August 11, 2020 - Biden Selects Kamala Harris as Running Mate


Biden announces that U.S. Senator Kamala Harris (D-CA), who dropped out of the presidential race in December 2019, will be his running mate in the 2020 general election. In addition to touting her qualifications for the job, Biden notes the importance of the history being made as Harris becomes the first woman of color, first Black, and first South Asian woman who will be on a major-party presidential ticket. He says: “This morning all across the nation, little girls woke up, especially little Black and brown girls who so often feel overlooked and undervalued in our communities, but today, today just maybe they’re seeing themselves, for the first time, in a new way — as the stuff of presidents and vice presidents.” Biden also points to the attacks – rooted in sexism and racism – that are likely to come at Harris. He reminds viewers that Trump has already been calling Harris “nasty” and “mean” and asks, “Is anyone surprised Donald Trump has a problem with a strong woman…?” Biden adds, “We know more is to come. …Kamala Harris has had your back, and now we have to have her back,” adding an important note of accountability on himself, the campaign, and Democratic voters to stand up against racism and sexism directed at the soon-to-be vice presidential nominee.In her first remarks as Biden’s running mate, Harris says she is mindful of the “heroic and ambitious women before me,” using a word (“ambitious”) that had reportedly been levied against her as criticism as the vice presidential selection was occurring.