Vice-President Kamala Harris has received the backing of enough Democratic delegates to become the party’s presidential nominee, according to CBS News.
An Associated Press survey on Monday evening confirmed that Harris had secured endorsements from more than the required 1,976 delegates, ensuring her nomination on the first ballot.
Harris expressed her pride in securing “broad support” and looks forward to formally accepting the nomination. Delegates, selected to represent their electoral areas at the Democratic National Convention (DNC), will cast their votes between 1-7 August. If her delegate count holds, Harris will officially clinch the nomination.
CBS reported that delegations from at least 27 states have issued statements supporting Harris. This groundswell of support follows President Joe Biden’s withdrawal from the race on Sunday, which has led to millions in donations and endorsements from leading Democrats for Harris.
Speaking at her campaign headquarters in Wilmington, Delaware, Harris outlined her vision for the country, contrasting it with Trump’s. “Our campaign has always been about two different versions of the future of our country,” she said. “Trump wants to take our country backwards… We believe in a brighter future that makes room for all Americans.”
Harris also praised Biden’s achievements, calling her tenure as his vice-president “one of the greatest honours of my life.” She acknowledged the mixed emotions following Biden’s withdrawal and pledged to work hard to earn the nomination and unify the party and the nation.
Biden, isolating after contracting Covid-19, made his first comments since dropping out via a phone call. He thanked his aides, urged them to support Harris, and vowed to remain “fully engaged” in the campaign. “I’m hoping you’ll give every bit of your heart and soul that you gave to me to Kamala,” Biden said. “We still need to save this democracy. Trump is still a danger to this nation.”
Biden is expected to return to the White House on Tuesday afternoon after self-isolating in Delaware.
Ozioma Samuel-Ugwuezi
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