A day after President Joe Biden announced that he would not pursue a second term in the White House, the Democratic party is gradually coalescing around a collective candidate in Vice President Kamala Harris.
For 24 hours, many political experts speculated about what the Democratic Party would do with Biden’s news, whether a consensus would emerge regarding Harris as the next chosen candidate, or whether she might have competition from other potential candidates.
Endorsements from Prominent Democratic Leaders
Now that several prominent Democratic party leaders, including President Biden himself and former House Speaker and elder statesman Nancy Pelosi, have endorsed Harris, it is increasingly unlikely that a counter-candidate will emerge.
Speculation on Harris’s Position
Between the President’s announcement and Monday’s endorsement, many wondered if Harris would be passed over for the top spot on the Democratic presidential ticket.
The Weight of Pelosi’s Endorsement
Pelosi’s endorsement is symbolic and telling. She was involved behind the scenes in Biden’s decision to step aside from pursuing the Presidency. She is a confidant among many within the top sphere of Democratic decision-makers, and her endorsement carries heavy weight.
Conclusion of Speculation
Her announcement ends a significant amount of speculation and chatter that the Democratic party will choose another candidate or make any significant effort to put forward an alternative candidate.
Pelosi’s Public Announcement
Pelosi announced, “Today, it is with immense pride and limitless optimism for our country’s future that I endorse Vice President Kamala Harris for President of the United States.”
Harris’s Growing Support
Harris now enjoys endorsements from Biden, Pelosi, Bill, Hilary Clinton, and her would-be potential Presidential rivals, Governors Gretchen Whitmer, Gavin Newsom, and Josh Shapiro from Michigan, California, and Pennsylvania, respectively.
Support from Democratic Lawmakers
Since Biden’s announcement, Harris has also been endorsed by Senators Dick Durbin and Adam Schiff, as well as several other Democratic lawmakers. Together, the band of endorsements symbolizes party unity centered around Harris’s Presidential Nomination.
Endorsement from Pete Aguilar
In endorsing Harris, House Democratic Caucus Chair Pete Aguilar from California said, “I know Kamala to be a fierce advocate for working families and a tough-minded prosecutor who knows right from wrong. I ask every American who believes in the rule of law, supports our Democracy, and wants to keep America a beacon of hope for future generations to join me in this fight.”
Strategic Endorsements
While many endorsements are seen as pats on the back and votes of confidence, some also carry strategic weight. All of the individuals potentially slated to be Vice Presidential candidates have endorsed Harris, including Whitmer, Newsom, Shapiro, and Kentucky Democratic Governor Andy Beshear.
Beshear’s Endorsement
Beshear said, “I am excited to fully endorse Vice President Harris for the next President of the United States. The vice president is smart and strong, which makes her a good president. But she’s also kind and has empathy, which can make her a great President.”
Increasing Likelihood of Unchallenged Nomination
With each high-profile endorsement, Harris is more likely to not face a challenger for the Democratic Nomination.
Endorsements from Potential Challengers
It is even more likely as the endorsements come from the candidates most likely to challenge her for the seat, including the four Democratic governors already mentioned: Beshear, Newsom, Whitmer, and Shapiro.
Considerations for Vice Presidential Selection
These figures have had successful executive careers, leading their states with relative popularity. It is not given that Harris would select from among the four to complete the Democratic ticket, as they may overshadow her with their top-level experience.
It is also not publicly well-known how close of a relationship Harris has with the individual Governors. It is essential that a President and Vice President can work closely together and share priorities beyond just the pursuit of electoral victory.
