more in one term than most presidents do in two.
Following Biden’s announcement, Harris’s campaign has seen an unprecedented surge in fundraising. Act Blue, the Democratic donation-processing site, reported that Harris raised over $50 million within 24 hours of announcing her candidacy, marking the biggest fundraising day of the 2024 cycle. This influx of donations has bolstered Harris’s position as she prepares to lead the Democratic ticket.
Governor Andy Beshear of Kentucky has also thrown his support behind Harris. In an interview on MSNBC’s “Morning Joe,” Beshear highlighted the stark contrast between Harris and her potential Republican opponents, further fueling speculation that he might be considered as a possible running mate. Beshear, who recently won re-election in a state that former President Trump carried in 2016 and 2020, has shown his political strength and appeal within the Democratic Party.
In another development, reports have surfaced that New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy is being considered as a potential vice-presidential nominee for Harris. Although Murphy has not confirmed any contact with Harris’s campaign, he acknowledged speaking with President Biden and reflected on the difficulty of Biden’s decision to withdraw. Murphy, who is term-limited and will leave office in January 2026, remains a significant figure within the party.
As Harris continues to gain momentum, she visited her campaign headquarters in Wilmington, Delaware, marking her first campaign engagement since Biden’s endorsement. The campaign, now rebranded as “Harris for President,” has shifted focus, with staff aligning their efforts behind Harris. The transition has been swift and efficient, reflecting the campaign’s readiness to take on the challenges ahead.
Meanwhile, Republicans are not without their criticisms. Former Republican National Committee Chair Shawn Steel has publicly questioned Harris’s qualifications to lead the country, pointing out the lack of endorsements from prominent Democrats like Barack Obama and Hillary Clinton. Steel’s remarks echo the sentiments of some within the GOP who view Harris’s candidacy with skepticism.
As the Democratic National Convention approaches, the party is gearing up for a potentially contentious nomination process. The Democratic National Committee has pledged a transparent and orderly procedure to ensure the selection of the most viable candidate to face the Republican nominee, likely to be former President Trump. With Harris at the forefront, the Democrats are navigating a pivotal moment in their campaign strategy.
West Virginia Senator Joe Manchin has stated he does not plan to run for president following President Biden’s withdrawal from the race. The former Democrat, who recently became an independent, told “CBS Mornings” he has no plans to run for office but called on Democrats to hold a “mini primary” to find the strongest candidate to defeat Donald Trump in November. His remarks follow reports he was considering registering as a Democrat again to run against Vice President Harris.
Former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi has also endorsed Harris’s presidential bid. In a statement, Pelosi praised Harris’s “strength and courage” and expressed complete confidence in her ability to lead Democrats to victory in November. Pelosi also saluted President Biden’s leadership, calling him one of the nation’s most consequential presidents.
New York City Mayor Eric Adams has endorsed Kamala Harris for President, stating that she is the voice the Democratic Party needs right now. Adams emphasized that Harris could help reclaim African American and Hispanic voters who have strayed from the party. Governor Kathy Hochul of New York has also thrown her full support behind Harris, stating that the race between Harris and former President Trump is about preserving democracy.
The recent change at the top of the Democratic ticket, with Vice President Kamala Harris stepping in for President Biden, is unlikely to have a significant impact on the political landscape in Florida, according to Barry University Political Science expert Dr. Sean Foreman. Dr. Foreman notes that Harris is expected to perform worse in Florida than Biden, and the state will not need to reprint ballots due to this change. He points out that such a mid-race alteration is highly irregular and could lead to legal challenges, complicating the timing of the Democratic presidential nomination. Foreman suggests that an open and competitive primary would have been more effective in addressing issues important to Democratic voters rather than simply focusing on defeating Trump.
Meanwhile, reactions from Florida lawmakers are mixed, with Republican Congresswoman Maria Elvira Salazar criticizing the fairness of the switch, while Democratic Congresswoman Debbie Wasserman Schultz and Party Chair Nikki Fried express strong support for Harris and Biden’s decision.
Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer has joined other Midwestern Democratic governors in endorsing Harris, expressing her enthusiasm to support Harris and serve as co-chair of her campaign. Whitmer, viewed as a potential vice-presidential pick for Harris, emphasized the importance of Michigan as a must-win state for Democrats.
In California, the Senate Democratic Caucus has voted to endorse Harris, with Senate President Mike McGuire stating that no one is more qualified than Harris to “protect our democracy from Donald Trump and his extremist movement.”
Texas Governor Greg Abbott is threatening to intensify security measures at the border following President Biden’s endorsement of Vice President Kamala Harris for the 2024 presidential race. Abbott announced on X, “I think I will need to triple the border wall, razor wire barriers, and National Guard on the border.” This comes three years after Biden assigned Harris to collaborate with Mexico and other countries to address the immigration crisis. Since Biden took office, approximately 3.7 million immigrants have entered the country illegally, prompting Abbott’s renewed call for heightened border security.
