Harris Reveals She Was About to Do a Puzzle When Biden Announced Exit

Vice President Kamala Harris recently shared the details of the unexpected moment when President Joe Biden informed her that he would be withdrawing from the 2024 presidential race. In her first interview since becoming the presumptive Democratic nominee, Harris described the personal and relaxed setting in which she received the news.

During a conversation with CNN’s Dana Bash, Harris recalled a Sunday spent with family. “My family was staying with us, including my baby nieces, and we had just had pancakes,” she recounted. The atmosphere was light-hearted, filled with her nieces’ requests like, ‘Auntie, can I have more bacon?’ and her engaging with them over a puzzle.

The calmness of that family gathering was disrupted by a phone call from Biden. Harris explained how she reacted to the surprising news that he had chosen to step down after facing increasing pressure from senior Democrats to withdraw. The announcement would later reverberate throughout the political landscape.

“He told me what he had decided to do,” Harris said. “I asked, ‘Are you sure?’ He replied, ‘Yes,’ and that’s how I learned about it.” The vice president’s response indicates the shock of the moment, reflecting the gravity of such a significant political transition.

When Bash inquired whether she had sought Biden’s endorsement for her candidacy, Harris affirmed, noting that Biden had made it clear he would support her. Following his announcement, Biden quickly issued a statement reaffirming his backing, clarifying his intentions shortly after the unexpected news broke.

This turn of events came just days before the Democratic National Convention, prompting speculation about the party’s nomination process and whether there would be a renewed contest for the candidacy. However, with Biden’s support firmly established, Harris could proceed with her campaign without concerns over a competitive nomination battle.

Throughout the interview, Harris praised Biden as a historically significant leader, reflecting on the achievements of their administration. She highlighted their work on infrastructure and the strengthening of U.S. relationships with allies, framing them as monumental successes.

“I think history is going to show not only has Joe Biden led an administration that has achieved those extraordinary successes, but the character of the man is one that he has been in his life and career, including as a president, quite selfless and puts the American people first,” she stated emphatically.

As Harris prepares to take the lead in the upcoming election campaign, her commitment to continuing the work initiated during Biden’s presidency is clear. The dynamics within the Democratic Party are shifting, but her focus remains on the values and accomplishments she believes have defined their administration.

With Biden’s departure from the race now official, attention will turn to how Harris navigates the political landscape as the Democratic nominee. She aims to unite a party that has faced its share of challenges and opportunities in a rapidly changing political environment.

Harris’s optimistic outlook and her determination to uphold the principles she associates with Biden’s leadership suggest a steadfast approach as she embarks on her campaign journey.