JACKSON, Miss. — Sen. Kamala Harris (D-Calif.) on Sunday endorsed Joe Biden for president, the latest of his former rivals to give a nod to the former vice president's candidacy.
In a statement, Harris said she felt that Biden was best prepared to "steer America through these turbulent times."
"When I started my run for president, I said America needs a president who reflects the decency and dignity of the American people; a president who speaks the truth; and a president who fights for those whose voices are too often overlooked or ignored," Harris said in a statement released Sunday morning.
Harris is the fifth former rival to endorse Biden since his commanding victory in the South Carolina primary. Former South Bend, Ind. Mayor Pete Buttigieg, Sen. Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.) and former Texas Congressman Beto O'Rourke endorsed Biden in advance of the pivotal slate of Super Tuesday states.
Former Massachusetts governor Deval Patrick endorsed Biden on Friday.
During a debate in June, Harris attacked Biden for talking positively about his ability to work with segregationist senators, and pointed out his opposition to busing.
"I do not believe you are a racist. I agree with you when you commit yourself to the importance of finding common ground," Harris said. "But I also believe, and it's personal . . . it was hurtful to hear you talk about the reputations of two United States senators who built their reputations and career on segregation of race in this country."
Since Harris dropped out of the presidential race in December, Biden has heaped praise on her. And he is frequently questioned about whether she would be his vice presidential pick.
In her statement, Harris spoke kindly of Biden's political career, and of Biden's deceased son, Beau, who was attorney general of Delaware when Harris held the same position in California.
“I got to know Joe more than a decade ago through his son – my dear friend, the late Delaware Attorney General Beau Biden. As attorneys general during the financial crisis, Beau and I were leaders in the fight to take on the biggest banks in the nation and secure billions of dollars in relief for homeowners across the country. And I can tell you that Beau inherited his strength of character, selfless courage, and commitment to public service from his father, Joe."
On Saturday, during a speech in St. Louis, Biden insisted that his campaign could be a landing spot for Democrats whose initial choice for president had dropped out of the race. He curiously included Harris's supporters: "To all of Amy's folks. To all of Pete's folks. To all of Kamala's folks who have — Beto's folks. I tell you what, what a gigantic difference it has made."
On Sunday morning, Biden's twitter account heaped praise on Harris while again mentioning Beau Biden: "Kamala – you've spent your whole career fighting for folks who've been written off and left behind – and no small part of that alongside Beau. From our family: thank you."
Cleve R. Wootson Jr., Washington Post, March 8, 2020
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March 8, 2020
Voices4America Post Script. Another major endorsement. Mayor Pete Buttigieg, Sen. Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.), former Texas Congressman Beto O'Rourke, former Mass Governor Patrick Deval. Now #Kamala4Joe.
Florida is voting early now.
#MiniSuperTuesday, March 10. Michigan, Mississippi, Missouri, Washington, Idaho, North Dakota. #Vote #GetOutTheVote #Blue2020
