United States – President Joe Biden’s Sunday withdrawal from the 2024 race came under immense pressure from congressional Democrats, including Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer and over thirty House Members, as reported by ABC News.
At 81, Biden had rejected the pressure to step aside that increased nearly every day after his weak performance during the first debate with Trump on June 27 and constant inquiry into his age and cognitive health. His decision was made a few months before the important date, which was identified as Nov. 5.
Harris Takes the Lead
Biden supported his vice-presidential running mate Kamala Harris for the head of the ticket, which led many other individuals in the party to endorse Harris.
Former Gov. Chris Christie said Monday on MSNBC that VP Kamala Harris, who is now the frontrunner for the Democratic presidential nomination, can make “this a very close race” against former President Donald Trump.
“Eight years ago, [Trump] ran against a woman for president. When he did, Hillary Clinton was a more known quantity and, quite frankly, was disliked by a lot of voters,” Christie said on ABC News’ “Good Morning America” on Monday. “Kamala Harris is not personally disliked.”
He added, “There’s a question of respect and whether they respect her or not. And that’s going to be in her control now. If she performs well, she’ll make this a very close race.”
Strategic Considerations for Harris
A decision about Harris’ vice presidential running mate will be watched closely, he said; selecting Gov. Josh Shapiro can win Pennsylvania, which “allows them to compete in Michigan, Wisconsin, Arizona. ”
Christie, who ran for the presidency against Trump in 2016, has since turned against the former president. He had said before that another Trump term would be a “revenge presidency. ”
“And I think he will use the levers of government to punish the people who he believes have been disloyal to him or his approach,” Christie told ABC News earlier this year.
Brazile Promises Transparency
Christie appeared on Monday morning’s “Good Morning America,” where he was accompanied by Democratic strategist and former DNC Chair Donna Brazile, who promised the convention would have a “transparent process. ”
“We’re going to continue to get the endorsements and, hopefully, at some point today or tomorrow, the vice president will have enough delegates to secure the nomination,” she said.