Immediate blow for Kamala Harris 2024 US election campaign

In a statement released hours after Mr Biden announced his decision to drop out of the race, Ms Harris thanked the President for his leadership and said she was committed to defeating Trump. 

“On behalf of the American people, I thank Joe Biden for his extraordinary leadership as President of the United States and for his decades of service to our country,” Ms Harris Began. 

“I am honoured to have the President’s endorsement and my intention is to earn and win this nomination. 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.”

The Vice-President said she will do “everything” in her power to unite her party and the nation. 

“We have 107 days until Election Day. Together, we will fight. And together, we will win.”

Ms Harris immediately received endorsements from former President Bill Clinton and former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton.

“We are honoured to join the President in endorsing Vice President Harris and will do whatever we can to support her.

“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,” they said in a joint statement.

But in a blow to Ms Harris, former US President Barack Obama didn’t endorse her bid— saying Democrats would pick an unnamed “outstanding nominee” in his first statement on Mr Biden stepping aside from the party’s ticket.

Mr Obama, 62, was joined by former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi in not immediately backing the 59-year-old vice president — following reports last week that both favoured an “open” process to replace Mr Biden, the New York Post reported.

“We will be navigating uncharted waters in the days ahead,” Mr Obama said. 

The 44th US President is considered a key powerbroker and although he may yet endorse Ms Harris, his lack of early support is widely considered a blow to her campaign. 

However, Mr Harris received support from other quarters including Ted Lieu, who represents California’s 36th congressional district.

“Four years ago I was the first Member of Congress to endorse Kamala Harris for President. So honoured to endorse [Kamala Harris] again for President,” he wrote.

“Last weekend I had the honour to ride on Air Force Two with Vice President Harris. Next year Kamala Harris will be on Air Force One.”

– with the New York Post and Fox News