In an unprecedented turn of events, Vice President Kamala Harris will more than likely be the Democratic nominee for the 2024 presidential election, marking a historic moment in U.S. political history. Harris has secured enough delegate support, coinciding with President Joe Biden's announcement that he would not seek reelection. Biden, who has been a pivotal figure in the Democratic Party for decades, stated, "While it has been my intention to seek reelection, I believe it is in the best interest of my party and the country for me to stand down and to focus solely on fulfilling my duties as president for my term."

Harris' ascent to the top of the Democratic ticket is not just a reflection of her political acumen but also a testament to her broad support base and fundraising prowess. Following Biden's endorsement, her campaign reported a record-breaking fundraising haul of $81 million within 24 hours, the largest amount ever raised in a single day in presidential campaign history. This financial boost underscores supporters' enthusiasm and confidence in her vision for the country. SiriusXM radio host Reecie Colbert exclusively told BET, “VP Harris has been a trailblazing political force for two decades, defying all odds and history at each step.” Colbert continued, “Beyond the historic significance of her ascension, we have in VP a champion on issues of racial equity, tackling health disparities, environmental justice, and economic advancement for our community.” 

A series of groundbreaking achievements have marked Harris's journey. She graduated from the University of California, Hastings, with a law degree and began her legal career in the Alameda County District Attorney’s Office. Her skills soon led to her election as the District Attorney of the city and county of San Francisco in 2003. Harris served two terms in this role, during which she implemented several progressive reforms and gained a reputation as a tough yet fair prosecutor.

In 2010, Harris broke new ground by becoming the first Black woman — and the first woman, regardless of race — to be elected as California's Attorney General. In this capacity, she continued to champion issues such as criminal justice reform, consumer protection, and environmental preservation, solidifying her standing as a progressive leader. 

Her tenure as Vice President has been equally impactful. She has navigated complex issues both domestically and internationally. Her historic vice presidency has inspired millions, particularly women and people of color, demonstrating that the highest echelons of political power are within reach for all Americans.

The significance of Harris's inevitable nomination cannot be overstated. It represents a profound shift in the political landscape, reflecting the Democratic Party's evolution and the increasing importance of diversity and inclusion in American politics. As the first woman of African and South Asian descent to be nominated for the presidency by a major party, Harris's candidacy is one for the history books.  Lurie Daniel Favors, Executive Director at the Center for Law and Social Justice at Medgar Evers College, said to BET, “Vice President Kamala Harris’ new presumptive nominee status has been absolutely electrifying to young voters, Black voters and to all who are aware of the risks posed by Donald Trump’s Project 2025.” Favors continued, “There’s been a surge in donations, an increase in volunteers and a general shift from the previously apathetic election energy to one of real mobilization. This shift alone puts those of us fighting on the airwaves and advocating on the streets for a more progressive future in a much better fighting position than we’ve seen in a long time.”

Her campaign will undoubtedly address the nation's pressing issues, from healthcare and economic inequality to climate change and women’s health. With her extensive experience and proven leadership, Harris is poised to offer a compelling vision for the future that resonates with a broad coalition of voters who want to move forward, not backward. 

Kamala Harris stands on the brink of potentially becoming the first woman and Black woman to be president of the United States. The nomination is not just a personal triumph but a milestone for the country, signaling a new era of leadership that the country needs. As for President Joe Biden, his leadership has been transformative for democracy. Biden’s record of working alongside the first Black president, Barack Obama, and passing the baton to Vice President Kamala Harris, solidifies him as a true champion for progress. He will go down in history as a great legislator, particularly for pulling us out of COVID but also as a leader who helped shatter glass ceilings. 

Clay Cane is a SiriusXM radio host and the author of the New York Times bestseller The Grift: The Downward Spiral of Black Republicans From the Party of Lincoln to the Cult of Trump.