Harris praises Biden’s legacy in first appearance after endorsement
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The news: Kamala Harris used her first public appearance since President Joe Biden withdrew his re-election bid and endorsed her, to commend his legacy.
Speaking on the South Lawn of the White House at a ceremony honouring college sport athletes, the Vice President lauded Biden's achievements as "unmatched" in modern history. “In one term, he has already surpassed the legacy of most presidents who have served two terms in office,” she said.
The numbers: Less than 24 hours since Biden dropped out, Harris has already secured endorsements from a series of high-profile Democrats. That includes Governors JB Pritzker from Illinois, Gretchen Whitmer of Michigan, Andy Beshear of Kentucky, Wes Moore of Maryland, Tim Walz of Minnesota and Tony Evers of Wisconsin, several of whom had been talked about as possible running mates.
Despite key Democratic leaders like Barrack Obama, Nancy Pelosi and Senate Majority Chuck Schummer so far withholding endorsement, Harris has raised over USD50 million ($75 million) in the first 7 hours after Biden endorsed her.
The context: Harris faces big challenges in assuming control of Biden’s campaign, countering opposition to her ascent and defining her identity to the American public before the Republicans do.
Trump's campaign released an ad targeting Harris, associating her with Biden on issues like inflation and the border. "Kamala was in on it," the ad said. “She covered up Joe’s obvious mental decline. But Kamala knew Joe couldn’t do the job. So she did it.” Therefore, the ad argued, “Kamala owns this failed record.”
Meanwhile, an ad released in 2019 by Harris' then presidential campaign ridiculing Trump as "a world leader in temper tantrums,” resurfaced and went viral.
Biden, who in the letter announcing the end of his candidacy promised to address the nation “later this week," remains in isolation recovering from Covid. He was not expected to give the address on Monday.
The sources: Rolling Stone, The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal
