President Joe Biden may have endorsed his vice president to replace him in November, but the country’s top elected Democrats have yet to endorse her.
“America is a better place today because President Joe Biden has led us with intellect, grace and dignity. We are forever grateful,” House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries said in a statement that did not mention Vice President Kamala Harris.
Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer said in a statement: “Joe Biden has not only been a great president and a great legislative leader, he is a truly amazing human being. His decision, of course, was not easy, but he once again put his country, his party, and our future first.”
“Joe, today you prove that you are a true patriot and a great American.”
In a fawning tribute to her longtime friend, former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi also made no mention of Harris.
“America is a better place today because President Joe Biden has led us with intellect, grace and dignity. We are forever grateful,” House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries said in a statement that did not mention Vice President Kamala Harris.
“President Joe Biden is a patriotic American who has always put our country first. His legacy of vision, values, and leadership make him one of the most important presidents in American history.”
It’s unclear whether these top Democrats are trying to give Biden his moment after what was surely one of the toughest decisions of his life, or have doubts about Harris’ viability as a candidate.
Jaime Harrison, chairman of the Democratic National Committee where the candidate will be formally nominated, did not mention Harris in his own statement.
He promised to provide more information soon on what the nomination process will look like. The Democratic National Convention is less than a month away, starting on August 19.
“Our delegates are ready to take seriously their responsibility to quickly select a candidate,” he said. “Before long, the American people will hear from the Democratic Party about the next steps and the path forward for the nomination process.”
Bill and Hillary Clinton endorsed Harris in a statement after Biden did so.
Sen. Tammy Baldwin, a Democrat running for re-election in Wisconsin in November, followed suit: “Today, I am proud to endorse Vice President Kamala Harris for President of the United States.”
Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer said in a statement: “Joe Biden has not only been a great president and a great legislative leader, he is a truly incredible human being.”
President Joe Biden may have endorsed his vice president to replace him in November, but the country’s top elected Democrats have yet to endorse her.
“Democrats must come together immediately so we can focus on winning in November,” Rep. Pramila Jayapal, D-Wash., co-chair of the House Progressive Caucus, wrote on X. “I look forward to casting my vote for Kamala Harris and doing everything I can to ensure she becomes our next president.”
Congressional Hispanic Caucus Chair Rep. Nanette Barragán endorsed Harris on Sunday.
“I stand with you (Biden). I support (Harris) as our Democratic nominee and will work tirelessly to ensure she is elected our next president in November. Thank you, Mr. President, for your lifetime of service to this country and the American people.”
The Congressional Black Caucus, led by Reps. Gregory Meeks, D-N.Y., and Steven Horsford, D-Nev., also endorsed Harris.