In a surprising announcement on Sunday, President Joe Biden declared he would not seek re-election, instead endorsed Vice President Kamala Harris for the Democratic presidential nominee. “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,” Biden said. “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 decision I’ve made. Today I want to offer my full support and endorsement for Kamala to be the nominee of our party this year. Democrats — it’s time to come together and beat Trump. Let’s do this.”

Joining Biden in his endorsement, former President Bill Clinton and Secretary Hillary Clinton praised Biden’s presidency and expressed strong support for Harris. “President Biden has capped his extraordinary career of service with a Presidency that has lifted America out of an unprecedented pandemic, created millions of new jobs, rebuilt a battered economy, strengthened our democracy, and restored our standing in the world,” they said. “We join millions of Americans in thanking President Biden for all he has accomplished. We are honored to join the President in endorsing Vice President Harris and will do whatever we can to support her.”

The Clintons highlighted the threat they believe a second Trump term poses, emphasizing the need to rally behind Harris. “We’ve lived through many ups and downs, but nothing has made us more worried for our country than the threat posed by a second Trump term. Now is the time to support Kamala Harris and fight with everything we’ve got to elect her. America’s future depends on it.”

As per reports, Trump has gained a lead in key states, especially after the recent assassination attempt on the the Republican leader.

A recent poll by the Detroit Free Press revealed Trump leading Biden by 7 points in Michigan, with 49 percent support to Biden’s 42 percent. Including third-party candidates, Trump holds 43 percent support, while Biden has 36 percent and independent Robert F. Kennedy Jr. takes 8 percent.

Indian-origin Kamala Harris, born on October 20, 1964, in Oakland, California, has had a distinguished career in public service. A graduate of Howard University and the University of California, Hastings College of the Law, Harris began her career as a prosecutor in Alameda County. She quickly rose through the ranks, becoming the District Attorney of San Francisco in 2004. In 2010, she was elected Attorney General of California, the first woman and the first person of colour to hold the position.

In 2016, Harris won a seat in the U.S. Senate, representing California. As a senator, she became known for her sharp questioning in committee hearings and her advocacy for justice reform, healthcare, and immigration. In 2020, Harris made history as the first female, first Black, and first South Asian Vice President of the United States after joining Joe Biden’s presidential ticket.

Throughout her career, Harris has been a trailblazer, consistently breaking barriers and advocating for equality and justice.