US President Joe Biden announced that he will not seek re-election and has endorsed Vice President Kamala Harris to take his place in the 2024 race. This decision came after a poor debate performance that raised doubts about Biden’s ability to manage another term at the age of 81.
Harris, who has already made history as the first woman, Black person, and person of South Asian descent to hold the vice-presidential office, now stands on the brink of potentially breaking even more barriers. If she clinches the Democratic nomination and triumphs over Republican contender Donald Trump in the November election, she will become the first woman to serve as President of the United States.
Biden’s endorsement came through a statement on X, the social media platform previously known as Twitter. “Democrats — it’s time to come together and beat Trump,” Biden urged. “Let’s do this.” He hailed his choice of Harris as his running mate as “the best decision I’ve made.”
Reacting to Biden’s decision, Harris described it as a “selfless and patriotic act,” lauding his prioritization of the American people and the nation’s welfare. “I am honored to have the President’s endorsement and my intention is to earn and win this nomination,” Harris declared. “Over the past year, I have traveled across the country, talking with Americans about the clear choice in this momentous election.”
The announcement has sparked intense speculation regarding Harris’s potential choice for Vice President. Arizona Senator Mark Kelly’s name has emerged prominently. Shortly after Harris’s statement, Kelly voiced his support for her on X, stating, “Kamala Harris is the right person to defeat Donald Trump and lead the country into the future.”
Senator Kelly, elected in December 2020 to complete the late John McCain’s term, brings a rich background to the table. A navy veteran with combat experience in Operation Desert Storm, Kelly is also a former NASA astronaut, having flown his first space mission in 2001 on Space Shuttle Endeavour, and later commanding its final mission in 2011.
Additionally, North Carolina Governor Roy Cooper has expressed his backing for Harris, reinforcing the growing support within the Democratic Party. “She has what it takes to defeat Donald Trump and lead our country thoughtfully and with integrity,” Governor Cooper asserted.
As the political landscape continues to evolve, all eyes are now on Kamala Harris and her campaign’s next steps.