Biden and Harris, Who ‘Has Never Lost A Race,’ Make First Appearance Together

Joe Biden and Kamala Harris appeared on stage today in Wilmington, Delaware for the first time as the Democratic nominees for the 2020 Presidential election. 

“One of the reasons I chose @Kamala Harris is because we both believe you can define America in one simple word — possibilities,” Biden tweeted.

And, Harris addressed her new role by tweeting, “I am humbled to be joining @Joe Biden in the battle to defeat Donald Trump and build a country that lives up to our values of truth, equality, and justice.”

In the hours after Biden announced Harris as his vice-presidential choice, some of the Black political leaders who advocated for him to choose a woman of color gathered for a virtual celebration.

“It was just a joy to see all of these Black women in this process,” said Minion Moore, consultant to the 2008 Hillary Rodham Clinton presidential campaign and a member of Clinton’s inner circle.

Donna Brazile, longtime political adviser in the Democratic Party and co-author of the book For Colored Girls Who Have Considered Politics, offered her appreciation to the Biden campaign for its collaborative approach during the selection process.

And, Leah Daughtry, who served as the CEO of the 2008 and 2016 Democratic National Convention Committees, explained how the female-led campaign to push for a Black woman as the vice-presidential candidate began.

“When Vice-President Biden made his commitment that he wanted to pick a woman, Aunt Maxine was on my phone, and she said, ‘Leah, what are we going to do about this. We have to do something.'”

It was also California Congresswoman Maxine Waters who said in the hours before Biden’s decision that unless he chose a Black woman ‘Joe Biden can’t go home.’

Well-known political commentator, Angela Rye, hosted the discussion which also included the voices of several Black men who signed an open letter calling for a Black woman’s presence on the ticket.

Bakari Sellers said, “I’m just happy to be part of the historical moment.”

The CNN commentator pointed out the irony of Joe Biden’s role in American history as the running mate to the first Black president, Barack Obama, and now as the presumptive presidential nominee who chose a Black woman as his running mate to “usher in the next generation of American politics.”

President Donald Trump delved into his campaign rhetoric and described Harris as “nasty” and claimed the white suburban vote as his, an assumption steeped in the racist notions that have defined his term in the White House.

But, the words of Trump did not overshadow the history-making moment.

Activist and political strategist LaTosha Brown remarked, “We needed a win…sometimes we need just a glimmer of hope.”