By Milton Kirby | Washington, DC – July 23, 2024

In a historic turn of events, President Joe Biden has ended his re-election campaign, endorsing Vice President Kamala Harris as his successor. After intense scrutiny and pressure following a poor debate performance on June 27th, the decision marks a significant shift in the Democratic primary landscape.

Biden’s debate performance was widely criticized, with some calling it the worst of his political career. In the aftermath, his party saw a surge in calls for him to step aside. Despite Biden’s initial declaration of commitment to the race, the persistent questioning from reporters and the voices within his party ultimately led to his decision to withdraw.

In an exclusive interview with George Stephanopoulos of ABC News, Biden sought to address the growing calls for his resignation from the race. Although the interview showcased a more composed Biden, it did little to quell the growing discontent among some Democratic leaders and voters.

U.S. Senator Chris Coons, a close ally of Biden, described the President’s decision as “selfless,” acknowledging the difficulty of the choice. “I do think President Biden has made the right decision,” Coons said. “It was a hard and painful decision. As one of the co-chairs of the Biden-Harris campaign, it wasn’t where I thought we were headed, but he listened.”

Following Biden’s endorsement, Kamala Harris quickly gained momentum, raising a record-breaking $81 million within 24 hours of announcing her candidacy. By Monday night, Harris had secured enough delegate support to clinch the Democratic nomination. However, concerns remain about her ability to compete in a general election against former President Donald Trump. According to a poll by FiveThirtyEight, Harris has a 51% disapproval rating among Americans, slightly lower than Trump’s 53%.

Despite these challenges, Harris has garnered significant support from key figures within the Democratic Party, including Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer, California Governor Gavin Newsom, and Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear.

Harris praised Biden’s dedication and service to the nation in her acceptance speech. “I am a firsthand witness that every day, our president, Joe Biden, fights for the people, and we are deeply, deeply grateful for his service to our nation,” she said.

Kamala Harris, who made history as the first woman, Black American, and South Asian American to be elected Vice President, has built a robust political career. As Vice President, she has focused on uniting the nation, advancing opportunities, and protecting fundamental freedoms. She has been a prominent advocate for women’s reproductive rights, gun safety, voting rights, and environmental protection. Harris has also been active on the international stage, strengthening global alliances through numerous foreign trips and meetings with world leaders.

Her tenure as Vice President includes a record number of tie-breaking votes in the Senate, crucial in passing significant legislation like the Inflation Reduction Act and confirming Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson to the Supreme Court. Harris’s extensive career in public service includes roles as U.S. Senator, Attorney General of California, and District Attorney of San Francisco, where she championed various social justice initiatives.

Vice President Harris was born in Oakland, California. As the daughter of immigrants, she grew up surrounded by a diverse community and a loving extended family. She and her sister, Maya, were inspired by their mother, Shyamala Gopalan, a breast cancer scientist and pioneer in her own right who came to the United States from India at the age of 19 and then received her doctorate the same year that Kamala was born.

Harris went on to graduate from Howard University and the University of California Hastings College of Law. In 2014, she married Douglas Emhoff, a lawyer. They have a blended family that includes their children, Ella and Cole.

Harris’s campaign will be managed by Jen O’Malley Dillon, who previously chaired the Biden-Harris campaign and ran Biden’s successful 2020 presidential bid. As Harris steps into the spotlight as the Democratic frontrunner, her supporters, including liberal filmmaker Michael Moore, believe she will be in a stronger position to win if she can run as the incumbent President. “This will give the country a chance to see her in action — as the most powerful person in the world,” Moore wrote.

With Biden’s endorsement and a surge in support, Kamala Harris is poised to make history once again as she campaigns to become the President of the United States.