Former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton reinforced her support for Vice President Kamala Harris on Tuesday, calling the presumptive Democratic presidential nominee “a fresh start for American politics.”
In an opinion piece in The New York Times, Clinton emphasized the contrast Harris’ campaign, which launched just two days prior, presents to the Republican nominee, former President Donald Trump.
“Elections are about the future,” Clinton stated, endorsing Harris on Sunday with her husband, former President Bill Clinton. “That’s why I am excited about Vice President Kamala Harris. She represents a fresh start for American politics. She can offer a hopeful, unifying vision. She is talented, experienced, and ready to be president. And I know she can defeat Donald Trump.”
Clinton highlighted Harris’ background as the former attorney general of California before becoming President Joe Biden’s running mate. In the initial days of her presidential campaign, Harris positioned herself as capable of challenging Trump in November—a prosecutor against an alleged criminal.
“I am eager to witness her make a compelling argument against Mr. Trump, who failed as a president during his first term and is campaigning on a perilous agenda,” Clinton remarked. “Another Trump presidency would be even more detrimental than the first.”
During her first campaign event in Milwaukee on Tuesday, Harris conveyed her experience as a state prosecutor, stating she has prosecuted various offenders, including “fraudsters” and “predators.”
“So believe me when I say, I understand Donald Trump’s type,” Harris added.
In late May, Trump was found guilty of 34 felony charges related to falsifying business records. This included paying hush money to adult-film star Stormy Daniels during his 2016 presidential campaign to hide an alleged affair. Trump denies any involvement with Daniels.
The ex-president maintains his innocence in the hush money case and other legal matters, accusing state and local prosecutors of attempting to influence his reelection bid. Trump has also been found liable for sexually assaulting E. Jean Carroll, who accused him of rape in a New York City store dressing room in the 1990s.
Harris’ transition to running for president, prompted by Biden’s exit as the nominee, has infused the Democratic Party with renewed vigor. In less than two days since she declared her candidacy, Harris has gathered an unprecedented number of donations and secured ample support from state delegates to be poised as the presumptive nominee before the upcoming Democratic National Convention.
Trump has wasted no time targeting Harris in his campaign, describing her on his Truth Social platform as “Dumb as a Rock” and associating her with Biden’s perceived failed policies over the past four years, particularly concerning issues at the U.S. southern border. Trump has even coined a new nickname for Harris, “Lyin’ Kamala.”