Harris consolidates her hold in party

Vice President Kamala Harris is moving swiftly to lock up Democratic delegates behind her campaign for the White House after President Joe Biden stepped aside.

Aiming to put weeks of intraparty drama over Biden's candidacy behind them, powerful leaders of the Democratic establishment too lost no time in embracing Harris. It is understood that at least six key governors have endorsed her, including Nancy Pelosi, though Barack Obama was still watching from the sidelines.

Biden's departure frees up his delegates to vote for whomever they choose.

Harris, whom Biden backed after ending his candidacy, is thus far the only declared candidate. If she's successful at locking up the nomination, she must also pick a running mate and pivot a massive political operation to boost her candidacy with just over 100 days until Election Day.