U.S. President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris raise their hands during an Independence Day celebration in Washington, U.S., July 4, 2024. REUTERS/Elizabeth Frantz/File Photo
Biden to Campaign for Harris in Pennsylvania
Biden’s Support for Harris
U.S. President Joe Biden confirmed in an interview broadcast on Sunday that he would actively campaign for Democratic presidential candidate Kamala Harris in Pennsylvania, a crucial battleground state in the upcoming November election. This marks Biden’s first public interview since announcing in late July that he would withdraw from the presidential race, citing concerns about the future of U.S. democracy.
Polling and Harris’ Lead
Recent polls by The New York Times and Siena College indicate that Harris is leading former President Donald Trump by four percentage points in Pennsylvania, as well as in two other key swing states, Wisconsin and Michigan. When asked about his involvement in Harris’ campaign, Biden affirmed, “Yes,” adding that he and Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro are planning a campaign tour in the state. Biden also mentioned that he would campaign in other states, depending on how he can best assist Harris.
Upcoming Campaign Events
While specific details about the campaign tour were not disclosed, Biden and Harris are scheduled to appear together in Maryland on Thursday to discuss their efforts to reduce costs for Americans, according to the White House.
Harris’ Campaign Strategy and Running Mate Announcement
Kamala Harris, who was officially nominated as the Democratic Party’s presidential candidate last week, announced on Saturday that she would soon unveil her policy positions, focusing on economic issues and strategies to reduce costs and strengthen the economy. Harris also introduced Minnesota Governor Tim Walz as her vice-presidential running mate, describing him as “real” and “smart” and expressing confidence in their partnership.
Biden’s Decision to Withdraw
Biden’s decision to step down from the presidential race followed a challenging debate performance against Trump on June 27. He cited internal polls showing a close race and expressed concern that his continued candidacy might negatively impact other Democratic candidates in their races. Biden’s remarks suggest that his withdrawal was aimed at ensuring the focus remained on supporting Harris and the broader Democratic agenda.
Concerns About U.S. Democracy
In an earlier excerpt of the interview, released last Wednesday, Biden expressed concerns about the possibility of a peaceful transfer of power in the United States if Trump were to lose the election, reflecting ongoing anxieties about the stability of U.S. democratic processes.
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