U.S. President Joe Biden addressed Americans from the Oval Office on Wednesday night, marking his first public speech since posting his decision not to seek reelection on X (formerly known as Twitter).
Biden, who believed his first-term accomplishments warranted another term, expressed that his profound love for the country fueled his decision to step down.
In a calm and measured address, Biden said his choice to step aside was driven by a greater commitment to safeguard democracy above his personal ambition.
Biden had previously nominated Vice President Kamala Harris to replace him. In the Wednesday address, he told Americans of Kamala, “She’s experienced, she’s tough, she’s capable,” he said. “She’s been an incredible partner to me and a leader for our country. Now the choice is up to you, the American people.”
Defacto Democratic Nominee
The Harris campaign gained even more momentum as former President Barack Obama is said to be preparing to endorse her officially. Obama, an influential figure in the Democratic Party, plans to join Harris on the campaign trail soon though exact dates had not yet been confirmed.
With no opposition within her party, Harris is on the path to becoming Democratic party candidate. Attention now shifts to her selection of a vice-presidential candidate to counter Trump’s running mate, Ohio Senator J.D. Vance.
The Democratic National Committee’s rules committee approved a plan to officially nominate Harris on August 1, ahead of the party’s convention scheduled for August 19-22 in Chicago. Harris is expected to announce her vice-presidential pick by August 7.
I’m Kamala Harris, and I’m running for President of the United States. pic.twitter.com/6qAM32btjj
— Kamala Harris (@KamalaHarris) July 25, 2024
Aggressive Harris
Since replacing Biden, Harris has intensified her campaign rhetorics with pointed remarks against her Republican challenger, former President Donald Trump’s felony convictions, and other indictments.Continued below>>
She reminded voters that she’s a former California attorney and that, regarding Trump, she boasted, “Before I became vice president and before I was elected as U.S. senator, I was the attorney general of California. Before that, I was a prosecutor who took on predators, fraudsters, and cheaters. So I know Donald Trump’s type. In this campaign, I will put my record against his.“
Trump Intensifies Attack
However, just hours following Biden’s speech, Republican nominee Donald Trump held his first rally since Harris got on the ticket. Known for his aggressive campaign style, he took his punches to another level labelling Harris a “radical left lunatic.”
Trump, 78, who had previously targeted Biden over concerns for his age and vitality, now faces Kamala Harris, 59, the first woman to serve as vice president. It presents a challenging and delicate task for Trump to campaign against the younger Harris, who has a relatively unblemished public service record, especially in a society that disapproves of male aggressiveness towards women.
With perhaps women’s bloc votes and those of other ethnic minorities such as blacks, Latinos and Asians, mostly leaning Democratic, analysts think we may be on the cusp of history of having the first female president of America’s three-century democracy.-END-
Comment, Like 👍, share this article, and Follow us on our social media handles.
WhatsApp Channel
Telegram Channel
