Kamala Harris wins enough support to clinch Democratic nomination

Vice President Kamala Harris has received enough backing from Democratic delegates to secure the party's nomination for president, according to a report from CBS News, the BBC's US affiliate.

An Associated Press survey released Monday evening revealed that Ms. Harris has secured the support of over 1,976 delegates, enough to secure the nomination in the initial round of voting.

Ms. Harris expressed her happiness in gaining extensive support and eagerly anticipated accepting the nomination officially.

Delegates are individuals chosen to represent their specific district at the Democratic National Convention (DNC), which is an important event where the party selects its nominees.

These endorsements do not hold much weight in terms of being mandatory, but if the majority of votes remain consistent up until delegates make their final decision between August 1-7, then Ms. Harris would officially secure the nomination from the party.

Representatives from 27 states have announced their full support for Ms. Harris, as reported by CBS.

The poll shows a strong outpouring of backing for Ms. Harris following President Joe Biden's exit from the competition on Sunday.

After Mr. Biden made his announcement, a significant amount of money has been donated to her campaign and many prominent Democrats have offered their support for her candidacy as the Democratic nominee.

During a meeting with her team at the campaign office in Wilmington, Delaware, on Monday night, Ms. Harris informed her staff: "We have 106 days left until Election Day and we need to put in a lot of effort during that time."

Ms. Harris presented her vision for the nation to the team, explaining how her perspectives differ from Trump's. She confidently stated that she is willing to compare her accomplishments with his.

She stated, "Our campaign is centered around two contrasting visions of where we believe our country is headed. One looks towards the future, while the other looks towards the past. Donald Trump aims to revert our country to an earlier time... We are committed to a hopeful future that includes all Americans."

She also mentioned the achievements of Mr. Biden and expressed that serving as his vice-president was a great honor in her life.

Ms. Harris talked about the ups and downs of emotions they have all been feeling, describing it as a roller coaster ride. She expressed her love for Joe Biden, saying that they all feel the same way. She assured everyone that she is dedicated to earning the nomination for president and bringing both Democrats and the nation together.

Prior to Ms. Harris stepping onto the platform, Mr. Biden spoke for the first time since withdrawing from the 2024 election over the phone while in isolation due to testing positive for Covid-19.

He expressed gratitude to his assistants and encouraged them to fully welcome Ms. Harris because he believes she is the most qualified.

"I understand that the news from yesterday may have caught you off guard and been difficult to accept, but it was necessary," Mr. Biden explained to the audience.

He recognized that his team had worked very hard and put a lot of effort into supporting him for another term in office. He declared that he is not leaving and promised to stay actively involved in the campaign.

"I hope you will pour all of your passion and dedication into supporting Kamala," Mr Biden said to them.

"We must continue to protect our democracy," he stated. "Trump still poses a threat to this country."

Mr. Biden is set to come back to the White House on Tuesday afternoon after staying in isolation in Delaware.