Vice President Kamala Harris has secured the Democratic nomination for president against Republican Donald Trump, following Joe Biden's decision to withdraw from the race. In her first public appearance as a candidate, Harris attacked Trump's agenda and promised a brighter future for the US that makes room for all Americans.
According to reports by Associated Press and CNN, Harris had secured the support of over 1,976 pledged delegates by Monday evening. She was endorsed by Nancy Pelosi and other congressional leaders. In her first campaign event at the Wilmington, Delaware headquarters on Monday afternoon, Harris cast herself as a defender of economic opportunity and abortion access.
However, Harris faces monumental challenges ahead in her bid for the White House. She must pick a running mate and pivot her massive political operation to boost her candidacy instead of Biden's re-election campaign. The task includes winning over voters who may be skeptical of her record as a prosecutor and addressing issues such as inflation, crime, and foreign policy.
Meanwhile, Trump has already begun attacking Harris' record and policies. He has accused her of being soft on crime and supporting radical leftist agendas. Harris responded by contrasting her time as a prosecutor with Trump's felony convictions and casting herself as a defender of economic opportunity and abortion access.
As the race heats up, both candidates will need to address the concerns of voters in crucial battleground states such as Pennsylvania, Wisconsin, Michigan, and Florida. The election is scheduled for August 7.
