Several prominent Democrats are already backing the Vice President as the party’s new nominee for the US election – but other big names are keeping their cards close to their chest.
With President Joe Biden bowing out of the election race earlier today, the Democratic Party is now scrambling to confirm a new candidate to take on Donald Trump in November’s election.
Biden himself has publicly endorsed his old running mate Kamala Harris to take over his campaign, with other Democrats also immediately voicing their support for her.
But other high-profile Democrats have not yet swung in behind the Vice President.
Card-carrying members of Team Kamala
Joe Biden
The US President may not have endorsed Kamala Harris for the presidential race in his original statement today, but he did push her case in a tweet soon after.
"Today I want to offer my full support and endorsement for Kamala to be the nominee of our party this year," he wrote.
"Democrats – it’s time to come together and beat Trump. Let’s do this."
Sources have said Biden waited half an hour after his stepping-down announcement to endorse Harris to let the weight of his decision sink in.
The Clintons
Former US President Bill Clinton and former Democrat presidential nominee Hillary Clinton were quick to offer their support for Harris.
The couple released a joint statement on X, saying they were honoured to endorse Harris as presidential candidate.
“Now is the time to support Kamala Harris and fight with everything we’ve got to elect her.”
Democratic strategist Nathan Daschle said it was "virtually impossible" for Biden to continue. (Source: Breakfast)
Gavin Newsom
California Governor Gavin Newsom, whose name has come up as a potential replacement for Biden, is also in Harris’ camp, describing her as tough, fearless and tenacious on X.
“With our democracy at stake and our future on the line, no one is better to prosecute the case against Donald Trump's dark vision and guide our country in a healthier direction than America’s Vice President, [Kamala Harris],” he wrote.
Elizabeth Warren
Senator Elizabeth Warren, who once campaigned for the presidential nomination herself, also signalled her support for Harris straight away.
In her own statement on X, she said Biden’s decision to step down was "a profound gift to the people of the United States – and it’s on all of us not to waste it".
"I endorse Kamala Harris for President. She is a proven fighter who has been a national leader in safeguarding consumers and protecting access to abortion," Warren wrote.
"As a former prosecutor, she can press a forceful case against allowing Donald Trump to regain the White House. We have many talented people in our party, but Vice President Harris is the person who was chosen by the voters to succeed Joe Biden if needed. She can unite our party, take on Donald Trump, and win in November."
Despite Biden endorsing Kamala Harris, her position at the top of the ticket’s far from guaranteed. (Source: 1News)
Notable silences
Other prominent Democrats have so far chosen not to publicly endorse Harris’ campaign.
Barack Obama
The former US president released a lengthy statement following Biden’s announcement today, praising his former vice president’s long political career.
However, Obama did not use that statement to back a new candidate.
"We will be navigating uncharted waters in the days ahead," he wrote.
"But I have extraordinary confidence that the leaders of our party will be able to create a process from which an outstanding nominee emerges."
Nancy Pelosi
Former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi also thanked Biden for his service but refrained from publicly naming her preferred candidate to replace him.
She reportedly favoured a "competitive" process for determining a new candidate prior to Biden’s decision today.
Chuck Schumer and Hakeem Jeffries
Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer and House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries have both stopped short of endorsing Harris, too.
Former Barack Obama advisor Peter Loge discusses the quandary now facing the Democrats. (Source: Breakfast)
Other presidential contenders
Other Democrats who have previously been touted as potential replacements for Biden have so far had little to say beyond praising the President and his decision to step aside. Whether or not that’s because they are planning their own push for the presidential ticket or are eyeing up a role as Harris’ vice presidential running mate remains to be seen.
Pete Buttigieg said he was "proud to serve under [Biden’s] leadership".
Meanwhile, Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer, whose name has also been in the mix of potential Biden replacements, has previously said she planned to complete her term as governor through to 2026.
Today, she tweeted: “My job in this election will remain the same: doing everything I can to elect Democrats and stop Donald Trump, a convicted felon whose agenda of raising families’ costs, banning abortion nationwide, and abusing the power of the White House to settle his own scores is completely wrong for Michigan.”
SHARE ME