Rep. James E. Clyburn endorsed Vice President Kamala Harris on Sunday for the top of the presidential ticket after President Biden withdrew from the race.
Mr. Clyburn, South Carolina Democrat, was a key political kingmaker in 2020 when he threw his support behind Mr. Biden during the party’s presidential primary.
“One of President Biden’s first decisions as the nominee was to select a running mate that he believed possessed the values and vision necessary to continue this country’s pursuit toward a ‘more perfect union,’” Mr. Clyburn said in a statement. “I echo the good judgment he demonstrated in selecting vice president Harris to lead this nation alongside him, and I am proud to follow his lead in support of her candidacy to succeed him as the Democratic Party’s 2024 nominee for president.”
Congressional Democratic lawmakers began lining up immediately behind Ms. Harris’ candidacy for the presidency immediately following Mr. Biden’s announcement on Sunday afternoon, after weeks of mounting pressure from Capitol Hill and Democratic donors for the president to not seek re-election.
Although Ms. Harris is the early frontrunner for the nomination and has tremendous support in Washington, including from former President Bill Clinton, former President Barack Obama endorsed an open Democratic primary process at the convention next month.
“I have extraordinary confidence that the leaders of our party will be able to create a process from which an outstanding nominee emerges,” Mr. Obama said in a statement, which did not mention Ms.Harris. “I believe that Joe Biden’s vision of a generous, prosperous, and united America that provides opportunity for everyone will be on full display at the Democratic Convention in August.”
SEE ALSO: Kamala Harris says she’s ‘honored’ to have Biden’s support and will run for nomination
• Kerry Picket can be reached at kpicket@washingtontimes.com.
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