Just In: Rep. Clyburn will announce support for Kamala Harris
Rep. Jim Clyburn (D-SC), a prominent Black Democrat who helped President Joe Biden achieve the position of Democratic nominee in 2020, will announce he has believes Vice President Kamala Harris should be the Democratic presidential nominee following the departure of Biden from the 2024 presidential race.
Biden announced he would quit the presidential race earlier this afternoon.
Clyburn's decision to immediately endorse Harris also comes alongside endorsements from Biden and former President Bill Clinton.
President Barack Obama, however, did not immediately endorse Vice President Harris.
"Joe Biden has been one of America’s most consequential presidents, as well as a dear friend and partner to me. Today, we’ve also been reminded – again – that he’s a patriot of the highest order," Obama said in a statement.
“We will be navigating uncharted waters in the days ahead," Obama added. "But I have extraordinary confidence that the leaders of our party will be able to create a process from which an outstanding nominee emerges.”
Amidst questions about why he didn't immediately endorse Harris, a former Obama aide noted that Obama didn't previously endorse the Democratic nominee until after the nominee was decided at the Democratic convention.