Kamala’s Glee Cut Short as Democrat Infighting Begins

Following President Biden’s shock announcement dropping out of the 2024 race, key Democrat leaders declined to endorse Vice President Kamala Harris.

Harris formally filed to take over the ticket and run for president shortly after Biden’s notice on X.

“I am honored to have the President’s endorsement and my intention is to earn and win this nomination,” she said in a statement.

But not everyone is eager to offer their support.

Former Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-CA) and House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-NY), whose opinions are thought to be huge factors in Biden’s decision, both declined to mention Harris by name in their statements.

Both party leaders stuck with praising Biden instead without mentioning his endorsement of Harris or their preference for the ticket going forward.

Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) also notably left Harris out of his statement, as did former President Barack Obama.

Democratic National Committee Chair Jaime Harrison said the party will move forward to select a nominee this week, and he also did not mention Harris by name despite Biden’s endorsement.

“In the coming days, the Party will undertake a transparent and orderly process to move forward as a united Democratic Party with a candidate who can defeat Donald Trump in November,” he said. “This process will be governed by established rules and procedures of the Party. Our delegates are prepared to take seriously their responsibility in swiftly delivering a candidate to the American people.”

She may already have a challenger.

Senator Joe Manchin, who switched his party from Democrat to Independent in order to keep his options open, had mulled running a primary bid against Biden.

He is now considering jumping back into the race against Harris.

As he joined others calling for Biden to step down earlier in the week, he skipped over Harris to suggest Governor Andy Beshear of Kentucky and Governor Josh Shapiro of Pennsylvania.