In a dramatic turn of events, President Joe Biden has stepped down from the 2024 presidential race, paving the way for Vice President Kamala Harris to lead the Democratic ticket. This historic development unfolded on Monday, July 22, with a heartfelt endorsement from Biden himself, who is currently isolating due to COVID-19.
"I'm watching you kid, I love you," Biden stated during a surprise call into Harris's campaign headquarters in Wilmington, Delaware. His voice, slightly gravelly from the illness, resonated with unwavering support. For many, it was a touching moment that illustrated the deep bond between the president and his vice president.
Harris, 59, now stands on the brink of becoming the Democratic presidential nominee. In her address to the campaign staff, she expressed her profound admiration for Biden's legacy. “We love Joe and Jill, we really do,” she said, emphasizing the familial closeness they share. Biden echoed this sentiment, affirming, “It’s mutual.”
Biden’s decision to withdraw, while surprising, has been framed as a strategic move to unite the Democratic party behind Harris. “I know yesterday’s news is surprising and it’s hard for you to hear, but it was the right thing to do,” Biden reassured his campaign team, now aligned with Harris’s efforts. He promised to hit the road to rally for Harris, stating, “I’m not going anywhere.”
Harris's campaign wasted no time in leveraging the momentum. Within 24 hours of Biden’s announcement, her campaign raised an astounding $81 million from 880,000 individual donors, setting a new record for one-day fundraising in a presidential campaign.
In her first speech as the leading candidate, Harris highlighted her key policy directions and her stark contrasts with Republican nominee, former President Donald Trump. “As a young prosecutor... I specialized in cases involving sexual abuse. Donald Trump was found liable by a jury for committing sexual abuse,” she pointed out. Harris also compared her success in dismantling a for-profit college to Trump’s notorious Trump University scandal.
When discussing her future presidency, Harris vowed to prioritize reproductive freedom, gun control, and voting rights. “Building up the middle class will be a defining goal of my presidency,” she declared, promising to continue fighting for these critical issues.
Biden’s endorsement is seen as crucial for Harris, especially as she navigates internal party dynamics. While some key Democrats are still withholding their endorsements, Biden called on everyone to rally behind Harris. “I want to say to the team, embrace her. She’s the best,” he exclaimed during the call.
Harris's endorsement speech was both a tribute to Biden and a declaration of her own readiness to lead. “I know it's been a rollercoaster, and we're all filled with so many mixed emotions about this,” she shared with staff. Her remarks were emotionally charged, underscoring her respect and love for Biden.
As the campaign transitions, Harris announced retaining top Biden campaign staffers, including Jen O’Malley Dillon and Julie Chavez Rodriguez, underscoring continuity amidst change. “It is my intention to go out and earn this nomination – and to win,” she asserted, reinforcing her commitment to securing the presidency.
Harris’s early actions and Biden’s heartfelt endorsement set the stage for an intense and potentially transformative election campaign. Her bid not only aims to solidify Democratic leadership but also to address critical national issues with renewed vigor and distinct solutions.
Looking ahead, Harris’s campaign is expected to focus on rallying the Democratic base and reaching out to undecided voters, emphasizing unity, progress, and sharp contrasts with Trump’s policies. As Biden aptly concluded during his call-in, “God bless you all and God bless the United States of America − and Joe Biden.”
