Vice President Kamala Harris delivered a speech praising President Biden's accomplishments and downplaying GOP claims that she is not qualified to run for president.
Vice President Kamala Harris praised President Biden on Monday for his accomplishments in office and downplayed Republican claims that she is not qualified to run for president in 2024.
Harris, in her first public address since Biden announced he would not seek reelection, said Biden has "done more than any other president in recent history, with less time than any other president."
Kamala Harris Praises Biden's Legacy, Warns Republicans Not to Underestimate Her
"I am a firsthand witness that every day our President Joe Biden fights for the American people and we are deeply, deeply grateful for his service to our nation," she said at an event celebrating NCAA athletes on the South Lawn of the White House.
Harris's remarks came as Republicans have sought to portray her as unqualified for the presidency, citing her lack of executive experience. Texas Sen. Ted Cruz, a potential rival for the GOP nomination, has dismissed Harris as "not terribly bright" and a "punchline" among Republicans.
Kamala Harris Praises Biden's Legacy, Warns Republicans Not to Underestimate Her
Harris, however, has sought to downplay such criticism, arguing that her government experience, including as a prosecutor and senator, has prepared her for the presidency.
"I have been in the trenches, fighting for the people of this country for decades," she said in a campaign video released Monday. "I have taken on the tough fights and won."
Kamala Harris Praises Biden's Legacy, Warns Republicans Not to Underestimate Her
Harris is not yet the official nominee of her party, as the Democratic National Committee must first certify her candidacy next month. However, she is widely seen as the frontrunner for the nomination, and her speech on Monday was seen as a step towards solidifying her position.
In her speech, Harris also praised Biden for his leadership on issues such as the economy, climate change, and healthcare. She said Biden has "restored America's standing in the world" and "made our nation stronger."
Kamala Harris Praises Biden's Legacy, Warns Republicans Not to Underestimate Her
"He has shown us what it means to be a leader, a president, a statesman," she said.
Harris's speech comes as Biden faces a tough reelection bid. The latest polls show him trailing former President Donald Trump in several key battleground states. However, Harris's strong support for Biden could help him win over voters, especially those who are skeptical of Trump.
Kamala Harris Praises Biden's Legacy, Warns Republicans Not to Underestimate Her
Republicans, however, have remained confident in their ability to defeat Harris in a general election. Cruz, in particular, has argued that Harris is a "weak" candidate who is vulnerable to attacks on her record.
"The bottom line is that Kamala Harris is not qualified to be president," Cruz said on his podcast. "She is not a serious person. She is not a competent person."
Kamala Harris Praises Biden's Legacy, Warns Republicans Not to Underestimate Her
It remains to be seen whether Republicans will be able to successfully undermine Harris's candidacy. However, her strong performance in her first public address since Biden's announcement suggests that she will be a formidable opponent in the 2024 presidential election.
