- Kamala Harris received an unofficial endorsement from Beyoncé.
- President Joe Biden delayed dropping out of the race due to concerns about Harris’ electability against Donald Trump.
- Harris has a strong track record and support from prominent Democrats.
Kamala Harris, the presumed Democratic candidate for the presidency, officially kicked off her campaign with a powerful, yet unofficial, endorsement from Beyoncé.
Beyoncé lends Kamala Harris ‘Freedom’ license
On Monday night, Harris entered her campaign headquarters to the tune of Beyoncé’s anthem Freedom from her 2016 album Lemonade.
CNN reported that just hours before the event, Harris had received permission from Beyoncé’s camp to use the song throughout her presidential campaign.
While Beyoncé has yet to issue an official endorsement, her approval to use Freedom is seen as a strong, tacit endorsement.
Beyoncé’s mother, Tina Knowles, has already publicly supported Harris, adding to the campaign’s momentum.
Beyoncé has a history of supporting Democratic candidates, including Joe Biden in 2020 and Hillary Clinton in 2016, and performing at Barack Obama’s second inauguration in 2013.
Why Joe Biden delayed exit from US elections
President Joe Biden delayed his decision to drop out of the 2024 race, partly due to concerns about Kamala Harris’ ability to defeat Donald Trump in November.
According to a report by Axios national political correspondent Alex Thompson, Biden and his senior advisors were worried about Harris’ electability, which made the President hesitant to end his reelection campaign.
Biden’s “anxieties” were reportedly reflective of a broader concern within the Democratic Party about Harris as the potential nominee.
Despite these concerns, Biden eventually announced his decision to withdraw from the race on social media, endorsing Harris.
His announcement was followed by endorsements from other prominent Democrats, including the Clintons.
While Harris appears to be the frontrunner for the Democratic nomination, it is not yet official.
Five things to know about Kamala Harris
- Historic Vice Presidency: Kamala Harris made history as the first female, first Black, and first South Asian Vice President of the United States. Her groundbreaking role has been a source of inspiration for many and demonstrates her capability in high-level leadership positions.
- Legal Background: Harris has a strong legal background, having served as Attorney General of California and as District Attorney of San Francisco. Her legal expertise has been pivotal in her approach to policy and governance.
- Senate Experience: Before becoming Vice President, Harris served as a US Senator from California. During her tenure, she was known for her sharp questioning in Senate hearings and her advocacy for progressive policies.
- Policy Priorities: Harris has been a vocal advocate for criminal justice reform, healthcare access, and economic equality. Her policy priorities focus on addressing systemic issues and improving the lives of marginalized communities.
- International Influence: As Vice President, Harris has played a significant role in international relations, representing the US in various diplomatic engagements and working on global issues such as climate change and migration.