Kamela Harris

Guardian  -Here are some of the key figures in the Democratic party who have already endorsed vice-president Kamala Harris to pick up the party’s presidential nomination in Joe Biden’s stead.

• Gavin Newsom: frequently tipped as a possible alternative to Biden in recent weeks, the California governor has backed Harris, saying “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.”

• Pete Buttigieg: Biden’s transport secretary who ran for the Democratic nomination for 2020, said “Kamala Harris is now the right person to take up the torch, defeat Donald Trump, and succeed Joe Biden as president. I will do all that I can to help her win this election to lead America forward as our next President.”

• Josh Shapiro: the Pennsylvania governor said “I’ve known Kamala Harris for nearly two decades. She has served the country honorably and is ready to be president”

• Gretchen Whitmer: another name that had been in the frame, has not given vocal backing to Harris by name, but issued a statement saying “My job in this election will remain the same: doing everything I can to elect Democrats and stop Donald Trump.”

• Chris Coons: the Delaware senator is a close Biden ally, and said on CNN “I support vice-president Harris. I am very hopeful that we will come out of our convention next month united.”

• Cori Bush: the Missouri representative backed Harris to the hilt, saying “Black women are the backbone of the Democratic party and it is past time for us to lead our country forward. Kamala Harris is more than ready to lead this moment.”

• Kirsten Gillibrand: describing Harris as “my friend”, the New York senator said “I’m proud to endorse her – and I’m eager to join her in this fight.”

• Amy Klobuchar: stating that Harris has served “with honor and distinction”, the Minnesota senator said “she will be the candidate to bring us together to win in November.”

The Washington Post has tallied that from 263 congressional Democrats and 23 Democratic governors, so far 178 have endorsed Harris.

Poliricususa - Act Blue posted:

Small-dollar donors raise over $27.5 million on ActBlue in the first 5 hours of Vice President Kamala Harris’ presidential campaign. Grassroots supporters are energized and excited to support her as the Democratic nominee.

Harris has also piled up a list of endorsements as long as your arm that includes everyone from President Joe Biden to Emily’s List. 

Jim Smith, Talking Turkey -  I’m getting excited about this match-up! Litigators like Kamala know how to think on their feet and are good debaters. Finally, unlike with Biden at this best, we’ll have a presidential candidate who will truly prosecute her opponent. I’m looking forward to her using Ronald Reagan’s great (and super effective) debate line — “There you go again! Telling lies! Let me share the truth…”I’m guessing she’ll choose Pennsylvania Governor Shapiro as her running mate because he’ll balance the ticket in many ways, including gender, race and moderate Democratic politics. My “dream ticket” would include Pete Buttigieg, but one can’t fight a nightmare with a dream. I’m guessing it’s time to be pragmatic.