Biden Backs Kamala Harris: Key Insights on the Vice President in Line for Succession

WASHINGTON — President Joe Biden, on Sunday, endorsed Vice President Kamala Harris as the new Democratic presidential nominee, signaling a monumental shift in the party’s leadership. This endorsement elevates Harris, who has been a vocal advocate for reproductive rights and gun control.

Harris, 59, previously competed for the Democratic presidential nomination in the 2020 primaries. The endorsement follows Biden’s withdrawal from the race, motivated by internal party pressure after a difficult debate performance in late June. At 81, Biden’s exit opens the door for a new generation.

Kamala Harris holds several historic firsts. She is the first woman vice president, the first Black vice president, and the first person of South Asian descent to occupy the role. These milestones contribute to her potential to become the first woman president, should the Democratic Party rally behind her.

The conversation about Harris as a potential nominee gained traction following Biden’s debate setback. Despite initial reluctance, Biden conceded to the growing chorus within his party and officially withdrew on Sunday. In a post on X, he announced, “Today I want to offer my full support and endorsement for Kamala to be the nominee of our party this year. Democrats — it’s time to come together and beat Trump. Let’s do this.”

As vice president, Harris became a prominent voice for reproductive rights. After the Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade in June 2022, Harris launched the “Fight for Reproductive Freedoms” tour, traveling to various swing states to garner support. Her visit to a Planned Parenthood clinic in Minnesota marked a significant moment, as she became the first sitting vice president to tour an abortion clinic.

Harris has also been an advocate for gun safety reforms. In March, she introduced the National Extreme Risk Protection Order Resource Center to enhance the implementation of red flag laws. These laws allow law enforcement to confiscate firearms from individuals deemed dangerous. The Bipartisan Safer Communities Act, signed into law by Biden in June 2022, was another key legislative achievement in gun safety. It is noted as the most comprehensive such federal legislation in nearly 30 years.

However, Harris faced bipartisan criticism for her handling of immigration issues. Tasked in 2021 with addressing the root causes of migration in Central America, her efforts drew mixed reactions. Republicans branded her the “border czar,” a label that overshadowed her broader focus on migration causes.

Harris also holds the record for the most tie-breaking votes cast in the U.S. Senate, highlighting her active role in legislative procedures during her tenure as vice president.

Public polling has shown mixed reactions to Harris’s candidacy. A poll by Economist/YouGov conducted July 13-16 revealed Harris trailing slightly behind Trump, with 39% supporting her against 44% for Trump. Biden faired marginally better, with 41% favoring him versus 43% for Trump. As of mid-July, Harris’s approval ratings stood at 38.6%, with a disapproval rate of 50.4%.

Before her vice-presidency, Harris had a substantial career in law enforcement and politics. She served as U.S. senator from California from 2017 to 2021, and prior to that, as California’s attorney general and as the district attorney of San Francisco. Her presidential campaign in 2020 ended before the Iowa caucuses, at which point she endorsed Biden.

Born in Oakland, California, in 1964 to immigrant parents, Harris is married to Doug Emhoff, distinguishing him as the first Jewish spouse and first second gentleman in U.S. history. Harris is an alumna of Howard University and earned her law degree from the University of California, Hastings.