Janice R. Andrews
After President Joe Biden declared on Sunday that he will not run for reelection and endorsed Vice President Kamala Harris as his successor, her presidential campaign has gathered considerable traction. Within hours of Biden’s endorsement, Harris’s campaign reported generating close to $50 million in an incredible show of grassroots support.
An Array of Gifts
A campaign official for Harris attested to the fact that contributions totaling $49.6 million were made to the vice president soon following Biden’s recommendation. This money spike is thought to be a good sign of Harris’s popularity and the fervor around her candidacy. It is anticipated that the flood of contributions will give her a significant edge when she intensifies her campaigning.
Notable Democrats Gather in Support of Harris
Immediately after Biden’s statement, a number of prominent Democrats expressed their endorsement of Harris. Important recommendations consist of:
- Rep. Adam Schiff (California)
- Rep. Jamie Raskin (Maryland)
- Rep. Jim Clyburn (South Carolina)
- Rep. Ilhan Omar (Minnesota)
In addition, Harris’s standing within the party has been strengthened by the support of the Congressional Black Caucus political action committee.
On Monday, former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi also released a statement supporting Harris. It is especially noteworthy that Pelosi endorsed because she had previously refrained from doing so in order to await Biden’s formal statement.
Diverse Responses from Party Chiefs
While many Democrats have endorsed Harris with abandon, several well-known Democrats have not. While applauding Biden’s decision to resign, former President Barack Obama did not openly support Harris. This reluctance on the part of some leaders implies that there might be doubts or possible rivals inside the party.
Biden’s Embargo
Biden decided to withdraw from the contest following a time of intense lobbying from other Democrats. He gave a detailed explanation of his decision in an open letter that was shared on social media, stating that he was leaving because a new leadership strategy was needed. Following a debate performance in late June that drew harsh criticism and prompted concerns about his candidacy, Biden made his statement.
For Harris, what comes next?
There is only one month left before the Democratic National Convention in Chicago, so it is unclear if Harris will have any serious competitors for the nomination. Although the contest is far from over, her quick fundraising success and early endorsements indicate that she has a sizable following.
Harris’s efforts to solidify support and capitalize on the momentum created by Biden’s endorsement will be critical in the coming weeks. Her success will be largely dependent on her capacity to bring the party together and articulate an engaging future vision.
Since President Biden endorsed Kamala Harris and then withdrew from the race, her presidential campaign has gotten a big boost. With the support of prominent Democrats and roughly $50 million in funding in just a few hours, Harris is well-positioned to compete. Though there are still possible obstacles to overcome and endorsements to obtain, the road to the Democratic National Convention and the nomination is still developing. Next weeks will be crucial in determining the makeup of the Democratic primary in 2024.
