Prime Minister Keir Starmer remains neutral as Vice President Kamala Harris gains momentum with influential endorsements and record-breaking fundraising. Here’s the full story.
Biden’s Announcement
Following President Biden’s announcement that he would not seek reelection in November, Prime Minister Keir Starmer attempted to walk a diplomatic tightrope.
Neutral on Successor
Starmer, who reporters asked at the Farnborough International Airshow if he would endorse Biden’s chosen successor, Vice President Kamala Harris, was careful to stress that the UK had no horse in the race for the White House.
Respecting Decision-Making
Starmer stated, “Obviously in the first instance, it’s for the Democratic party to decide who they want to put forward. It’s then for the American people to decide who they want for their President.”
Working With Any President
He added, “My approach will be to respect that decision-making and to be clear, we will work with whoever the American people elect into office.”
Applauding Biden’s Leadership
Starmer applauded Biden for his leadership during his four years as President and said of Biden’s decision to step down, “I respect the decision that he has now made. Not an easy decision, but a decision that he would have arrived at taking into account the best interests of the American people.”
Harris in the Limelight
Kamala Harris, who received Biden’s full backing shortly after he announced he would not be seeking reelection, has now been catapulted into the limelight. Her path to the Democratic nomination became ever clearer as Democratic Party heavyweights fell in line to support her.
Pelosi Endorses Harris
House Speaker Nancy Pelosi endorsed Harris, stating, “I have known Kamala Harris for decades as rooted in strong values, faith and a commitment to public service. Politically, make no mistake: Kamala Harris as a woman in politics is brilliantly astute – and I have full confidence that she will lead us to victory in November.”
Broader Wave of Support
Pelosi’s endorsement was part of a broader wave of support from key Democratic figures. House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries and Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer are expected to follow suit in the coming days. Similarly, Democratic governors in crucial battleground states like Illinois, Michigan, Minnesota, and Wisconsin endorsed Harris’s candidacy.
Influential Group Endorsements
Similarly, Harris received endorsements from influential Democratic groups, including the Congressional Progressive Caucus, the Congressional Hispanic Caucus, and the entire Congressional Black Caucus.
Notable Pledges of Support
Additionally, Prominent figures such as Senator Elizabeth Warren, Governor Wes Moore, and Senator Dick Durbin also pledged their support. Notably, Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, who had previously predicted chaos if Biden stepped aside, expressed her “full support” for Harris, signalling yet more movement towards unity within the party.
Harris as Presumptive Nominee
These endorsements have solidified Harris’s position as the presumptive nominee, reducing the potential for primary challenges from other Democrats, who are likely terrified of appearing deeply divided to the electorate.
Historic Surge in Donations
Following Biden’s exit from the presidential race, Harris’s campaign experienced a historic surge in donations, raising $81 million within 24 hours. This record-breaking fundraising effort, driven by more than 888,000 small-dollar donors, indicated solid grassroots support for Harris, who many Democrats believe has a better chance of beating Trump than Biden following his disastrous debate performance. Biden has since renamed his campaign finance account “Harris for President”.
Harris’s Tribute to Biden
In her first comments after Biden’s withdrawal, Harris paid tribute to Biden’s achievements during his presidency, avoiding direct mention of her candidacy. She stated, “Joe Biden’s legacy of accomplishment over the past three years is unmatched in modern history … I am first-hand witness that every day our president fights for the American people, and we are deeply, deeply grateful for his service to our nation.”
Calls for Open Process
While Harris’s path to the nomination appears strong, some voices within the Democratic Party called for an open process at the convention rather than a coronation. Despite legions of influential donors announcing that their donations to the Democrats would now resume following Biden’s announcement, some, including entrepreneur Vinod Khosla, have emphasised the importance of choosing a candidate who can best defeat Donald Trump.
DNC’s Next Steps
The Democratic National Committee (DNC), led by Jaime Harrison, planned to outline the next steps in the nomination process, navigating what former President Barack Obama called “uncharted territory” with Biden being the first president in 56 years to forgo reelection.
Hope for a Smooth Transition
Despite the DNC’s plans, many in the party will hope for a smooth transition, allowing the Democrats to rally behind a unified candidate and strengthen their chances in the upcoming election.
Starmer Maintains Neutrality
While Prime Minister Keir Starmer maintained a neutral stance on the US presidential race, Kamala Harris received substantial backing from crucial Democratic figures and grassroots supporters.
Uncertain November Outcome
However, it remains to be seen if the significant outpouring of support for Harris from fellow Democrats will translate into victory in the upcoming November election.
Featured Image Credit: Shutterstock / Sean Aidan Calderbank.