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President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris shared a sweet moment on Monday during the VP's first public speech since Biden dropped out of the 2024 election over the weekend and endorsed his second-in-command.
Harris officially launched her presidential campaign with a public address to campaign staffers in Delaware after Biden's shake-up left her the presumptive Democratic nominee.
Before her speech, Biden called in and spoke to supporters, citing his ongoing COVID recovery as the reason for his virtual appearance.
"The name has changed at the top of the ticket, but the mission hasn't changed at all," Biden said. "And by the way, I'm not going anywhere. I'm gonna be out there on the campaign with her, with Kamala."
Biden's Monday messaging follows his official endorsement of Harris in a Sunday statement soon after announcing his withdrawal from the race. The 81-year-old president's decision marked the culmination of mounting concerns from within Biden's own party about his fitness for the presidency following a disastrous debate performance against former President Donald Trump last month.
On Monday, Biden said dropping out was "the right thing to do" and encouraged his supporters to "embrace" Harris.
Second Gentleman Doug Emhoff followed Biden, giving a brief and rousing introduction to Harris, who burst onto the stage with the notable energy of someone 20 years younger than anyone else in the presidential race.
The vice president began by praising Biden and his political legacy.
"Joe, I know you're still on the call, and we've been talking every day," Harris said. "We love Joe and Jill. We really do. They truly are like family to us."
Biden, still listening via phone, responded by telling Harris the feelings were mutual. "I'm watching ya, kid. I love ya," Biden replied.
"I love you, Joe," Harris said in response, eliciting cheers from the crowd.
Harris used the rest of her stump speech to preview her candidacy, which will unfold in just four quick months. She cited her prosecutorial past and called out Trump.
"I took on perpetrators of all kinds," Harris said. "Predators who abused women, fraudsters who ripped off consumers, cheaters who broke the rules for their own gain. So hear me when I say — I know Donald Trump's type."
Harris has racked up several Democratic endorsements, as well as a staggering $81 million in donations since Sunday. While she isn't officially the nominee yet, anyone seeking to challenge her will likely face an uphill battle — including angry Republicans who have suggested there could be legal challenges to try to stop Harris from accessing Biden's campaign cash.
