President Joe Biden of the United States has lauded Vice President Kamala Harris’ selection of Minnesota Governor Tim Walz as her running mate.
Expressing his support for Harris in the 2024 US presidential race, Biden took to his X handle on Tuesday to endorse the Harris-Walz ticket, describing it as “a powerful voice for working people and the middle class of America.”
In a tweet, Biden stated, “The first major decision a party nominee makes is their choice for Vice President. And Kamala Harris has made a great decision in choosing Governor Tim Walz to be her running mate.
“I’ve known Tim Walz for nearly two decades, first during his time in Congress and as governor. A husband and father, he’s been a school teacher and a high school football coach. He served for 24 years in the Army National Guard and became the highest-ranking enlisted soldier to ever serve in Congress. As governor, he’s been a strong, principled and effective leader.”
“The Harris-Walz ticket will be a powerful voice for working people and America’s great middle class. They will be the strongest defenders of our personal freedoms and our democracy. And they will ensure that America continues to lead the world and play its role as the indispensable nation.”
Biden called on fellow Democrats and Americans who are dedicated to freedom, democracy, and American leadership to rally behind the Harris-Walz ticket.
“Every generation of Americans faces a moment where they are asked to defend American democracy. That moment is now.”
The 81-year-old president withdrew from the presidential race after a debate performance that raised concerns among Democrats about his fitness for office and ability to defeat former president Donald Trump, who narrowly survived an assassination attempt.
Trump announced on Friday that he had agreed to debate Harris on Fox News on 4 September 2024.
“I have agreed with Fox News to debate Kamala Harris on Wednesday, 4 September,” Trump announced on his Truth Social platform.
Former US President Barack Obama and his wife, Michelle, also showed their support for the Harris-Walz ticket in a statement shared on social media.
In a tweet, Obama stated, “Like Vice President Harris, Governor #Tim_Walz believes that government works to serve us. Not just some of us, but all of us. That’s what makes him an outstanding governor, and that’s what will make him an even better Vice President. Michelle and I couldn’t be happier for Tim and Gwen, their family, and our country.”