Joe Biden Drops Out of 2024 Race, Endorses Harris; ActBlue Raises Record $46.7M

In a surprising turn of events, President Joe Biden has announced his withdrawal from the 2024 presidential race. The announcement, made earlier today, was coupled with Biden’s endorsement of Vice President Kamala Harris as his chosen successor. This pivotal moment in American politics has sparked widespread reactions and significant financial backing for Harris’s campaign.

My fellow Democrats, I have decided not to accept the nomination and to focus all my energies on my duties as President for the remainder of my term. My very first decision as the party nominee in 2020 was to pick Kamala Harris as my Vice President. And it’s been the best… pic.twitter.com/x8DnvuImJV

— Joe Biden (@JoeBiden) July 21, 2024

Biden’s decision to step down from the race was reportedly influenced by a combination of personal and political considerations. The President, who has served since January 2021, expressed confidence in Harris’s ability to lead the country. “Vice President Harris has been a steadfast partner and a powerful advocate for the American people. I believe she is the right person to lead our nation forward,” Biden stated.

Following this endorsement, grassroots support for Harris has surged dramatically. As of 9 PM ET, ActBlue, the Democratic fundraising platform, reported a staggering $46.7 million raised by grassroots supporters. This amount, collected in less than a day, marks the largest single-day fundraising total of the 2024 election cycle. The unprecedented financial support underscores the enthusiasm and urgency among Democratic voters to rally behind Harris’s candidacy.

Harris, who made history as the first female, first Black, and first South Asian Vice President, now aims to break another barrier by becoming the first female president of the United States. Her campaign is expected to focus on key issues such as healthcare, climate change, and economic inequality, building on the platform she and Biden promoted during their administration.

The swift and substantial fundraising response has not only energized Harris’s campaign but also highlighted the deep wells of support within the Democratic base. ActBlue’s platform has played a crucial role in mobilizing these resources, demonstrating the power of grassroots movements in contemporary American politics.

Several political analysts have weighed in on the implications of Biden’s exit and Harris’s new role as the presumptive Democratic nominee. The move reshapes the Democratic primary landscape and sets the stage for a potentially historic election. Political commentator and strategist, John Smith, noted, “This is a game-changer for the Democrats. Harris’s ability to galvanize support so quickly speaks volumes about her appeal and the desire for continuity within the party.”

As Harris’s campaign gains momentum, speculation about her potential running mate has begun. Among the names being considered are Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro and Arizona Senator Mark Kelly. Both figures bring unique strengths to the table, with Shapiro’s popularity in a swing state and Kelly’s background as a former astronaut and Navy veteran.

The fundraising milestone achieved through ActBlue underscores the critical role of financial resources in mounting a successful campaign. The platform’s ability to mobilize small-dollar donations en masse reflects a growing trend in political fundraising, where grassroots contributions can significantly impact a candidate’s viability.

As the 2024 election cycle progresses, all eyes will be on Kamala Harris as she embarks on her historic campaign. The coming months will test her ability to unite the Democratic Party, appeal to a broad electorate, and present a compelling vision for the future of the United States.