In a remarkable display of unity and support, Vice President Kamala Harris has garnered significant backing from prominent Democrats and celebrities, raising an impressive $4 million for her presidential campaign. This surge in fundraising comes in the wake of President Joe Biden’s decision to withdraw from the 2024 race, paving the way for Harris to become the Democratic nominee against Republican Donald Trump.
The rapid consolidation of support for Harris reflects the Democratic Party’s desire to move past the internal conflicts that have characterized the lead-up to the election. With just over 100 days remaining until Election Day, party leaders and political organizations have rallied behind Harris, signaling a strong commitment to defeating Trump.
In the immediate aftermath of Biden’s exit, Harris’s campaign set a new record for presidential donations, achieving an unprecedented fundraising milestone within a 24-hour period. This remarkable achievement underscores the enthusiasm and momentum behind her candidacy.
Delegations from various states, including Texas and California, convened to confirm their support for Harris. California’s state Democratic Chairman, Rusty Hicks, reported that a significant majority of the state’s delegation expressed unanimous support for her. “I’ve not heard anyone mentioning or calling for any other candidate,” Hicks stated, emphasizing the momentous nature of the vote.
Despite the overwhelming support, the Associated Press has refrained from declaring Harris the presumptive nominee. Delegates still retain the freedom to vote for their preferred candidate at the upcoming convention in August, or during a potential virtual roll call prior to the gathering in Chicago.
In response to the AP’s tally, Harris expressed her gratitude to President Biden and the Democratic Party for their faith in her. She stated, “I look forward to taking our case directly to the American people,” highlighting her commitment to engaging with voters.
As concerns over Biden’s fitness for office dissipated, a renewed sense of unity emerged within the party. Harris acknowledged the tumultuous weeks leading up to her candidacy but expressed confidence in her campaign team. “It is my intention to go out and earn this nomination and to win,” she declared, vowing to unite the Democratic Party and the nation in her pursuit of victory.
Harris’s campaign themes are already taking shape, as she contrasts her background as a prosecutor with Trump’s legal troubles. “I know Donald Trump’s type,” she remarked, positioning herself as a defender of economic opportunity and reproductive rights. “Our fight for the future is also a fight for freedoms,” she added, emphasizing the stakes of the upcoming election.
President Biden, who is currently recovering from COVID-19, lent his support to Harris during a call with campaign staff. He reassured them that while the name at the top of the ticket has changed, the mission remains the same. “I’m watching you kid. I love you,” he said, expressing his confidence in Harris’s ability to lead the campaign.
As Harris embarks on her campaign journey, she is set to visit battleground states, starting with Wisconsin. This event in Milwaukee will mark her first major campaign appearance since announcing her candidacy, signaling the beginning of a vigorous campaign effort.
The AP’s tally of Harris’s support is based on interviews with delegates, public statements from state parties, and endorsements from key political figures. The transition from Biden’s campaign to Harris’s has been swift, with the campaign formally rebranding itself as “Harris for President.” This change reflects her assumption of Biden’s political operation, which includes a substantial war chest and a dedicated team of over 1,000 staffers.
In the first 24 hours following Biden’s endorsement, Harris’s campaign raised an astounding $81 million, setting a new presidential fundraising record. This influx of contributions came from more than 888,000 donors, showcasing the widespread enthusiasm for her candidacy. Additionally, over 28,000 new volunteers registered to support her campaign, a remarkable increase compared to the previous Biden reelection effort.
Harris’s endorsements from high-profile figures, including governors and party leaders, have further solidified her position as the frontrunner. House Speaker Emerita Nancy Pelosi, who initially advocated for a primary challenge, has now expressed her “enthusiastic support” for Harris, signaling a shift in the party’s dynamics.
If elected, Harris would make history as the first woman and the first person of South Asian descent to hold the presidency. The Democratic National Convention is scheduled for August 19-22 in Chicago, where the party will finalize its nomination process. The convention’s rules committee is set to meet to establish the nomination procedures, including a virtual roll call to accommodate multiple candidates if necessary.
As the Democratic Party prepares for the upcoming election, the focus remains on Harris’s campaign and the collective effort to secure a victory against Trump. With a strong foundation of support and a clear vision for the future, Harris is poised to lead the charge in the 2024 presidential race.
Source: Associated Press
