Kamala Harris Wins Enough Support For Democratic Party Nomination
Vice President Kamala Harris has become the Democratic Party's presumed nominee for president after securing the support of enough of the party's delegates. Harris's nomination follows President Joe Biden's decision to withdraw from his reelection campaign.
"Tonight, I am proud to have secured the broad support needed to become our party’s nominee," Harris said in a statement. "I look forward to formally accepting the nomination soon."
Harris's path to the nomination was cemented when she garnered over 2,500 delegates' pledges according to an unofficial survey of delegates by the Associated Press, surpassing the 1,976 required.
The Democratic Party's official roll call vote will take place at the Democratic National Convention in Chicago next month. While the delegates' support is currently non-binding, it is unlikely to change before the formal vote. So far no-one has publicly stepped forward to challenge Ms Harris for the position.
Harris's campaign has seen a surge in momentum and financial support since Biden's announcement. In just 24 hours, her campaign raised $81 million, nearly matching the funds Biden’s campaign had at the end of June. Hollywood donors, including celebrities like Cardi B, Jamie Lee Curtis, and Shonda Rhimes, have thrown their support behind Harris.
Harris Prepares To Campaign in Wisconsin
On Tuesday, Harris will campaign in Wisconsin, a crucial battleground state. She plans to deliver remarks in Milwaukee, aiming to connect with voters who were previously unenthusiastic about Biden. Harris highlighted her background as San Francisco district attorney and California attorney general, emphasising her experience in tackling "predators" and "fraudsters" and drawing parallels to her rival, Donald Trump.
Wisconsin is a key state in the upcoming election, along with Michigan and Pennsylvania. Paul Kendrick, executive director of Rust Belt Rising, noted that Harris has the potential to win over independents and young voters. Milwaukee County Executive David Crowley emphasised that Harris's candidacy could re-engage Black voters who were previously distracted by Biden's age and appearance.
Biden, who is recovering from COVID-19, expressed his full support for Harris, stating, "I know yesterday's news was surprising and hard for you to hear, but it was the right thing to do." He pledged to remain engaged in the campaign, emphasising the importance of democracy.
Trump and Vance Criticise Harris
Meanwhile, Trump and his new running mate, Senator JD Vance, have criticised Harris and Biden, trying to link her to Biden's policies on immigration and the economy. Vance stated, "Kamala Harris is a million times worse and everybody knows it."
As Harris prepares for the general election, speculation about her vice-presidential pick is growing. Potential candidates include Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear, U.S. Secretary of Transportation Pete Buttigieg, and Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer. Harris's campaign is poised to take the case to the American people, with the goal of winning the election and building up the middle class, among other priorities.
Harris's historic nomination marks a significant moment for the Democratic Party as she attempts to become the first Black American and first South Asian American woman to lead the party into a presidential election.
