Kamala Harris now the focus of unprecedented shake-up in US election campaign

The US vice-president, tapped by Joe Biden to replace him as Democratic nominee, must secure support of rivals while taking control of party apparatus

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US Vice-President Kamala Harris at an event at the White House on Monday, her first public appearance since Joe Biden withdrew from the presidential race and endorsed her to replace him as Democratic nominee. Photo: EPA-EFE

Published: 12:01am, 23 Jul 2024Updated: 8:45pm, 23 Jul 2024

After US President Joe Biden’s blockbuster announcement that he would not seek re-election, his party scrambled on Monday to consolidate behind his likely successor as nominee, his political opponents to retool their attacks and the rest of the world to reassess the impact on global policy.

The US political earthquake was set off Sunday when Biden, 81, bowed to weeks of mounting pressure over his age and fitness and announced his decision on social media, first to withdraw from the race and then to endorse Vice-President Kamala Harris as his successor.

Democratic Party relief and a wave of financial support followed as the party reported US$46.7 million in fundraising within hours.

While Harris is favoured to secure the nomination and the party seeks to unify quickly given the short window until the November election, she faces rivals in the wings even as Democrats seek to avoid the appearance of a coronation.

Joe Biden quits US presidential race to endorse VP Kamala Harris

“I am honoured to have the president’s endorsement and my intention is to earn and win this nomination,” Harris said. “I will do everything in my power to unite the Democratic Party – and unite our nation.”

The Republican challenger, former president Donald Trump, quickly pivoted on Sunday with a statement tying Harris to Biden administration policies. But his campaign has seen its world change as Trump, 78, suddenly becomes the candidate whose age is a concern.