Harris Rises in Support as Biden Faces Pressure

In a notable shift within the Democratic Party, Rep. Mark Takano has publicly called on President Biden to withdraw from the 2024 presidential race, advocating for Vice President Kamala Harris to take the lead. This sentiment is echoed by Sen. Elizabeth Warren, who, while not demanding Biden's exit, expressed confidence in Harris's readiness to unite the party if needed. Biden is currently isolating due to Covid-19 but is expected to resume campaigning next week. Takano's statement highlights a growing faction within the Democratic Party that views Harris as the rightful successor to Biden, especially given the campaign's substantial war chest of $91 million. This perspective contrasts with some Democrats who are pushing for an open convention should Biden step down. Warren reinforced the notion that Harris is prepared to step up, emphasizing the support she has from voters who backed Biden in the last election. Despite the mounting pressure, Biden remains committed to his reelection campaign, attributing concerns about his age to media scrutiny rather than voter sentiment. His campaign spokesperson indicated that Biden is eager to return to the campaign trail as soon as possible. Meanwhile, Harris has shown her support for Biden during a recent call with Democratic donors. The political landscape is further complicated by comments from Ohio Sen. JD Vance, who has urged Biden not only to exit the race but to resign from the presidency altogether. Grassroots protests, such as those organized by "Pass the Torch," have emerged, praising Biden's presidency while urging him to reconsider his candidacy for a second term.