Democrats unite around Harris after Biden exit

Democrats rapidly coalesced around Vice-President Kamala Harris yesterday as she raced to secure the party’s nomination to take on Donald Trump in November, in the wake of President Joe Biden’s sensational exit from the race.
Armed with Biden’s endorsement, the 59-year-old won the backing of a flood of Democratic leaders on her first full day of campaigning.
Harris won the crucial backing of Democratic heavyweight Nancy Pelosi, the former US House speaker and a prime mover in moves to oust the 81-year-old Biden.
“With immense pride and limitless optimism for our country’s future, I endorse Vice-President Kamala Harris for President of the United States,” Pelosi, 84, said in a message on X.
“I have full confidence that she will lead us to victory in November.”
Earlier, a slew of heavyweight governors, including leaders once seen as potential hopefuls for the party’s presidential nomination, added their backing.
“Let’s win this,” posted Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer, announcing her support in tandem with the governors of Illinois, Minnesota and Wisconsin.
The governor of Kentucky, Andy Beshear, also declared his support, making him one of the favourites to be picked as Harris’s vice presidential running mate.
Harris also secured the backing of California Governor Gavin Newsom and Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro, both touted as top presidential contenders.
But she still needs to persuade key hold-outs and convince some donors who are urging for an open contest to select the Democratic candidate that will take on Republican challenger Donald Trump.
Among major names to back Harris were LinkedIn co-founder Reid Hoffman, who wrote on social media: “I wholeheartedly support Kamala Harris and her candidacy for President of the United States in our fight for democracy in November.”
Harris must still win over some key hold-outs if she is to wrap up the nomination, which could happen as early as August 1. Page 8