In a dramatic turn of events, Vice President Kamala Harris has become the first running mate since 1968 to have her boss end his re-election bid. This historic moment unfolded after President Joe Biden announced his decision to step aside from the 2024 presidential race, immediately endorsing Harris as the Democratic nominee.
Harris, already known for shattering glass ceilings throughout her political career, including being the first female Vice President and the first Indian-origin politician to hold the office, has now achieved another unprecedented feat. While she has been breaking barriers since 2003 when she became the first South Asian American woman in California to hold the office of district attorney general, this new development adds a unique layer to her already remarkable journey.
Biden’s decision to forgo re-election came as a surprise to the nation, particularly as he had previously expressed his intention to run for a second term. His endorsement of Harris, however, signifies a clear path forward for the Democratic Party, placing Harris in the spotlight as the potential frontrunner for the presidential nomination.
The historical significance of this event cannot be overstated. In the past 75 years, only two Democratic presidents, Harry S. Truman and Lyndon B. Johnson, chose not to seek re-election during an election year. Both instances resulted in the Democratic nominees losing the general election to their Republican counterparts. While Harris has already etched her name in history, a victory in the 2024 election would make her the first American politician to achieve such a feat under these specific circumstances.
Following Biden’s announcement, Harris wasted no time in expressing her determination to secure the Democratic nomination, vowing to “earn and win” the coveted position. In a statement released on Sunday, she thanked President Biden for his leadership and pledged to unite the Democratic Party and the nation. She also reiterated her commitment to defeating former US President Donald Trump and his agenda.
The news of Biden’s withdrawal and Harris’s nomination triggered a wave of financial support for the Democratic Party. ActBlue, a leading online donation processor, reported a staggering $46.7 million in small-dollar donations on Sunday, making it the platform’s most successful day of fundraising in 2024. Experts anticipate even larger contributions from major donors in the coming days. The political landscape has shifted significantly with Biden’s exit, creating a fresh wave of enthusiasm and financial support for the Democratic Party, with Harris at the helm.
As the 2024 presidential race intensifies, Kamala Harris stands poised to create history as the first woman to potentially win the presidency under these unique circumstances. Her journey, marked by numerous firsts, now takes a new turn, placing her at the forefront of American politics with the nation watching closely as the next chapter unfolds.
