By Solomon Smith, Political News Editor
The Democratic presidential front runner, former Vice President Joe Biden, has made the historic choice of California junior Senator Kamala Harris for his running mate via social media.
“I have the great honor to announce that I’ve picked @KamalaHarris — a fearless fighter for the little guy, and one of the country’s finest public servants — as my running mate,” wrote Biden on Twitter.
The first Black woman, and the first Asian American placed at the top of the ticket for a major political party, Harris was chosen after weeks of rumors about Biden’s possible running mates. Harris and Biden had a contentious relationship during the initial campaign for the Democratic nomination, culminating in a tense debate over school busing in the final round of Democratic debates on June 27, resulting in a dip in the polls for Biden, according to the New York Times. Of the potential vice-presidential picks, Harris falls firmly in the middle of Democratic politics; to the right of far-left choices like Stacey Abrams, Atlanta Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms or Senator Elizabeth Warren Harris, who were also speculated as contenders. Those on the short list were notified that they were not the choice for front runner, according to Lester Holt on MSNBC. Several major Democratic political players have given their support to Biden’s choice.
“Joe Biden nailed this decision,” wrote former president Barack Obama on Facebook. “By choosing Senator Kamala Harris as America’s next vice president, he’s underscored his own judgment and character.”
As of 3 p.m. Harris appeared on Biden’s site, joebiden.com, which is now titled Biden/Harris and features a bio of Harris’ accomplishments. Both will appear together for the first time on a virtual fundraiser tomorrow, according to CNN. Harris and Biden have yet to accept the official Democratic endorsement, which will take place virtually via satellite on August 17-20 nightly, according to the Democratic National Convention website. Harris’ own website redirects to Biden’s, but she has made a statement of acceptance via Twitter.
“I'm honored to join him as our party's nominee for Vice President, and do what it takes to make him our Commander-in-Chief,” wrote Harris.