Harris eases into role of flagbearer for Democrats to take on Trump

After Biden's sudden exit, US Vice-President racks up endorsements, but some key party figures still silent

- Bhagyashree Garekar

United States VicePresident Kamala Harris exuded confidence at a White House event as she looked set to clinch the Democratic presidential nomination to take on former president Donald Trump in the 2024 presidential election.

She made no direct reference to the election in her first public appearance after President Joe Biden dramatically dropped his re-election bid and endorsed her on July 21.

It followed the 81-year-old President's disastrous performance in a debate with Republican rival Trump that raised doubts about his mental acuity and fitness for office just four months before the election.

In brief remarks before a White House event honouring college athletes on July 22, Ms Harris praised Mr Biden's accomplishments as "unmatched in history".

"In one term, he has already surpassed the legacy of most presidents who have served two terms in office," she said.

As the likely Democratic nominee, she is expected to bring freshness and enthusiasm to an election that most American voters have found a dull slog between two old men.

Turning 60 in October, Ms Harris is 18 years younger than her Republican rival Donald Trump. She is a forceful speaker who, thanks to her career as a prosecutor, will not be afraid to mix it up with Trump on the campaign trail.

But Ms Harris does not have an electoral base or a clear issue she is identified with. And Americans do not know much about the woman who has spent four years in Mr Biden's shadow.

On the other hand, as a woman at the top of the ticket, she can make a passionate case for restoring reproductive rights, an issue that has been animating sizeable parts of the electorate. In 2022, three Supreme Court justices appointed by Trump during his term helped overturn the landmark Roe v Wade ruling that guaranteed constitutional access to abortion.