In a significant political shift, President Joe Biden has decided to withdraw from the upcoming US presidential election and has endorsed Vice President Kamala Harris as his successor.
This unexpected decision has caused a stir in the political landscape, with various prominent Democrats voicing their support or withholding endorsement for Harris.
Highlights
- President Biden announced his withdrawal from the 2024 presidential race.
- Vice President Kamala Harris has received endorsements from notable Democrats.
- Several influential Democrats have refrained from endorsing Harris.
- Biden’s decision is seen as a strategic move to unify the Democratic Party.
Biden’s Decision and Endorsement
President Joe Biden announced his decision to drop out of the presidential race through a letter published on social media, citing the best interests of his party and the country.
He expressed his honor in serving as president and endorsed Vice President Kamala Harris, urging Democrats to unite behind her to defeat Donald Trump.
Endorsements for Harris
Bill and Hillary Clinton
Former President Bill Clinton and former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton endorsed Harris, emphasizing the importance of supporting her to ensure America’s future.
“Now is the time to support Kamala Harris and fight with everything we’ve got to elect her,” the Clintons said in a joint statement posted on X. “America’s future depends on it.” They also recognised Biden’s accomplishments and his presidency.
Governors Newsom, Shapiro, and Murphy
Prominent governors like Gavin Newsom, Josh Shapiro, and Phil Murphy have thrown their support behind Harris, highlighting her ability to lead the country in a positive direction.
“With our democracy at stake and our future on the line, no one is better to prosecute the case against Donald Trump’s dark vision,” Newsom said in a statement on X. The post came more than five hours after an initial post reacting to Biden’s decision to exit the race.
Other prominent Democrats, including Buttigieg and Beshear
Transport Secretary Pete Buttigieg and governors Roy Cooper, Jared Polis, and Andy Beshear also endorsed Harris. Progressive Democrats, including Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, Cori Bush, and Ilhan Omar, rallied behind her, emphasizing the need for unity.
“Kamala Harris is now the right person to take up the torch, defeat Donald Trump, and succeed Joe Biden as president,” he said in a statement posted on X.
Other governors who have supported Harris include North Carolina’s Roy Cooper, Colorado’s Jared Polis and Andy Beshear of Kentucky.
Progressives, including AOC
Congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, from New York, expressed her support for Harris, emphasizing the importance of unity in our party and country to defeat Donald Trump.
Congresswomen Cori Bush and Ilhan Omar, who like Ocasio-Cortez, are members of the party’s progressive wing, known as the so-called Squad, also rallied behind Harris.
Elizabeth Warren, Senate Democrats and Democratic National Convention Delegations
Several Senate Democrats, including Elizabeth Warren and Mark Warner, endorsed Harris. Additionally, many state delegations to the Democratic National Convention expressed their support.
Senator Warren from Massachusetts, who also fought for the Democratic nomination in 2020, endorsed Harris. “She is a proven fighter,” Warren said.
“Madam Vice President, we are ready to help,” Hawaii Senator Brian Schatz wrote on X.
Additional Senate Democrats supporting Harris are Mark Warner of Virginia, Mark Kelly of Arizona, Alex Padilla of California, and Patty Murray of Washington state.
Tina Smith from Minnesota showed her support, with other incumbents like Sherrod Brown of Ohio and Jacky Rosen of Nevada also backing her. Both Brown and Rosen are up against tough competition in the upcoming election.
Local media reports indicate that Harris has received endorsements from at least 26 Democratic senators, which is more than half of the party’s Senate members.
Donors and Black Legislators
ActBlue reported a significant surge in donations following Biden’s announcement. The Congressional Black Caucus and several Black state attorneys general also endorsed Harris, recognizing her qualifications to lead the nation.
Notable Figures Who Have Not Endorsed Harris
Barack Obama
Former President Obama praised Biden but did not endorse Harris, expressing confidence in the party’s ability to select an outstanding nominee.
Nancy Pelosi and Chuck Schumer
Former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer praised Biden but refrained from endorsing Harris, advocating for an open nomination process.
JB Pritzker and Gretchen Whitmer
Illinois Governor JB Pritzker and Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer have not publicly endorsed Harris, despite acknowledging Biden’s leadership and accomplishments.
House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries
House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries praised Biden but did not mention Harris in his statement, reflecting the ongoing deliberations within the party.
Industry Insight: The Business Impact of Political Realignment
Biden’s decision to step down and endorse Harris comes at a time of significant political and economic challenges. The move aims to consolidate Democratic support and present a united front against Donald Trump in the upcoming election.
Harris’s potential presidency could bring continuity in policies while addressing key issues like healthcare, climate change, and economic recovery. The sudden shift in the Democratic leadership race has far-reaching implications for various industries:
- Technology Sector: Harris’s ties to Silicon Valley and her stance on tech regulation could significantly impact the industry’s future.
- Healthcare: The possibility of a new administration could reshape healthcare policy, affecting pharmaceutical companies, insurers, and providers.
- Energy and Environment: Harris’s position on climate change and green energy initiatives will be closely watched by both renewable and traditional energy companies.
- Financial Services: Wall Street will be keenly observing Harris’s stance on financial regulation and tax policy.
- Defense and Aerospace: Any shifts in foreign policy priorities could have substantial effects on defense contractors and the aerospace industry.
