US Election - Harris apparently has enough votes for a presidential candidacy
Vice President Kamala Harris reportedly has the support of sufficient delegates to run as the Democratic Party's presidential candidate against Republican Donald Trump in November, according to the US news agency AP and US broadcaster CNN, both citing their own polls and estimates. Previously, President Joe Biden had announced on Sunday that he would step down from the race for the White House.
However, delegates at the party convention in August are still free to vote for another candidate. According to AP's poll and CNN, Harris currently has the support of over 1976 delegates who believe she can win the first ballot. The CNN count reportedly includes public endorsements and conversations with delegates.
In a statement, Harris expressed gratitude for the support. "I am excited to officially accept the nomination," it read. She was proud that delegates from her home state of California had helped her surpass the threshold, Harris added.
Media reports suggest that the support of many delegates from the most populous state in the US is largely due to the influential top Democrat Nancy Pelosi, who represents a California congressional district.
The former Speaker of the House had previously endorsed Harris. As long-standing representatives, the 84-year-old still wields significant influence within her own party – in the debate over Biden's fitness for a second term, she was seen as a key power broker. The president had been the first to publicly pledge his support to his vice president.
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The stern team on site keeps you informed every Saturday in the free newsletter "Inside America" about the most important developments and provides insights into how American women and men really look at their country. After entering your email address, you will receive a confirmation email. We handle your data confidentially. Former President Barack Obama, however, only expressed confidence that a "standout candidate" would be found. Initially, House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D) and Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D) were also cautious in their support for Harris. They attested her a "good start," but did not offer direct endorsements.
However, Harris' campaign team announced record fundraising.
Not only does Harris seem to have strong internal party support – financially, she would be well-funded to enter a race against Trump: Her campaign team reportedly collected 81 Million US-Dollars (73 Million Euros) in the past 24 hours. This is the highest amount ever raised by a possible candidate or a candidate in such a short time span, it was stated. The 81 Million US-Dollars are said to flow into a war chest already filled with approximately 240 Million US-Dollars (220 Million Euros).
- CNN and AP reported that Vice President Kamala Harris has gained sufficient delegate support, potentially allowing her to challenge President Joe Biden's nomination as the Democratic Party's presidential candidate against Republican Donald Trump.
- On Sunday, President Biden announced his decision to step down from the race for the White House, leaving the door open for other candidates to garner support.
- The polls and estimates by AP and CNN suggest that Harris currently boasts the support of over 1976 delegates, surpassing the necessary threshold to win the first ballot at the party convention in August.
- According to CNN's count, Harris' support includes both public endorsements and private discussions with delegates.
- Media reports attribute much of Harris' delegate support, particularly from California, to the influential power of Speaker Nancy Pelosi, who has publicly endorsed the vice president.
