Johnathan Paoli
Incumbent President of the United States of America (US), Joe Biden, has officially endorsed current Vice-President Kamala Harris as the Democratic candidate – the first Black woman to run for presidency in the history of the US – following the announcement of his withdrawal from his re-election campaign.
President Biden endorsed Harris on social network X, with the VP saying in a statement that she was honoured to have earned his endorsement and that she intended to win the nomination.
A former California senator, Harris, is expected to usher in a historic term, in an effort to overcome the notorious racist and sexist challenges of the US.
Supporters of the vice president have argued that she would renew the vigour of voters, consolidate Black support and bring legal and debating skills against Trump, especially in light of his criminal record.
In addition, her candidacy would offer a sharp contrast to Trump and his vice-presidential running mate, Ohio junior senator James Vance – both white men with questionable racial opinions.
Harris praised Biden’s decision to withdraw from the race as illustrative of his achievements as President.
“With this selfless and patriotic act, President Biden is doing what he has done throughout his life of service; putting the American people and our country above everything else,” she said
However, some have expressed concern over the limited time available to Harris for adequate campaigning ahead of the elections, a little over three months.
Trump has on the other hand seized the opportunity by increasing his attack upon Biden, following his withdrawal, and said Biden is the worst president in the history of the nation.
“He has done everything possible to destroy our country, from our southern border, to energy dominance, national security, international standing, and so much more,” Trump said on social platform X.
The Republican said Biden was not fit to serve from the beginning of his term, and that he formed part of a conspiracy by those around him to dupe the American public into having faith in his mental, physical and cognitive abilities.
Republican Speaker of the House of Representatives, Mike Johnson echoed Trump’s attacks on the president.
“If Joe Biden is not fit to run for President, he is not fit to serve as President. He must resign the office immediately,” Johnson said.
Speaking on behalf of the Trump Campaign, political consultant Chris LaCivita said they remained concerned over her ability to effectively run as president, and her implication in what they have referred to as Biden’s corruption.
“Kamala Harris is just as much of a joke as Biden is. Harris will be even worse for the people of our nation than Joe Biden. Harris has been the Enabler-in-Chief for Crooked Joe this entire time,” LaCivita said.
It remains unconfirmed on whether Harris’ candidacy would be accepted by the party, in light of possible alternatives, including governors Josh Shapiro, Gretchen Whitmer and Gavin Newsom.
The Democratic party however has failed to join Biden’s endorsement of Harris, with Senate Majority leader Chuck Schumer, House leader Hakeem Jeffries and former president Barack Obama remaining mum over her nomination.
Only former president Bill Clinton, and former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton issued a joint statement announcing their joining of Biden in endorsing Harris.
Interestingly, former Democratic Caucus leader and current Republican representative for South Carolina, Jim Clyburn endorsed Harris’ selection.
“I echo the good judgement Biden demonstrated in selecting Vice President Harris to lead this nation alongside him, and I am proud to follow his lead in support of her candidacy to succeed him as the 2024 nominee for President,” he said.
The Democratic party is expected to hold its convention in August in Chicago, in order to determine the next nomination.
Biden made the announcement to step down from his campaign on Sunday evening, following growing concerns from both within and without his party, at the 81-year old’s mental acuity and ability.
“It has been the greatest honour of my life to serve as your President. And while it has been my intention to seek reelection, I believe it is in the best interest of my party and the country for me to stand down and to focus solely on fulfilling my duties as President for the remainder of my term,” Biden said.
Biden’s announcement comes on the heels of increasing pressure from the public, as well as party officials from the Democrats to withdraw, following what many have called a shockingly poor performance in a televised debate with former president and Republican rival Donald Trump last month.
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