Former Democratic presidential candidates and other VP contenders rallied to support Sen. Kamala Harris as Joe Biden's running mate
Presumptive Democratic presidential nominee Joe Biden announced his much-anticipated pick for his running mate: Sen. Kamala Harris of California.
Prominent political figures, including former President Barack Obama, former Democratic presidential nominee Hillary Clinton, and a number of other women who appeared on Biden's VP shortlist, congratulated Harris on the selection and praised the choice.
Biden's choice of Harris as his vice president makes her the first Black woman and South Asian-American to appear on a major ticket.
Prominent political figures — from former Democratic presidential candidates to other potential VP contenders — threw their support behind Joe Biden's running mate pick: Sen. Kamala Harris.
On Tuesday, Biden announced his much-anticipated running mate choice after months of speculation. The historic selection makes Harris the first Black and South Asian-American woman to appear on a major ticket.
Other 2020 Democrats who ran for president congratulated their former fellow candidate on the nomination, as well as former President Barack Obama, House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, and former Democratic presidential nominee Hillary Clinton.
Sen. Elizabeth Warren of Massachusetts
The US senator from Massachusetts was one of the last candidates in the Democratic pool to drop out of the 2020 race, and she also made an appearance on Biden's shortlist for a running mate.
"Throughout her career, she has been unafraid, and an inspiration to millions of women who see themselves in her," Warren said in a statement. "As our vice presidential nominee, Kamala is making history."
—Elizabeth Warren (@ewarren) August 11, 2020
Sen. Amy Klobuchar of Minnesota
Also a former Democratic presidential candidate and potential Biden running mate, Klobuchar tweeted that she was "filled with joy" that Harris was chosen as Biden's vice president.
—Amy Klobuchar (@amyklobuchar) August 11, 2020
Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer
Whitmer became more prominent during the COVID-19 pandemic after she implemented strict health safety guidelines in an effort to mitigate the spread of the coronavirus. She appeared on Biden's list of potential contenders for vice president.
—Gretchen Whitmer (@gretchenwhitmer) August 11, 2020
Sen. Tammy Duckworth of Illinois
The veteran was also in the running to be Biden's running mate. She tweeted Tuesday that she was "all-in" for a Biden-Harris ticket.
"I look forward to working as hard as I can to elect Joe Biden & Kamala Harris," Duckworth wrote in a Twitter thread. "Our nation needs a President — and our troops deserve a commander in chief — who is competent, effective, and has the empathy needed to lead this great, diverse country through these difficult times.
—Tammy Duckworth (@TammyforIL) August 11, 2020
Rep. Val Demings of Florida
Demings was considered as a potential running mate for Biden. In a tweet, she wrote, "For a little girl who grew up poor, Black and female in the South to be considered during this process has been an incredible honor. I feel so blessed."
"To see a Black woman nominated for the first time reaffirms my faith that in America, there is a place for every person to succeed no matter who they are or where they come from," she continued in the thread.
—Val Demings (@val_demings) August 11, 2020
—Val Demings (@val_demings) August 11, 2020
—Val Demings (@val_demings) August 11, 2020
Rep. Karen Bass of California
Bass also appeared on Biden's list of potential running mates prior to the announcement of the Biden-Harris campaign.
Earlier this month, Bass defended a resurfaced video of her praising the controversial Church of Scientology, saying she was trying to find an "area of agreement" with the group.
"California is better because of her work as Attorney General and stronger because of her work as Senator," Bass wrote in a thread on Twitter. "Now all Americans will benefit from her work as Vice President."
—Karen Bass (@KarenBassTweets) August 11, 2020
Former National Security Advisor Susan Rice
Rice served as national security advisor during the Obama administration and also was on Biden's shortlist for his running mate.
In a tweet Tuesday, she offered "warmest congratulations" to Harris, describing her as a "tenacious and trailblazing leader who will make a great partner on the campaign trail.
"I am confident that Biden-Harris will prove to be a winning ticket," Rice tweeted. "As I have said from the outset, I will do my utmost to assist Joe Biden to become the next president of the United States and to help him govern successfully."
—Susan Rice (@AmbassadorRice) August 11, 2020
Former President Barack Obama
The former president commended Biden, saying he "nailed" his "first important decision" in choosing a vice president "who's got the judgment and the character to make the right call."
"By choosing Senator Kamala Harris as America's next Vice President, he's underscored his own judgment and character," Obama said in a statement. "Reality shows us that these attributes are not optional in a president. They're requirements of the job."
"And now Joe has an ideal partner to help him tackle the very real challenges America faces right now and in the years ahead," he continued.
—Barack Obama (@BarackObama) August 11, 2020
Former Democratic presidential nominee Hillary Clinton
Former Democratic presidential nominee Hillary Clinton also congratulated Harris on the vice-presidential nod, saying she was "thrilled to welcome" Harris to a "historic Democratic ticket."
"She's already proven herself to be an incredible public servant and leader. And I know she'll be a strong partner to Joe Biden," Clinton tweeted. "Please join me in having her back and getting her elected."
—Hillary Clinton (@HillaryClinton) August 11, 2020
House Speaker Nancy Pelosi
Pelosi tweeted Tuesday that Biden's nomination of Harris as his running mate "marks an historic and proud milestone for our country."
"Rooted in strong values and her proud American story, Vice President Harris will be a tireless champion for hard-working families everywhere," Pelosi said in a statement. "Now we must ensure the historic election of Joe Biden and Kamala Harris as President and Vice President of the United States."
—Nancy Pelosi (@TeamPelosi) August 11, 2020
Sen. Bernie Sanders of Vermont
Sanders, who was one of the final two Democratic candidates alongside Biden, threw his support behind his fellow former presidential candidates, congratulating Harris on the nomination.
"She understands what it takes to stand up for working people, fight for health care for all, and take down the most corrupt administration in history," Sanders wrote in a tweet.
—Bernie Sanders (@BernieSanders) August 11, 2020
Sen. Cory Booker of New Jersey
Booker campaigned in the 2020 race and was one of the only Black candidates alongside Harris in the Democratic pool.
"I'm proud to call Kamala Harris my dear friend and sister — and next year, I'll be even more proud to call her our Vice President," Booker wrote in a tweet.
—Cory Booker (@CoryBooker) August 11, 2020
Former HUD Sec. Julián Castro, entrepreneur Andrew Yang, and former South Bend Mayor Pete Buttigieg, and former New York Mayor Mike Bloomberg — who all campaigned in the 2020 election — congratulated Harris on the nomination.
—Julián Castro (@JulianCastro) August 11, 2020
—Andrew Yang🧢🇺🇸 (@AndrewYang) August 11, 2020
—Pete Buttigieg (@PeteButtigieg) August 11, 2020
—Mike Bloomberg (@MikeBloomberg) August 11, 2020
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