First Lady Jill Biden has thrown her support behind Vice President Kamala Harris following President Joe Biden's decision to withdraw from the 2024 presidential race.
According to a report by the Daily Mail, Jill Biden told Harris, "We love you," during a phone call when the President informed his vice president of his decision to step aside.
The First Lady's endorsement marks a significant shift from the 2020 campaign when tensions reportedly existed between the Biden and Harris camps. Now, Jill Biden is preparing to address the Democratic National Convention on Monday night, where she is expected to speak about her husband's character and reiterate her support for Vice President Harris.
Despite her current support for Harris, sources close to Jill Biden reveal that she still feels the sting of "betrayal" from Democrats who privately offered support for her husband but then publicly called for him to exit the presidential race. The first lady was reportedly dismayed by those who did not stand by the President while he was weighing his decision.
A source familiar with the situation stated that Jill Biden was "supportive of whatever road he chose" in the final hours leading up to the President's decision. The first lady has long been one of Joe Biden's fiercest defenders and is keen to ensure his legacy is protected.
After the President's Oval Office address announcing his decision, Jill Biden was the first to rush to his side, holding his hand at the Resolute Desk in a show of unwavering support.
According to Elizabeth Alexander, Jill Biden's communications director:
Last week, she traveled to New Orleans with the President to talk about the Biden Cancer Moonshot, and is finishing up her lesson plans for her fall teaching semester, where she will continue to teach English and writing at NOVA community college, as she has done throughout her years in the White House.
The first lady plans to return to her teaching position at Northern Virginia Community College this fall, maintaining her commitment to education. Additionally, she intends to focus on initiatives she started as first lady, including her Joining Forces program and the Cancer Moonshot project.
Jill Biden is also expected to play a role in the upcoming campaign, with sources indicating that she will be "out on the trail for Vice President Harris in the fall." This commitment to campaigning for Harris further solidifies the First Lady's support for the Democratic nominee.
In her upcoming address to the Democratic National Convention, Jill Biden is expected to speak about President Biden's strength and character from her unique perspective as his spouse of nearly 50 years. She will also use the opportunity to call on Americans to unite behind Vice President Harris.
A source familiar with the planned remarks stated that the first lady will encourage Americans to come together "with faith in each other, hope for a brighter future, and love for our country." This message of unity and support for Harris represents a continuation of Jill Biden's efforts to rally the Democratic Party behind its new standard-bearer.
Following the convention speeches on Monday night, the Bidens are scheduled to travel to Santa Ynez, California, where they will remain out of the spotlight as Harris formally accepts the Democratic nomination. This retreat from the public eye will allow the party to focus on its new nominee as the general election campaign begins in earnest.
Jill Biden's support for Kamala Harris marks a significant moment in the transition of Democratic leadership. Despite feeling betrayed by some party members, the first lady is looking forward to campaigning for Harris and continuing her own initiatives. Her convention speech will likely emphasize unity and the strength of her husband's character while encouraging Americans to rally behind the new Democratic nominee. As the Bidens step back from the spotlight, all eyes will be on Vice President Harris as she leads the party into the 2024 election.
