Support for VP Harris Rises as Biden Faces Challenges Amid COVID-19

In a significant political development, Rep. Mark Takano has publicly called on President Biden to withdraw from the 2024 presidential race and endorse Vice President Kamala Harris as the Democratic nominee. This statement reflects a growing sentiment among some Democratic lawmakers who believe Harris is well-positioned to lead the party against former President Donald Trump. Takano emphasized the need for Biden to "pass the torch" to Harris, highlighting her potential to unify the party and leverage the campaign's substantial war chest of $91 million. Sen. Elizabeth Warren echoed Takano's sentiments, asserting that Harris is "ready to step up" if Biden decides to exit the race. While Warren has not explicitly urged Biden to step down, she reinforced the idea that Harris could effectively lead the party, noting that "eighty million people voted for her to step up if she is needed." Meanwhile, Biden remains in isolation due to Covid-19 but is expected to return to campaigning next week, with his team expressing confidence in his candidacy. As pressure mounts from within the party, Ohio Sen. JD Vance, Trump’s newly selected running mate, has seized the opportunity to call for Biden's resignation altogether. Despite acknowledging concerns about his age, Biden has remained resolute in his reelection campaign, attributing some of the scrutiny to media focus on his vulnerabilities. Protests organized by the grassroots group "Pass the Torch" have also emerged, urging Biden to reconsider his bid while praising his accomplishments as president.