US Vice President Kamala Harris is poised to become the Democratic nominee for president after securing support from a majority of delegates, following President Joe Biden’s withdrawal from the race due to concerns about his age and health, Reuters reports.
Harris launched her campaign with a speech vowing to challenge Republican nominee Donald Trump. She promised to pursue policies such as protecting abortion rights and banning assault rifles, and she quickly consolidated Democratic support, raising $81 million within 24 hours of Biden’s exit. Harris is expected to receive the support of 2,538 delegates, surpassing the 1,976 needed, according to an AP News survey. Biden and former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi have endorsed her, while prominent Democrats who had been seen as potential challengers, including Governors Gretchen Whitmer, Gavin Newsom, and Andy Beshear, have declared their support for her.
The race has been turbulent, with Biden’s withdrawal following a poor debate performance and an assassination attempt on Trump. Harris’s campaign is preparing for her likely presidential bid, with the Trump campaign already criticizing her record and positions on various issues.
