Vice President Kamala Harris has secured enough delegates to become the Democratic nominee for the 2024 presidential election. This comes after President Joe Biden announced he would not seek re-election. In a call to campaign headquarters in Wilmington, Delaware, Biden urged his staff to support Harris.
Folks, calls to violence threaten our democracy’s foundation.
You can’t love your country only when you win.
Let’s solve our problems with ballots and elect @KamalaHarris as the next President of the United States of America.pic.twitter.com/wfREMvAyNo
— Joe Biden (@JoeBiden) July 23, 2024
“Embrace Kamala,” he said, pledging his full backing for her campaign.
My fellow Democrats, I have decided not to accept the nomination and to focus all my energies on my duties as President for the remainder of my term. My very first decision as the party nominee in 2020 was to pick Kamala Harris as my Vice President. And it’s been the best… pic.twitter.com/x8DnvuImJV
— Joe Biden (@JoeBiden) July 21, 2024
Harris, the first Black woman and first person of South Asian descent to serve as Vice President, could now achieve another historic milestone by heading a major party’s presidential ticket. Her candidacy follows Biden’s endorsement amid concerns about his viability for another term.
Visiting her campaign headquarters, Harris expressed her commitment to uniting the Democratic Party and the country. “We will make history together,” she said to supporters. Biden, joining via call, encouraged her, saying, “I’m watching you, kid.
On behalf of the American people, I thank Joe Biden for his extraordinary leadership as President of the United States and for his decades of service to our country.
I am honored to have the President’s endorsement and my intention is to earn and win this nomination.
— Kamala Harris (@KamalaHarris) July 21, 2024
I love you.”
Harris’s first public appearance as the confirmed nominee was at the White House with NCAA college athletes. She reflected on the journey ahead and the importance of the election. “Our work is just beginning,” she declared.
The support for Harris marks a significant moment in the 2024 election cycle. The Democratic Party is rallying behind her historic candidacy as they prepare to challenge former President Donald Trump, the likely Republican nominee. The transition is unique in American politics, likened to changing the quarterback, team mascot, and playbook halfway through the third quarter.
Harris inherits a staff she did not pick, working at a headquarters in a state to which she has minimal connections.
Harris unites Democrats for 2024 run
Signs are being replaced, and staff are preparing for new email addresses reflecting @kamalaharris.com instead of @joebiden.com.
Harris must reconceptualize herself as a presidential candidate and begin vetting her own running mates. Interviews with over a dozen aides reveal a campaign that had become dispirited well before Biden’s controversial debate performance. Younger staff members’ efforts to innovate were often thwarted by Biden’s entrenched inner circle.
Harris’ team is receiving an influx of offers to help, leading to an overwhelming volume of communications. The forthcoming changes are about more than just personnel or branding. Questions remain about the future roles of key Biden advisors.
Mike Donilon, Biden’s long-time strategist, may step back. Steve Ricchetti and Bruce Reed will focus on guiding Biden through the end of his term. Anita Dunn’s continued involvement is yet to be confirmed.
Harris announced that Jen O’Malley Dillon would remain as campaign chair and Julie Chavez Rodriguez as campaign manager, despite past tensions. This suggests much of the senior staff will remain unchanged. There’s a focus on a larger media strategy shift and increased roles for figures like Quentin Fulks, who has garnered favor in both Harris’ and Biden’s circles.
During her visit to the campaign headquarters, Harris expressed confidence in her team, emphasizing their dedication and patriotism. The priority is averting the infighting that marred Harris’ 2020 presidential bid. As Harris’ team adapts to new realities, avoiding past pitfalls and fostering a cohesive strategy will be pivotal to succeed against Trump in the 2024 election.
