As US Vice President Kamala Harris embarks on her presidential campaign, she is drawing on her background as a prosecutor to rally support and challenge Republican nominee Donald Trump. In her first campaign speech, Harris pledged to confront Trump with the same resolve she once displayed in the courtroom.
“I have taken on a wide range of offenders, from those who exploited women to those who defrauded consumers,” Harris declared to her campaign team, just hours after President Joe Biden, 81, exited the 2024 race and endorsed her candidacy.
Harris emphasised her readiness to measure her record against Trump’s, stating, “I know Donald Trump’s type, and I will proudly put my record up against his.” Before becoming Biden’s vice president, Harris served as California’s attorney general and a US senator.
In response, Trump’s campaign criticised Harris, with Karoline Leavitt, the national press secretary, labelling Harris as “incompetent and even more liberal than Joe Biden.” Leavitt also accused Harris of needing to address her perceived weak record on crime in California alongside defending Biden’s policies.
Trump is scheduled for sentencing in September for falsifying business records to cover hush money payments. He also faces charges related to his attempts to overturn the 2020 election results, which he claims were fraudulent.
Biden, who announced his withdrawal from the race on Sunday due to concerns about his age and health, called into Harris’ campaign event from his home in Delaware. Though recovering from Covid, Biden expressed confidence in his decision to step down and affirmed he will complete his term until January 20, 2025.
Harris, 59, has quickly garnered support within the Democratic Party, securing numerous endorsements and fundraising commitments following Biden’s endorsement. High-profile figures such as former Speaker Nancy Pelosi and the AFL-CIO labour union federation have publicly backed her campaign.
Her campaign aims to solidify support from Democratic delegates before the party convention next month, with hopes of clinching the nomination. The campaign reported raising $81 million in the 24 hours following Biden’s withdrawal, setting a record for single-day fundraising in the 2024 race.
Key Democratic figures, including Governors Gretchen Whitmer, Gavin Newsom, and Andy Beshear, have pledged their support. Whitmer has also agreed to serve as co-chair of Harris’ campaign.
Harris’ campaign has been further energised by Biden’s exit, coming after recent political turbulence including Biden’s contentious debate performance and a near-assassination attempt on Trump.
During a White House event earlier, Harris praised Biden’s presidency, acknowledging his significant achievements. She is set to travel to Milwaukee on Tuesday, a crucial battleground city, and plans to maintain a focus on policies such as protecting abortion rights and banning assault rifles.
The Trump campaign has prepared a detailed critique of Harris, highlighting her previous liberal positions on immigration and other issues. Harris is expected to continue Biden’s foreign policy stance but may adopt a firmer approach on issues like the Gaza conflict if elected.
Despite historical challenges and ongoing concerns about racial and gender bias, Harris’ campaign is moving swiftly to consolidate Democratic support and position itself for the general election.
