US Vice President Kamala Harris is moving swiftly to lock up the Democratic party nomination for President after President Joe Biden dropped out of the race under mounting pressure from those sceptical of his chances.
Support pouring in
According to an Associated Press survey Harris has secured the support of enough Democratic delegates to become her party’s nominee against Republican Donald Trump, as top Democrats rallied to her. Several state delegations met on July 22 to confirm their support for Harris, including Texas and her home state of California. By night, Harris had the support of well more than the 1,976 delegates she’ll need to win on a first ballot, according to the AP tally. No other candidate was named by a delegate. Harris has picked the endorsements from over 179 of the Congressional Democrats and 23 Democratic Governors, according to The Washington Post.
VP nominee
The Governors backing her included most of those who were expected to throw their hats in the ring, such as Gavin Newsom of California, Josh Shapiro of Pennsylvania, Andy Beshear of Kentucky, and Gretchen Whitmer of Michigan. Some of these Governors are now in the running to join the Harris ticket as running mate – such as Beshear. Others said to be in the race for her Vice-President position include Roy Cooper of North Carolina, Shapiro and Arizona’s Senator Mark Kelly, a military veteran and former astronaut.
The notable holdouts who have yet to endorse the Vice President are former President Barack Obama, leader of House Democrats Hakeem Jeffries and leader of Senate Democrats Chuck Schumer.
The Biden of President campaign has been renamed Harris for President campaign and according to news reports, donations are “pouring” in from a re-energised party base and donors. The Harris campaign has raised $80 million in the hours since her elevation to the top of the ticket following the president’s exit.
Promises to earn and win
Harris made over 100 calls on Sunday, according to news reports. She has promised to “earn and win” the party nomination. She needs to win the support of 3,000 of the 3,900 party delegates who will attend the convention and elect a nominee.
