Former Secretary of State and presidential candidate, Hillary Clinton, recently endorsed Vice President Kamala Harris for the 2024 presidential election in a media op-ed. Clinton praised Harris for her experience, resilience, and potential to bring a fresh outlook to American politics, positioning her as the Democrats’ best chance to defeat ex-President Donald Trump.
In her New York Times op-ed on July 23, Clinton expressed enthusiasm for Harris’s candidacy, emphasizing that elections are about the future and portraying Harris as a symbol of a new era in American politics.
Clinton’s endorsement came on the heels of President Joe Biden’s decision to step aside and endorse Harris. This decision sets up a potentially historic election, with Harris in line to be the first woman, as well as the first Black and South Asian person, to top a major party’s ticket.
Clinton stressed the stark contrast between Harris and Trump in the upcoming election, noting that Trump is a convicted criminal, while Harris is a seasoned prosecutor. The choice, according to Clinton, has never been clearer.
The endorsement from Clinton, along with her husband, ex-President Bill Clinton, represents one of the earliest high-profile Democratic endorsements for Harris. It signals a unified front within the Democratic Party as they gear up for a potentially heated election season.
While acknowledging her own unsuccessful presidential campaigns, Clinton expressed satisfaction that her efforts helped pave the way for female presidential candidates. Clinton underlined that Harris, like many women in politics, is often underestimated, but she is well-prepared for the challenge.
Clinton also acknowledged the additional hurdles faced by Harris as a woman of color in a high-stakes political race. “I know a thing or two about how hard it can be for strong women candidates to fight through the sexism and double standards of American politics. I’ve been called a witch, a ‘nasty woman’ and much worse,” Clinton shared from her 2016 campaign experience.
Clinton voiced confidence in Harris’s ability to overcome these barriers, citing her prosecutorial record and her contributions within the Biden administration. She highlighted Harris’s role in making critical decisions as Vice President and her advocacy for restoring women’s reproductive rights when Roe v. Wade was overturned by the Supreme Court.
Clinton pointed out that Harris’s campaign will tackle major issues such as economic recovery, healthcare, and climate change. She expressed faith in Harris’s proactive approach to these challenges and her ability to connect with voters seeking practical solutions.
Clinton contrasted Harris’s forward-looking vision with the past grievances of the Trump campaign, focusing on Harris’s skills, experience, and readiness to serve as President. She expressed confidence in Harris’s capacity to triumph over Donald Trump.
The op-ed underscored the need for voter mobilization in the coming months, emphasizing that it’s time to organize and fight for victory. She cited recent electoral victories of left-leaning parties in Britain and France as evidence of what a well-organized campaign can accomplish within a limited timeframe.
According to a recent Reuters/Ipsos poll, 91% of Democrats view Harris favorably compared to 80% for Biden. The poll also shows Harris leading Trump by a narrow margin, a promising indicator for her campaign.
Clinton’s endorsement provides a significant boost to Harris’s campaign and serves as a call to action for Democrats across the country. As the 2024 election emerges as one of the most significant in recent memory, the support and mobilization of the Democratic base will be crucial in securing a victory.
