“I am honored to have the President’s endorsement and my intention is to earn and win this nomination,” U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris said in a statement after President Joe Biden announced his decision to step down on Sunday morning.

In a statement issued from the Biden-Harris campaign side, Harris vowed to “do everything in my power to unite the Democratic Party – and unite our nation – to defeat Donald Trump and his extreme Project 2025 agenda.”

Harris noted: “With this selfless and patriotic act, President Biden is doing what he has done throughout his life of service: putting the American people and our country above everything else.”

She said: “Together, we will fight. And together, we will win.”

Later in the day, it was reported that all 50 Democrat party state chairs signalled support for Harris.

Just on Sunday, the Democrat group Act Blue raised $46.7 million for Harris’ run.

Former president Bill Clinton and his wife, Hillary, endorsed Harris, saying, they “will do whatever we can to support her.”

Meanwhile, the Republicans shaken up by the latest development, launched an all-out attack on Harris, whose appeal to women and non-white Americans is what they dread.

You can expect the presidential campaign to get as nasty as it can.

MEANWHILE, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said on X: “I’ve known President Biden for years. He’s a great man, and everything he does is guided by his love for his country. As President, he is a partner to Canadians — and a true friend. To President Biden and the First Lady: thank you.”

BIDEN’S full statement:

“My Fellow Americans, over the past three-and-a-half years, we have made great progress as a nation.

“Today, America has the strongest economy in the world. We’ve made historic investments in rebuilding our nation, in lowering prescription drug costs for seniors, and in expanding affordable health care to a record number of Americans.

“We’ve provided critically needed care to a million veterans exposed to toxic substances. Passed the first gun safety law in 30 years. Appointed the first African American woman to the Supreme Court. And passed the most significant climate legislation in the history of the world. America has never been better positioned to lead than we are today.

“I know none of this could have been done without you, the American people. Together, we overcame a once in a century pandemic and the worst economic crisis since the Great Depression. We’ve protected and preserved our democracy. And we’ve revitalised and strengthened our alliances around the world.

“It has been the greatest honour of my life to serve as your President. And while it has been my intention to seek re-election, I believe it is in the best interest of my party and the country for me to stand down and to focus solely on fulfilling my duties as President for the remainder of my term.

“I will speak to the nation later this week in more detail about my decision.

“For now, let me express my deepest gratitude to all those who have worked so hard to see me re-elected.

“I want to thank Vice President Kamala Harris for being an extraordinary partner in all this work. And let me express my heartfelt appreciation to the American people for the faith and trust you have placed in me.

“I believe today what I always have: that there is nothing America can’t do – when we do it together. We just have to remember we are the United States of America.”

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