With US President Joe Biden withdrawing from the presidential race, Vice President Kamala Harris is set to be the Democratic Party’s presidential candidate. Party leaders are uniting behind Harris following Biden’s decision. If confirmed, Harris will make history as the first Indian-origin candidate for the US presidency.
The party committee will determine the process for selecting a new candidate tomorrow, with an official decision to be made at the national convention in Chicago from August 19 to 22. Reports suggest that Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer and California Governor Gavin Newsom, who were also contenders, will not compete against Harris. Following Biden’s announcement, Harris raised a record $30 million in donations in a single day, underscoring strong support within the party.
If chosen, Harris will face Donald Trump in the second presidential debate on September 10. Whitmer and Newsom are potential vice-presidential candidates, along with Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg, Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro, and Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker.
Biden’s decision has been positively received, with the US stock market surging and global leaders like Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy expressing gratitude for his support.
