News
Kamala Harris Accepts To Run For Democrat Nomination As Other Leaders Endorse Her, Commend Biden For Stepping Down
In a historic Political development in the modern politics of the United States, President Joe Biden on Sunday announced his decision to end his presidential re-election campaign, nominating his Vice President, Kamala Harris as his likely successor.
Biden’s decision brings to an abrupt and humbling conclusion to his half-century-long political career and the scrambling race for the White House just four months before Election Day.
Biden, 81, could not reverse growing sentiment within his party that he was too frail to serve and destined to lose to Donald Trump in November. He backed Vice President Kamala Harris to replace him as the Democratic nominee. “Over the past three and a half years, we have made great progress as a nation. Today, America has the strongest economy in the world. We’ve made historic investments in rebuilding our nation, in lowering prescription drug costs for seniors, and in expanding affordable health care to a record number of Americans.
“We’ve provided critically needed care to a million veterans exposed to toxic substances. Passed the first gun safety law in 30 years. Appointed the first African American woman to the Supreme Court. And passed the most significant climate legislation in the history of the world. America has never been better positioned to lead than we are today.
“I know none of this could have been done without you, the American people. Together, we overcame a once in a century pandemic and the worst economic crisis since the Great Depression. We’ve protected and preserved our Democracy. And we’ve revitalised and strengthened our alliances around the world.
“It has been the greatest honour of my life to serve as your President. And while it has been my intention to seek re-election, I believe it is in the best interest of my party and the country for me to stand down and to focus solely on fulfilling my duties as President for the remainder of my term.
“I will speak to the nation later this week in more detail about my decision. For now, let me express my deepest gratitude to all those who have worked so hard to see me re-elected,” the president stated.
Biden lauded Harris for “being an extraordinary partner” in his letter and then endorsed her in a subsequent post.
“My very first decision as the party nominee in 2020 was to pick Kamala Harris as my vice president,” Biden posted. “And it’s been the best decision I’ve made. Today I want to offer my full support and endorsement for Kamala to be the nominee of our party this year,” he added.
Vice President Harris has said she will seek the Democratic nomination to replace Biden, after he suddenly ended his campaign and endorsed her earlier Sunday.
“I am honoured to have the president’s endorsement and my intention is to earn and win this nomination,” Harris said in a statement issued by Biden’s campaign.
“Over the past year, I have travelled across the country, talking with Americans about the clear choice in this momentous election. And that is what I will continue to do in the days and weeks ahead,” she added.
Biden’s endorsement gives Harris a major advantage ahead of the planned vote from convention delegates next month.
Also former President Bill Clinton and his wife, Hillary have eulogised Biden, stating that he capped his extraordinary career of service with a presidency that has lifted America out of an unprecedented pandemic, created millions of new jobs, rebuilt a battered economy, strengthened our democracy, and restored our standing in the world.
“By any measure, he has advanced our founders’ charge to build a more perfect union and his own stated goal of restoring the soul of our nation. We join millions of Americans in thanking President Biden for all he has accomplished, standing up for America time and again, with his North Star always being what’s best for the country.
