No Guarantees for Harris, but Democrats Seek Unity

Published at 13:54 by Nomia Iqbal, Reporting from the White House

US President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris stand on stage together after delivering remarks at the DNC 2023
IMAGE SOURCE: REUTERS
Image caption: US President Joe Biden and Kamala Harris during a DNC event in Philadelphia in February 2023

With just four months until the presidential election, it remains uncertain who will challenge Donald Trump.


Following President Joe Biden's announcement that he would not run again, the Democratic Party has begun to rally around Kamala Harris. Reports indicate that public donations for her campaign have surged to nearly $50 million (£38.7m) overnight.

However, Harris is not guaranteed the nomination.

Former President Barack Obama expressed "extraordinary confidence" that party leaders "will be able to create a process from which an outstanding nominee emerges," potentially at the Democratic National Convention (DNC) in August.

This scenario could prolong the period of scramble and uncertainty for Democrats, who are eager to project unity after a chaotic few months.

Harris is scheduled to appear at a pre-scheduled White House event later today, while President Biden remains at home in Delaware, recovering from Covid.

Can Kamala Harris Beat Donald Trump? Here's What Four Polls Say

Published at 13:38

President Joe Biden, former President Donald Trump, and Vice President Kamala Harris
IMAGE SOURCE: GETTY IMAGES

One factor behind President Biden’s decision to withdraw from the re-election campaign was reportedly his polling data against Donald Trump. But how does VP Kamala Harris fare against the Republican nominee?

Harris is not yet the official Democratic candidate, but she announced her candidacy for the Democratic Party nomination immediately after Biden stepped aside. Many influential Democrats have already thrown their support behind her.


A sample of four recent polls, conducted before Harris declared her candidacy, suggests that while Harris might perform slightly better than Biden against Trump, the difference is not significant. It’s important to note that these polls were conducted when Harris was only a theoretical candidate, and voter opinions may shift as they become more familiar with her campaign.

Some of Your Key Kamala Harris Questions Answered

Published at 13:20 by Sean Seddon, Live Reporter

We’ve been tracking the most searched questions about Kamala Harris over the last 24 hours. Here are some answers:

Is Kamala Harris running for president, and who has endorsed her?
Yes, Kamala Harris is running and is currently the clear favorite to be the Democratic Party nominee, though an open contest is still possible. She has been endorsed by major figures like Joe Biden and Hillary Clinton, but not Barack Obama. It’s worth noting that Obama did not explicitly endorse anyone in 2020 either.

Can Kamala Harris beat Donald Trump, and what is her approval rating?
Kamala Harris’s approval rating has mirrored Biden’s, according to FiveThirtyEight’s external poll tracker, declining steadily since early 2021 and currently sitting at about 40%. Recent polls pitting Harris against Trump produced results similar to those for Biden versus Trump, indicating a close race in the 2024 election.

Harris to Speak Publicly for the First Time Since Endorsement

Published at 13:12

Later today, Kamala Harris will make her first public appearance since President Joe Biden ended his re-election campaign and endorsed her as the Democratic nominee. The vice president is scheduled to deliver a speech to the women’s and men’s National Collegiate Athletic Association championship teams at the White House.


The Democrat Grandees That Haven't Yet Backed Harris

Published at 13:06 by Ione Wells, Reporting from Delaware

Former President Barack Obama embracing Vice President Kamala Harris
IMAGE SOURCE: GETTY IMAGES
Image caption: Former President Barack Obama embracing Vice President Kamala Harris earlier this year

Several prominent Democrats have yet to endorse Kamala Harris. This doesn’t mean they won’t, but they haven't joined the wave of endorsements that have boosted her campaign.

These figures include former President Barack Obama and former Speaker Nancy Pelosi, both reported to have privately raised concerns about Joe Biden’s ability to run and defeat Donald Trump. Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer and House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries also haven’t endorsed Harris yet.

This matters because the Democrats need to quickly unify behind a candidate to show strength. Endorsements from these senior Democrats could further boost Harris's campaign if they happen in isolation from the current wave of endorsements.

Manchin Rules Out Running to Be Democrat Nominee

Published at 12:53

BREAKING
Joe Manchin standing outside in the sunshine, he's wearing a suit and looking off to the right of the camera
IMAGE SOURCE: REUTERS

Senator Joe Manchin has explicitly ruled out running for the Democratic nomination in the November election. Speaking to CBS News, the veteran senator said, "I am not going to be a candidate for president. I am a candidate for basically speaking to the middle of this country." Manchin, one of the most conservative members of the party, has represented West Virginia since 2010, often voting with Republicans on key issues.

Fake Image of Harris Posing with Epstein Shared Online

Published at 12:45 by Shayan Sardarizadeh

The fake photo of Biden and Harris next to the original image with her husband
In the wake of Joe Biden's withdrawal from the presidential race and his endorsement of Kamala Harris, misinformation is spreading online. One example is an image purporting to show Harris posing with the deceased sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. This photo has been digitally altered. BBC Verify found the original image via a reverse image search. The original picture, taken in 2015, shows Harris posing with her husband, Douglas Emhoff, at a dinner event in Los Angeles.

Biden Only Gets One Shot at First Public Appearance

Published at 12:29 by Ione Wells, Reporting from Delaware

Copies of newspapers are displayed with the headline: 'Biden drops out'
IMAGE SOURCE: REUTERS

Despite stepping down as a presidential candidate, Joe Biden remains president. He has significant engagements this week, including a meeting with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. It’s unclear if he will attend virtually or return to the White House, depending on his Covid recovery. Biden's team will want to ensure his first public appearance projects strength after weeks of criticism over perceived weakness.

Senator Rules Out VP Bid, Insisting 'It's Time to Pass the Torch'

Published at 12:19

West Virginia Senator Joe Manchin pictured up close, looking to be in the middle of speaking
IMAGE SOURCE: GETTY IMAGES

While many Democrats have backed Kamala Harris, there is less clarity on who would be her running mate if she wins the nomination. West Virginia Senator Joe Manchin has ruled out being on the ticket, saying, "Let's pass the torch to another generation." Manchin says he is not considering a VP bid despite interest from some supporters.

Where Things Stand

Published at 12:13 by Emily Atkinson, Live Page Editor

Good morning to our readers in the US and welcome to those joining from elsewhere. Here’s the state of play:

  • Vice President Kamala Harris has secured steady endorsements to be the Democrats' new presidential nominee, following Joe Biden’s endorsement after he dropped out.
  • Several party grandees are among her supporters to take on Donald Trump in the November election.
  • Harris says she intends to "earn and win" the nomination while Biden remains president for the rest of his term.
  • Biden withdrew on Sunday, with some aides given just one minute’s notice. Courtney Subramanian runs through the behind-the-scenes details here.
  • Biden made the decision from his holiday home in Delaware’s Rehoboth Beach while recovering from Covid.

What to Expect After Biden's Withdrawal

Published at 12:09

Joe Biden will remain president until January and is expected to address the nation this week. While he endorsed Kamala Harris as his successor, this does not make her the presumptive nominee. The Democratic National Convention’s (DNC) rules committee will meet on Wednesday to discuss the process for selecting a new candidate. The DNC, scheduled to begin on 19 August, will officially nominate the Democratic presidential and vice-presidential candidates. An open convention could occur for the first time since 1968 if multiple candidates emerge.

The Key Events to Look Out for Before the US Election

Published at 11:48

IMAGE SOURCE: GETTY IMAGES
Image caption: The White House

Joe Biden’s announcement that he is withdrawing from the presidential race comes with just over 100 days left before the election. Key upcoming events include:

  • Biden’s address to the nation this week.
  • The DNC rules committee meeting on Wednesday to discuss the nomination process.
  • The Democratic National Convention from 19 to 22 August in Chicago, where delegates will officially nominate the Democratic presidential and vice-presidential candidates.
  • The next debate on 10 September, with the Democratic candidate facing off against Donald Trump.
  • The presidential election on 5 November.

Harris Campaign Raises Nearly $50m in Under 24 Hours

Published at 11:37

Kamala Harris’s presidential campaign has raised more than $49.6m (£38.3m) since Joe Biden ended his re-election bid. A spokesperson for Biden says, "Since the president endorsed Vice President Harris yesterday afternoon, everyday Americans have given $49.6 million in grassroots donations to her campaign." Thousands of black women across the US joined a Zoom call on Sunday night to support Harris, raising over $1.5m (£1.2m) in three hours.

Biden Holed Up in Delaware Residence in Covid Recovery

Published at 11:25 by Ione Wells, Reporting from Delaware

Image caption: President Joe Biden at his Delaware residence

President Joe Biden is currently recovering from Covid-19 at his beach house in Delaware, where he decided to withdraw from the presidential race and endorse Kamala Harris. Biden is expected to return to the White House this week, depending on his Covid recovery.

Top Stories: Biden Out, Harris In?

Published at 11:12 by Emily Atkinson, Live Page Editor

In case you're just joining us, here are the key points so far:

  • Joe Biden has announced he will not seek re-election.
  • Vice President Kamala Harris is being endorsed as the Democratic Party's new presidential nominee, though it remains unclear if she will face any challengers within the party.
  • Harris’s campaign raised nearly $50m in 24 hours since Biden's announcement.
  • The Democratic National Convention begins on 19 August, where the party will officially nominate its candidate.

How Does the Process Work Now?

Published at 11:00 by Emily Atkinson, Live Page Editor

Joe Biden’s announcement that he will not run for re-election comes just over 100 days before the election. This unusual situation requires the Democratic National Convention (DNC) to meet and decide the process for selecting a new candidate. The DNC rules committee will discuss this on Wednesday. If multiple candidates emerge, the convention could be open for the first time since 1968.

Obama: 'I Have Extraordinary Confidence in the DNC'

Published at 10:45 by Ione Wells, Reporting from Delaware

Former President Barack Obama has responded to Joe Biden’s decision to withdraw from the race. He says, "I have extraordinary confidence that our party leaders will create a process from which an outstanding nominee emerges." Obama did not endorse any candidate in 2020 but has previously expressed support for both Biden and Harris.

Biden 'Made Decision Alone' to End Campaign

Published at 10:30 by Emily Atkinson, Live Page Editor

President Joe Biden made the decision to end his campaign without consulting his advisors, according to a senior administration official. Biden's sudden announcement came as a shock to many within his team, who were given just one minute’s notice before he addressed the nation.

Biden Endorses Harris for 2024

Published at 10:15

In a brief statement, President Joe Biden endorsed Vice President Kamala Harris as the Democratic nominee for the 2024 presidential election. Biden said, "Kamala Harris is the best choice to carry on our administration’s work and fight for the American people."