Harris pays tribute to Biden in first public remarks since launching campaign: updates
WASHINGTON ― Americans woke up Monday to an upended presidential campaign after President Joe Biden dropped his troubled reelection bid and endorsed Vice President Kamala Harris as his successor in the Democratic Party's race to stop Donald Trump from regaining the White House.
Biden, 81, who faced a wellspring of pressure to leave the race after he appeared disoriented at a televised debate with Trump last month, passed the torch to Harris, 59, who soon announced her bid for the party's nomination. Behind the scenes, the Biden campaign machine switched gears to benefit the vice president.
Trump, 78, reckoned with a new November opponent, one almost 20 years his junior, as some Democratic donors celebrated what one called the "shot of adrenaline" Harris could bring to the pivotal race.
"Now we have to start all over again," Trump complained in a Truth Social post Sunday evening.
Follow along with USA TODAY's updates.
Senate fundraising arm triples individual donations
The Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee tripled its fundraising record for the cycle in “individual grassroots” donations in a single day on Sunday, a DSCC aide told USA TODAY, though they did not provide exact fundraising numbers.
Other major fundraising arms, including the House’s Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee and Vice President Kamala Harris’ campaign, are reporting big fundraising hauls the day after President Joe Biden dropped out of the presidential race.
- Riley Beggin
Different biographies
To make her case against former President Donald Trump, Harris, in a visit to her new campaign headquarters, sought to highlight their sharp biographical differences.
"As a young prosecutor, when I was in the Alameda County District Attorney's office in California, I specialized in cases involving sexual abuse,” said Harris, a former prosecutor. "Donald Trump was found liable by a jury for committing sexual abuse.”
Harris continued: “As attorney General of California, I took on one of our country's largest for-profit colleges and put it out of business. Donald Trump ran a for-profit college, Trump University, that was forced to pay $25 million to the students it scammed."
Similar to Biden’s agenda, Harris vowed to fight for “reproductive freedom” if elected, take action to ban assault weapons and work to pass the John Lewis voting rights bill, among other policies.
“Building up the middle class will be a defining goal of my presidency. We here know when our middle class is strong, America is strong. And we know that's not the future Donald Trump is fighting for,” Harris said.
She ended her remarks saying, "God bless you all and God bless the United States of America -- and Joe Biden.
-- Joey Garrison
‘I’m watching you, kid,’ Biden tells Harris as she takes over campaign
President Joe Biden dropped in by conference call as Vice President Kamala Harris met with her full campaign staff Monday evening for the first time since taking the torch from Biden as the likely Democratic presidential nominee
“I watching you, kid. I’m watching you, kid. I love ya,” Biden, 81, told 59-year-old Harris before she delivered remarks to her campaign staff – which was previously Biden’s campaign staff – at the campaign’s headquarters in Wilmington. Del.
In remarks that lasted about 20 minutes, Harris praised Biden’s accomplishments as “unmatched in modern history.”
“I know it's been a rollercoaster, and we're all filled with so many mixed emotions about this,” Harris said. “I just have to say: I love Joe Biden. I love Joe Biden.”
Harris announced that she retained Jen O’Malley Dillon, who served as chair of the Biden campaign, to lead her presidential campaign. She said Biden’s campaign manager, Julie Chavez Rodriguez, will remain in her role as well.
-- Joey Garrison
Harris trails Biden in battleground states
Less than a day after President Joe Biden dropped his re-election bid and endorsed Vice President Kamala Harris as his replacement, the national political landscape has dramatically shifted. While Biden had been slipping in the polls, particularly after his disastrous debate performance, a new national poll indicated that Harris could secure a victory against the Republican nominee and former President Donald Trump.
However, in all seven battleground states that are likely to decide the election's outcome, Trump has maintained a slight lead over his Democratic rivals.
Here’s how Harris would fare against Trump in the seven key swing states, according to the most recent polls.
Arizona: Polls from the aftermath of Biden’s exit from the race have not yet been released. In a Biden-Trump race, an InsiderAdvantage poll showed 9% supported Trump, 44% favored Biden, 4% chose a third-party candidate, and 3% undecided.
Georgia: An exclusive poll from the Atlanta Journal-Constitution released hours after President Joe Biden announced his departure from the ticket showed former President Donald Trump with a slight lead over Harris, with a 51% to 46% rating respectively, and a margin of error of 3.1 percentage points.
Michigan: Recent polling from the Clean and Prosperous America PAC, a left-leaning environmental advocacy group, showed that voters preferred Trump to Harris, with 46% voting for him and 41% choosing the Vice President.
Nevada: Polls from the aftermath of Biden’s exit from the race have not yet been released. In a Trump-Biden poll that offered a hypothetical matchup against Harris, Trump received 50% of the vote compared to Harris’ 40%
North Carolina: There are currently no polls pitting Harris against Trump.
Pennsylvania: No current polls show Harris-Trump results but before Biden announced his departure from the race, figures from Democratic polling firm Public Policy Polling showed that voters were more enthusiastic about Harris than they were for Biden, putting her only two points behind Trump.
Wisconsin: A Civiqs survey of 514 voters in Wisconsin showed Trump and Harris tied at 48%, with a 4.8% margin of error.
-Maya Homan
Harris fundraising boom continues, campaign says
The Harris campaign announced $81 million in donations in the 24 hours since the vice president announced her bid Sunday.
This number includes money raised through the campaign, the Democratic National Committee and joint fundraising committees.
“The historic outpouring of support for Vice President Harris represents exactly the kind of grassroots energy and enthusiasm that wins elections,” Kevin Munoz, campaign spokesperson, said in a statement.
Along with Democratic lawmakers, major donors had raised concerns about Biden following his debate performance and threatened to withhold their financial support if the president continued toward the nomination.
? Savannah Kuchar
Senate Republican campaign arm hits Harris
The National Republican Senate Committee, the fundraising arm for Senate Republicans, released a messaging memo to candidates Monday titled: "Harris creates strong down-ballot opportunity."
The group argues that the case against Biden ? that he was "mentally unfit to hold office" ? didn't work well against down-ballot Democrats. But Harris "owns the Biden Administration's baggage," they write, making her "arguably a bigger threat to Democrats' Senate majority than Joe Biden."
The memo details Harris' policy positions and concludes with a section titled "weird," including noting that she laughs at "inappropriate moments" and loves Venn diagrams.
? Riley Beggin
Kamala Harris quickly securing votes to become Democratic nominee
A USA TODAY count of delegates shows the 59-year old Harris is more than 40% of the way to the 1,968 delegates needed to become the party's nominee in the first round of voting. There are 3,936 Democratic delegates in total, including former presidents, state and local party leaders, members of Congress and governors.
After announcing Sunday afternoon that he no longer sought the nomination, the 81-year-old Biden endorsed Harris, a move that likely inspired delegates pledged to him to endorse her.
It will ultimately be up to the delegates to pick the nominee, but it remains unclear whether that decision will come by a remote roll call vote early next month as was originally planned by the party or at the Democratic National Convention that's scheduled to run August 19-22 in Chicago.
-- Sarah D. Wire and Sudiksha Kochi
Schumer, Jeffries praise Harris in statement, stop short of endorsing
Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer and House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries released a joint statement Monday saying that Harris is "off to a great start" with her pledge to pursue the nomination "in a manner consistent with the grassroots and transparent process" set forth by the DNC.
Harris is "rapidly" gaining support from delegates, they said, but stopped short of endorsing her for president themselves.
? Riley Beggin
Vance mocks Harris over debate
Republican vice presidential nominee JD Vance is already taking more than a few shots at Harris, including her debate skills.
"I was told I was gonna get to debate Kamala Harris, and now President Trump's gonna get to debate her?!" Vance said during a homecoming speech in Ohio.
He added: "I'm kind of pissed off about that if I'm being honest with you."
-David Jackson
Jeffries, Schumer to meet with Harris
House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries and Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer will meet with Vice President Kamala Harris "shortly," Jeffries told reporters Monday.
There's no exact time for that meeting yet, he said, but they're waiting for Schumer to get back into town. The Senate doesn't return until Tuesday.
"I'm excited for that meeting," Jeffries said when asked why he has not yet endorsed Harris for president, as many of his high-profile Democratic colleagues have. Harris "has excited the community, she's excited the House Democratic Caucus, and she's exciting the country."
He said he and Schumer will have more to say about "the path forward" once that meeting is over.
-Riley Beggin
Pelosi backs Harris as the vice president locks up congressional support
Former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., endorsed Kamala Harris on Monday as she continues to pick up key support from Democratic lawmakers.
“Today, it is with immense pride and limitless optimism for our country’s future that I endorse Vice President Kamala Harris,” Pelosi said in a statement. “My enthusiastic support for Kamala Harris for president is official, personal and political.”
Pelosi played a key role in Biden’s eventual exit from the race. The former speaker served as a sounding board for Democratic lawmakers who were concerned with Biden’s campaign. Her comments on Biden that were hardly enthusiastic endorsements of Biden over the past weeks gave the green light to Democrats to publicly come out against the president.
– Ken Tran
'You think you just fell out of a coconut tree?' Kamala Harris meme resurfaces after Biden drops out
"You think you just fell out of a coconut tree? You exist in the context of all in which you live and what came before you."
No, that isn't a quote from an ancient philosopher or a classic author. It's from Kamala Harris.
As rumors swirled in recent weeks over Joe Biden's ability to win and complete a second term in office, and following the recent news of him stepping down as the Democratic nominee, Harris (as well as the internet-famous coconut tree) has drawn increased interest in the political sphere as voters look to her as Biden's potential replacement on the Democratic side of the ticket.
? Emily DeLetter
Harris celebrates student athletes at the White House
Harris on Monday spoke at an event celebrating college athletes, her first public appearance since Biden dropped out of the 2024 presidential election.
NCAA Sports Day brings championship teams from the National Collegiate Athletic Association to the White House. Harris also spoke at the event in 2023, which saw more than 1,000 student athletes from nearly 50 teams, according to Harris' remarks.
"Some of you have represented our nation on the international stage in world cups and world championships, and later this month six of you will represent our nation at the 2024 Olympics in Paris," Harris said.
"When you play, you inspire people across our nation. You remind all of us what can be achieved with hard work and ambition," she added.
– Marina Pitofsky
In first remarks since launching campaign, Kamala Harris pays tribute to Joe Biden, Beau Biden
In her first public remarks since she became the de facto presumptive Democratic nominee, Kamala Harris payed tribute to Joe Biden and his son, Beau Biden.
"Joe Biden's legacy of accomplishment over the past three years is unmatched in modern history. In one term, he has already surpassed the legacy of most presidents who have served two terms in office," Harris said during an NCAA event at the White House.
Said she first met Joe Biden through his son Beau Biden. Beau Biden was the attorney general of Delaware while Harris served in the same role in California. Beau Biden died from brain cancer in 2015.
"Back then, Beau would often tell me stories about his dad. He would talk about the kind of father and the kind of man that Joe Biden is," Harris said. "The qualities that Beau revered in his father are the same qualities that I have seen every day in our president. His honesty, his integrity, his commitment to his faith and his family. His big heart and his deep love of our country."
– Marina Pitofsky
Florida Democrats endorse Harris
Samuel Vilchez, chair of the Orange County Democratic Party in Florida, said in a press call Monday that the Florida Democratic National Committee is endorsing Harris.
“I’m thrilled to announce a unanimous endorsement of Vice President Kamala Harris by the Florida Democratic National Committee members, all 15 of us, we have come together and a resounding show of unity and purpose to stand with (the) Vice President.”
– Sudiksha Kochi
Kamala Harris expected in Delaware Monday afternoon
Kamala Harris, who Joe Biden endorsed Sunday after announcing he will no longer seek reelection, is coming to Delaware, according to U.S. Sen. Tom Carper.
Harris is expected to arrive in New Castle County Monday afternoon, where she will meet with members of the Delaware delegation and go to Biden's campaign headquarters in Wilmington, which is expected to transition to hers as she mounts her presidential campaign.
It's unclear whether the president will be joining the meeting, as today is Day 5 of COVID isolation after he tested positive Thursday. He's been in Rehoboth Beach battling his latest round of COVID and is expected to address the nation later this week regarding his decision to bow out of the presidential race.
– Isabel Hughes and Esteban Parra
Trump's strategy (so far): Link Harris to Biden
The Trump campaign is making its opening bid in the new campaign against Harris: Linking her to Biden.
"Harris will be even WORSE for the people of our Nation than Joe Biden," said a memo from Trump senior advisers Susie Wiles and Chris LaCivita, describing the vice president as an "enabler" for Biden.
"They own each other’s records, and there is no distance between the two."
– David Jackson
Inside KamalaHQ: How Harris quickly began plotting campaign after Biden's shocking exit
Kamala Harris was at the vice president’s residence when she got the call from POTUS. President Joe Biden was ending his reelection campaign. And he was endorsing her.
Harris got to work immediately. Still in her Howard University hoodie, workout sweats and sneakers, she whipped up a statement. She placed calls to lawmakers, governors, civil rights leaders and union bosses.
Inside KamalaHQ: How Harris quickly began plotting campaign after Biden's shocking exit
– Francesca Chambers and Rebecca Morin
How to pronounce Kamala Harris
Despite decades in the public spotlight, mispronunciations of the vice president's name have not gone away. Several of her political opponents at the Republican National Convention last week called her "Camel-a," "Kuh-MAHL-a," or "Kuh-MEL-a" – none of which are correct.
It's "COM-mah-la," with emphasis on the first syllable. When pronounced correctly, the vice president's name sounds like comma-la.
– Rachel Barber
UAW thanks Biden, says Trump did nothing as workers were 'left for dead'
The United Auto Workers issued a statement Sunday reacting to Joe Biden's announcement he would drop his reelection bid. The UAW, behind President Shawn Fain, endorsed Biden in the race, though Fain earlier this month expressed concern about Biden's ability to defeat Donald Trump.
"Today, the United Auto Workers thanks President Joe Biden for his incredible term of service, and the leadership he has shown in putting country before self, once again, in passing the torch to a new generation," the organization based in Detroit, Michigan, said in a statement.
– Detroit Free Press Staff
Mike Pence says Biden made right decision for country
Former Vice President Mike Pence said in a statement on X, formerly Twitter, that Biden made the “right decision” for the country in dropping out and thanked him for “putting the interests of our Nation ahead of his own.”
“After the assassination attempt on President Trump and President Biden’s decision to end his campaign, now is a time for leaders in both parties to project calm and send a message of strength and resolve to America’s friends and enemies alike that, whatever the state of our politics, the American people are strong and our American military stands ready to defend our freedom and our vital national interests anywhere in the world,” he added.
– Sudiksha Kochi
Minnesota governor backs Harris nomination
Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz endorsed Harris’ bid for the Democratic presidential nomination in a post to X Monday.
“Thanks for the call,” Walz wrote. “You have my full support. Let’s go win this thing.”
Walz has served as governor since 2019 and is also chair of the Democratic Governors Association.
– Savannah Kuchar
Gretchen Whitmer endorses Kamala Harris
Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer endorsed Kamala Harris on Monday, telling voters in the Democratic swing state "let's get to work."
"In Vice President Harris, Michigan voters have a presidential candidate they can count on to focus on lowering their costs, restoring their freedoms, bringing jobs and supply chains back home from overseas, and building an economy that works for working people," Whitmer said, calling Harris a "stark contrast to Donald Trump."
– Marina Pitofsky
Will Joe Biden speak at the Democratic convention?
Yes, Biden is expected to speak at the DNC next month, a senior Democratic official confirmed to USA TODAY.
"I can assure you that Joe Biden is our North star," the official said.
– Susan Page
Illinois Gov. Pritzker endorses Harris
Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker, often mentioned as a possible presidential contender, has joined the growing chorus of Democrats backing Harris.
“I am proud to endorse Vice President Kamala Harris for president of the United States,” Pritzker said in a statement released Monday.
Pritzker said Harris has proven at every point in her career that she possesses the “skills, strength and character to lead this country” and that she has the vision “to better the lives of all Americans.”
“She represents our party’s best chance to defeat Donald Trump in November, and I will work my heart out to help her do that,” he said.
–Michael Collins
Donations surge with Biden exit, Harris launch
ActBlue, the Democratic fundraising platform, raised almost $50 million hours after President Biden announced an end to his reelection bid.
"This has been the biggest fundraising day of the 2024 cycle,” the nonprofit said in a post on X, formerly Twitter.
The $46.7 donation haul includes the total amount donated to the nonprofit, not just to Harris' campaign.
– Savannah Kuchar and Julia Gomez
Kamala Harris’ campaign is embracing the memes, 'Brat' summer
Harris’ campaign already launched their response team on X, formerly Twitter - and they’re fully embracing brat summer.
The header image on the page is a neon green background reading "kamala hq," in the style of "Brat," the 2024 album released by the singer Charli XCX that has led to what people are calling a "brat summer."
Charli XCX, who is British, acknowledged Harris' jump into the race and seemingly endorsed her candidacy Sunday, posting "kamala IS brat."
– Sudiksha Kochi and Emily DeLetter
Wes Moore endorses Harris
Maryland Gov. Wes Moore is among the latest to back Kamala Harris.
“Vice President Harris has the experience, record, vision, and wisdom to unify the country,” Moore said in a statement Monday. “She will have the unique ability to energize the Democratic Party base and mobilize a unique coalition, and we must rally around her and elect her to serve as the next President of the United States.”
Moore, a rising star in the party since winning election in 2022, told CBS last month he would not seek the presidential nomination himself. On the rumored list for Harris’ running mate, Moore said he had “lengthy conversations” with both her and Biden Sunday.
– Savannah Kuchar
House Democratic campaign chair endorses Harris
Rep. Suzan DelBene, D-Wash., chair of Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee, House Democrats’ campaign arm, endorsed Harris on Monday morning as scores of top Democratic lawmakers come out in support of the vice president’s campaign.
“To continue to move our nation forward and fulfill the promise of the American dream for everyone, it’s absolutely essential we return the House majority to Democrats and together with President Kamala Harris, we’ll deliver real results for working families and everyday Americans,” Delbene said in a statement.
– Ken Tran
Who is Kamala Harris’ husband, Doug Emhoff?
Kamala Harris’ husband, Doug Emhoff, is an American lawyer. He quit his law practice in 2020 to take on the responsibilities of his new role as second gentleman.
Emhoff and Harris met on a blind date in 2013 after being set up by a friend and married the following year. Harris became “Momala” to his two children, Cole, 26, and Ella, 21, from his first marriage.
Emhoff traveled to key battleground states to campaign for Biden and Harris before the president dropped out of the race. He's also the first Jewish spouse of a vice president.
– Sudiksha Kochi
What’s next for the upcoming presidential debate?
Joe Biden’s announcement that he will not seek another term has cast uncertainty on yet another facet of the election year: The upcoming presidential debate.
Back in May, ABC News announced that a debate between Donald Trump and Joe Biden was scheduled for Tuesday, Sept. 10, at 9 p.m. ET. But with Biden exiting the race Sunday and endorsing Kamala Harris, the debate schedule may not go on as planned.
In a Truth Social post on Sunday evening, Trump called for Fox News to host the debate, rather than “Fake News ABC.”
“Now that Joe has, not surprisingly, has quit the race, I think the Debate, with whomever the Radical Left Democrats choose, should be held on FoxNews, rather than very biased ABC,” he wrote.
ABC News has not issued an update on the debate schedule.
– Maya Homan
As Biden leaves 2024 election, Trump and Democrats need to court these 10 voter groups
President Joe Biden's announcement Sunday that he's dropping out and backing Vice President Kamala Harris shakes up the 2024 presidential election in many ways. Perhaps most significantly: Biden's decision could bring millions more voters to the polls, according to a new analysis of the U.S. electorate.
Resonate, a consumer data and intelligence company, released exclusively to USA TODAY a new set of 10 distinct voter groups. From its database of 250 million Americans, the 10 groups emerged as company's AI data engine culled and matched thousands of U.S. voter attributes.
Ericka McCoy, chief marketing officer for Resonate, predicted Friday that a new Democratic nominee would likely reenergize Gen-Z Zealots, based on insights from these groups. They're the largest of the 10 groups, which include younger, independent voters who advocate for environmental regulations and LGBTQ+ rights.
More: As Biden leaves 2024 election, Trump and Democrats need to court these 10 voter groups
– Jim Sergent and Veronica Bravo
US allies react to Joe Biden dropping out of 2024 election race
Praise, acknowledgment it was a difficult decision, maybe a little relief.
These were some of the reactions from world leaders and officials to Joe Biden's Sunday announcement that he was dropping out of the presidential race. Biden had been under intense pressure to step aside after a poor performance in a June debate against former President Donald Trump that highlighted concerns about his age.
While diplomatic protocol tends to limit what American allies will say in public about an active U.S. election, many international officials applauded what Biden had, in their view, done to give new energy to the NATO military alliance, his administration's support for Ukraine and for democratic principles around the world.
? Kim Hjelmgaard
Biden news leaves some voters feeling panicked. If you're stressed, read this.
After weeks of speculation, President Joe Biden ended his bid for reelection. It's a move many voters have called for on social media and around their dinner tables. Yet, the news that Biden was dropping out had many expressing anxiety and nerves, rather than relief.
"I'm so nervous now," one commenter wrote Sunday beneath an @UnderTheDeskNews summary of day's events. "Very scary times. I have no words. I'm shaking," another added.
Experts say the ups and downs of the political world can cause serious stress for people who feel like all they can do is watch helplessly. "We're in a state of flux, and brains really don't like ambiguity," psychotherapist Stephanie Sarkis says. "They like knowing what to expect, and so this one more thing that's changed. For a lot of people, it triggers a lot of turmoil."
More: Joe Biden dropped out of the election. If you're stressed, you're not alone.
? Charles Trepany
How old is Joe Biden?
Joe Biden is 81 years old. He was the oldest candidate to run for president before he ended his campaign on Sunday.
? Sudiksha Kochi
Who is Wes Moore?
Maryland Gov. Wes Moore has yet to publicly throw his support behind Harris, though his name has been floated as a potential VP pick.
Moore, 45, told CBS last month he would not pursue the nomination himself.
Moore became Maryland’s first ever Black governor after being elected in 2022. He's only the third Black person to be elected governor in the country.
? Savannah Kuchar
Who is Mark Kelly?
Arizona’s junior senator and former astronaut Mark Kelly quickly cast his support for Harris as nominee Sunday, fueling speculation that he could be tapped to become her running mate.
Kelly, 60, has been in Congress since 2020. He is married to former Rep. Gabby Giffords, D-Ariz., who was shot and severely injured at a public event in 2011.
? Savannah Kuchar
Trump knocks Biden on Truth Social
While the rest of the political world tries to figure out the new realities, Trump took to social media to mock Biden for pulling out of the presidential race.
"He loses the Debate badly, then panics, and makes mistake after mistake, is told he can’t win, and decide they will pick another candidate, probably Harris," Trump said in a series of Truth Social posts. "They stole the race from Biden after he won it in the primaries - A First!"
Questions surrounding Biden's candidacy spiked after his disastrous debate performance against Trump last month. He did win Democratic primaries across the country earlier this year.
?David Jackson
Top Democratic leaders come out for Harris
House Democratic Whip Katherine Clark D-Mass., and House Democratic Caucus Chair Pete Aguilar, D-Calif., the No. 2 and No. 3 ranking House Democrats, respectively, endorsed Harris on Monday morning.
“While Donald Trump campaigns on dividing the American people and rigging the system for the rich, Kamala Harris will grow the economy by growing the middle class and defend our core principles of democracy and justice for all,” Clark said in a statement.
Aguilar said in a statement he will “do everything I can to elect Kamala Harris the 47th President of the United States.”
Harris is quickly locking up support from congressional Democrats for her campaign. House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, D-N.Y., has yet to weigh in though.– Ken Tran
Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear endorses Harris
Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear suggested Monday he would be open to joining the Democratic presidential ticket as Harris’ running mate.
“If somebody calls you on that, what you do is at least listen,” Beshear said during an interview on MSNBC’s "Morning Joe."
Beshear, often mentioned as a potential candidate for president or vice president, endorsed Harris for president and pledged to do everything he can to support her. Harris “is smart and strong, which will make her a good president,” he said, “but she's also kind and has empathy, which can make her a great president. The contrast between her and those running on the other side couldn't be clearer.”
Beshear, who is in second term as Kentucky governor, said while it’s flattering to be mentioned as a possible vice presidential candidate, “the only way I would consider something other than this current job is if I believed I could further help my people and to help this country.”
–Michael Collins
Hunter Biden shares emotional post on his father
Hunter Biden, son of Joe Biden, gave an emotional tribute to his father after he dropped out of the 2024 presidential race Sunday.
“For my entire life, I've looked at my dad in awe. How could he suffer so much heartache and yet give so much of whatever remained of his heart to others?” Hunter Biden wrote. “Not only in the policies he passed, but in the individual lives he's touched.”
He said that over a lifetime, he’s seen his father “absorb the pain of countless everyday Americans who he's given his personal phone number to, because he wanted them to call him when they were hurting.”
“That unconditional love has been his North Star as a President, and as a parent. He is unique in public life today in that there is no distance between Joe Biden the man and Joe Biden the public servant of the last 54 years,” Hunter Biden wrote. “I'm so lucky every night I get to tell him I love him, and to thank him.”
?Sudiksha Kochi
Who is Gavin Newsom?
Gavin Newsom has served as California governor since 2019.
Newsom had been seen as a potential presidential candidate to replace Biden, until the 56-year-old came out in support of Harris Sunday evening. Now, he’s on the rumored list for running mate and is expected to play a major role in rallying Democratic voters around the vice president.
? Savannah Kuchar
Is Michelle Obama running for president?
No, former first lady Michelle Obama is not running.
She’s said previously that she’s not interested in running for the position. In a statement to NBC News in March, before Biden dropped out, her office said that, “As former First Lady Michelle Obama has expressed several times over the years, she will not be running for president. Mrs. Obama supports President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris’ re-election campaign.”
? Sudiksha Kochi
Read President Joe Biden's full statement as he drops out of 2024 presidential race
You can read Joe Biden's statement on dropping out in full here.
?James Powel
Who is Josh Shapiro?
Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro took office January 2023, after serving as Pennsylvania’s attorney general and as a state representative.
The 51-year-old has been floated as a possible running mate for Harris given his appeal in a battleground state – counter to Trump’s VP and Ohio Sen. JD Vance.
? Savannah Kuchar
How old is Donald Trump?
Trump is 78 years old. He is currently the oldest candidate running for president, after Biden dropped out of the race. He formally received the GOP nomination last week at the Republican convention.
? Sudiksha Kochi
When is the next presidential debate?
That's complicated. Before Joe Biden's decision to step down, he and Donald Trump agreed to debate on Tuesday, September 10.
However, that date could change with Biden's exit from the 2024 election and Harris launching her campaign.
? Marina Pitofsky
What is Kamala Harris' approval rating?
According to a 538 average of polls, Kamala Harris has a disapproval rating of 50.4% and an approval rating of 38.6%. Still, those numbers are based on Americans' attitude toward Harris before she launched her second presidential bid, so they could change in the coming weeks and months.
? Marina Pitofsky
Is Biden's exit the latest episode of the 'worst reality TV show in the world'?
In Oakland, Calfornia, grocery store checker Erica Guthrie burst into tears when she heard the news. In Philadelphia, the Rev. Carl Day says we're living in "the worst reality TV show in the world right now."
And in Colorado, stormchaser Jen Walton wants a vacation "from unprecedented times."
After months of a seemingly inevitable clash between two long-known and well-understood presidential candidates, President Joe Biden's Sunday decision to halt his reelection effort upended both the campaign and the day-to-day lives of Americans still reeling from the attempted assassination of former President Donald Trump the weekend before.
It all comes atop years of nonstop political turmoil, and many Americans say they're exhausted, excited, anxious and baffled, sometimes all at once.
? Trevor Hughes, Terry Collins and Lauren Villagran
Joe Manchin says he won’t run for president
West Virginia Sen. Joe Manchin says he won’t seek the Democratic nomination for president.
Manchin, an independent who left the Democratic Party in May, reportedly had considered registering again as a Democrat and seeking the party’s presidential nomination after Biden announce he won’t run for a second term.
But Manchin told CBS News on Monday he’s not running. “I’m not going to be a candidate for president…,” he said. “I don’t need that in my life.”
–Michael Collins
More: Biden's legacy: Triumphs, heartbreaks and a turbulent finale
Is Kamala Harris eligible to run for president?
Yes, Harris is eligible to run for president.
She fulfills all the requirements needed to run for president, which is that a candidate must be 35 years or older, a natural born U.S. citizen and a resident of the U.S. for 14 years. Harris is 59 years old and she was born in California.
?Sudiksha Kochi
How does Harris fare against Trump in the polls?
Some polls show Harris beating Trump by one or two points and others showing her almost neck in neck with the former president.
A Washington Post/ABC News/Ipsos poll conducted between July 5 and July 9, found that 49% of registered voters would choose Harris while 47% would choose Trump.
But an NBC News poll conducted after the debate found Trump leading Harris 47% to 45% among registered voters. Likewise, a Fox News poll conducted between July 7 and July 10 found that 48% of registered voters would choose Harris if the election were held today compared to 49% for Trump.
?Sudiksha Kochi
Biden Cabinet members praise his leadership
Two of President Biden’s Cabinet secretaries – Attorney General Merrick Garland and Alejandro Mayorkas, secretary of Homeland Secretary – praised his leadership for following the rule of law and protecting the country.
The praise contrasted with years of Republican attacks against Biden and his administration. Republicans have investigated the president’s son, Hunter Biden, who was convicted of gun charges and who still faces tax charges. Biden didn’t block the prosecutions.
Biden sat for an interview with a special counsel for investigated how classified documents were found at his home and former office. Republicans are fighting for the recording of the interview, despite the Justice Department releasing the transcript.
“From the beginning of his tenure, President Biden has made clear in both word and deed that he stands for the rule of law and for the Justice Department’s critical mission to protect the safety and the civil rights of everyone in our country,” said Garland, who was held in contempt by the House after refusing to release the recording.
Republicans have also accused the administration of weakening border security, allowing unprecedented waves of undocumented immigrants to enter. But Mayorkas said the country and world are better for Biden’s leadership in protecting the American people.
“When it comes to homeland security, he has taken and directed bold, innovative, and decisive actions to help safeguard our communities, secure our borders, harness the power of artificial intelligence, advance our cybersecurity, eradicate the scourge of fentanyl, and more – all while standing up for our nation’s values,” said Mayorkas, who was impeached by the House over border security. “It is a privilege to advance his vision of and for a strong, secure, and prosperous America.”
?Bart Jansen
Harris is frontrunner to become Democratic nominee
The Democratic Party won’t officially name its presidential nominee until its convention in August, but Harris is the immediate frontrunner.
Biden, who chosen Harris as his vice presidential running mate four years ago, emphatically endorsed her to be the party’s nominee in a social media post Sunday shortly after announcing his decision to step out of the 2024 race.
Some other prominent Democrats also endorsed her, including Bill and Hillary Clinton. Others, including Barack Obama, Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer and House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries issued statements lauding Biden but without explicitly endorsing Harris to succeed him.
Harris, however, has several advantages. She has already been vetted for national office during her tenure as Biden’s second-in-command. She has also been a part of Biden’s reelection apparatus for months.
–Karissa Waddick and Michael Collins
Delegates will pick Democratic nominee
Biden endorsed Harris to become the Democratic nominee for president, but it’s the party’s 3,896 delegates who will pick their candidate.
Delegates can vote for someone other than Biden even if he won their states’ primaries earlier this year.
That's possible because of a section in the DNC rules referred to as the "good conscience" clause, which states delegates shall "in all good conscience reflect the sentiments of those who elected them." The word “sentiment” is where much of the delegates' support will hinge and opens the door to interpretation.
So delegates could vote for Biden, Harris or someone else. There is no system to automatically transfer the delegates from Biden to Harris.
–Kathryn Palmer and Michael Collins
Second gentleman Douglas Emhoff: Biden 'a true patriot'
Harris’ husband, Douglas Emhoff, has offered his thoughts on Biden’s withdrawal from the race.
“I am deeply grateful to @POTUS and @FLOTUS for their years of friendship and support,” the second gentleman wrote on X, formerly Twitter. “President Biden is a true patriot who leads our nation with honesty, decency, and integrity. Alongside @VP, they have fought tirelessly for families and communities, delivering for Americans across our nation. I am so proud of their accomplishments and thankful for their leadership.”
–Michael Collins
JD Vance slams Biden and Harris
Trump’s running mate J.D. Vance criticized Biden's and Harris’ tenure in office in a statement Sunday.
The Ohio senator, 39, called Biden the “worst” president of his lifetime and said Harris “has been right there with him every step of the way.”
“President Trump and I are ready to save America, whoever's at the top of the Democrat ticket. Bring it on," Vance said in a post on X, formerly Twitter.
?Rachel Barber
More: Donald Trump berates Joe Biden, prepares to campaign against Kamala Harris
Read Biden's full statement as he leaves the presidential race
Biden announced that he's dropping out of the 2024 race in a reflective letter penned to his fellow Americans. You can read the full message here.
? James Powel
Robert F. Kennedy Jr. commends Biden for stepping down
Independent candidate Robert F. Kennedy Jr. praised Biden for stepping out of the 2024 race.
“His infirmities were evident to any unbiased observer from the beginning," Kennedy said on social media. "It was this progressive deterioration — and his abandonment of Democratic Party principles — that prompted me to enter the race and ensure American voters had a viable, vigorous alternative to Donald Trump.”
He also called on the Democratic Party to “return to its traditional commitment to democracy and exemplify it with an open process.”
?Sudiksha Kochi
When will Biden address the nation?
Americans can expect to hear more from Biden in the coming days, the president said in his announcement withdrawing from the race.
"I will speak to the nation later this week in more to detail about my decision," he wrote.
He did not give an exact date or time.
? Natalie Neysa Alund
When is the DNC? Here's what to know about 2024 convention after Biden drops out of race
On the heels of Biden's decision to end his bid for reelection amid intense pressure from scores of his own party leaders, all eyes are now on Chicago, where the Democratic National Convention is set to kick off next month.
The DNC is slated to take place Aug. 19 through Aug. 22.
? Natalie Neysa Alund
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Election updates: Harris raises $81 million since launching bid
