WASHINGTON (AP) — Kamala Harris, who has already broken barriers, could potentially break several more after President Joe Biden abruptly ended his reelection bid and endorsed her.
On Sunday, Biden announced his decision to step aside following a poor debate performance that raised concerns about his ability to serve a second term at the age of 81.
Harris, the first woman, Black person, and person of South Asian descent to hold the position of vice president, could become the first woman to serve as president if she secures the Democratic nomination and defeats Republican candidate Donald Trump in November.
Biden expressed his confidence in Harris, calling her selection as his running mate the “best decision I’ve made” and endorsing her as his successor.
Following Biden’s announcement, Harris described his decision to step aside as “selfless and patriotic,” emphasizing his commitment to the American people and the country.
She stated, “I am honored to have the President’s endorsement and my intention is to earn and win this nomination. Over the past year, I have traveled across the country, engaging with Americans about the critical choice in this historic election.”
Prominent Democrats quickly rallied around Harris following Biden’s endorsement. Despite her favor in the party, there have been discussions about holding a rapid “mini primary” to consider other candidates before their convention in Chicago the following month.
A recent poll conducted by the AP-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research indicated that around 60% of Democrats believe Harris would excel in the role of president. Roughly 40% of U.S. adults have a favorable opinion of Harris, while about half hold an unfavorable opinion.
Harris, a former prosecutor and U.S. senator from California, faced challenges during her own bid for the 2020 Democratic presidential nomination before becoming Biden’s running mate. Despite initial struggles, she has gained prominence as an advocate for abortion rights and has played a significant role in outreach to young people and voters of color.
After Biden’s electoral setback, Harris showcased her strength during debates, solidifying her position among Democrats. Even before Biden officially endorsed her, Harris was widely seen as the leading candidate to replace him on the ticket.
With her experience in foreign policy and national recognition, Harris has positioned herself as a formidable candidate ahead of potential challengers such as California Gov. Gavin Newsom, Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer, and Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro.
Harris will aim to avoid a fate similar to Hubert Humphrey, who won the Democratic nomination in 1968 following President Lyndon Johnson’s withdrawal amid public discontent over the Vietnam War but ultimately lost to Richard Nixon. Vice presidents are always poised to step into the top position in the event of incapacitation or death of the president, prompting scrutiny given Biden’s age.
In a 2023 interview with The Associated Press, Harris addressed questions about succession, emphasizing the responsibility that vice presidents must be prepared to assume the role of president if necessary.
Born in Oakland, California, on October 20, 1964, to parents who were civil rights activists, Harris was raised amidst the racial justice movements of the era. She attended Howard University before pursuing a career in law, eventually becoming a prosecutor and serving in various public offices.
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