Kamala Harris Secures Major Donor Backing as Favourite to Win Democratic Nomination
In a sudden turn of events, Kamala Harris, the US Vice President, has secured the backing of several major Democratic donors, solidifying her position as the favourite to win the party’s nomination. This comes just hours after Joe Biden announced he would not contest the 2024 US election.
Biden’s Decision Sparks Backlash
Biden’s decision to step down from the presidential race has sparked a wave of support for Harris among party leaders and donors. According to three sources who spoke with Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, and former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, they made it clear that they would rally behind Harris.
Major Donors Favour Harris
Several prominent donors, including LinkedIn co-founder Reid Hoffman, George and Alex Soros, and several Wall Street donors, have announced their support for Harris. Hoffman, who had previously given over $8.6 million to boost the Biden-Harris ticket, wrote: "Kamala Harris is the right person at the right time."
Brad Karp, a prominent Wall Street fundraiser and chair of the New York-based corporate law firm Paul Weiss, also endorsed Harris, stating: "Kamala Harris would be a formidable nominee and make a superb president. She is a dynamic and decisive leader and a bridge builder, who I believe could help unite our country, heal our divisions, and help forge a better future for all Americans."
Vetting Potential Running Mates
Harris has already started vetting potential running mates, including Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro and Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear, according to two sources close to the Vice President. Shapiro tweeted on Sunday, "I will do everything I can to help elect @KamalaHarris as the 47th President of the United States."
Raising Funds
Harris raised over $27.5 million in the five hours after her campaign launch, according to fundraising platform ActBlue. This significant influx of funds is expected to give her a significant advantage over potential challengers.
Predictions and Polls
Prediction markets on Sunday showed Harris as the clear favourite to win the Democratic nomination. However, she is starting with an approval rating below 39%, according to FiveThirtyEight. National and swing state polls have increasingly favoured Trump in recent weeks.
Conclusion
Kamala Harris’s sudden surge in popularity and financial backing has made her the favourite to win the Democratic nomination. With a strong campaign launch and the support of major donors, she is well-positioned to take on the Republican challenger in the 2024 election.
FAQs
Q: What is the significance of Harris’s fundraising efforts?
A: Harris’s fundraising efforts are significant because they demonstrate her ability to mobilize support and resources among Democratic donors and activists. This is likely to give her a significant advantage over potential challengers.
Q: Who are some of the major donors backing Harris?
A: Some of the major donors backing Harris include Reid Hoffman, George and Alex Soros, Brad Karp, and several Wall Street donors.
Q: Who are some of the potential running mates being considered by Harris?
A: Some of the potential running mates being considered by Harris include Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro and Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear.
Q: What is the current state of the presidential race?
A: The current state of the presidential race is uncertain, with Harris and Trump both vying for the nomination. Harris has a significant lead in prediction markets, but Trump has maintained a strong approval rating among his supporters.
Q: What is the significance of Biden’s decision to step down from the race?
A: Biden’s decision to step down from the race is significant because it creates a power vacuum and allows Harris to position herself as the favourite to win the Democratic nomination.
Author: www.ft.com
Orginal Source link