US Senator Kamala Harris drops out of 2020 Presidential race
What's the story
United States Senator Kamala Harris on Tuesday announced her withdrawal from the 2020 Presidential race. Harris, who was once considered a frontrunner, ended her Presidential campaign following weeks of turmoil. While making the announcement, the 55-year-old Senator stated insufficient funds for her decision, which has left Democrats shocked. Harris was the only African-American woman seeking the Democratic Presidential nomination. Here are more details.
Quote
'Not a billionaire. Can't fund my own campaign'
The US Senator stated, "I've taken stock and looked at this from every angle, and over the last few days have come to one of the hardest decisions of my life." She said, "My campaign for president simply doesn't have the financial resources we need to continue." "I'm not a billionaire. I can't fund my own campaign," she further added.
Issues
Financial struggles, falling poll numbers, and infighting
Although Harris solely cited financial struggles, her campaign has been riddled with reports of infighting, even as her polling numbers remain stagnant. Harris describing herself as "not a billionaire" is a nod to her slipping to the sixth spot in the polls after billionaire Mike Bloomberg announced he's running for President. Harris's fluctuating performances in debates also reflected in the polls and fundraising.
Campaign
Harris launched campaign in January
Harris was seen as a star when she launched her campaign in January in her hometown, Oakland. However, support waned after she took on Democratic nominee and former Vice President Joe Biden in the party's first presidential debate. Black voters also turned to Biden as some doubted an African-American woman would ever win, while others remained wary of her career as a prosecutor.
Other dropouts
Recently, Democrats Steve Bullock, Joe Sestak had dropped out
Harris is among the biggest names to withdraw themselves from the 2020 Presidential race. Recently, Democrats Montana Governor Steve Bullock and former congressman Joe Sestak had dropped out of the race. Both were facing a slump in polling numbers. Among the more prominent names to drop out of the race are former congressman Beto O'Rourke of Texas and New York mayor Bill de Blasio.
Implications
Remaining Democratic debate participants are all white
Harris was among the seven who qualified for the December 19 Democratic debate. However, with her exiting the race, all participants of the primary debate are white. Co-founder of left-leaning coalition Indivisible, Leah Greenberg, said, "No matter your candidate, you have to recognize that going from the most diverse field ever in January to a potentially all-white debate stage in December is catastrophic."
Trump's reaction
Too bad. We will miss you: Donald Trump
Soon after Harris announced her withdrawal from the race, President Donald Trump tweeted, "Too bad. We will miss you." Harris has been a staunch critic of Trump and has called for his impeachment several times. In response, she tweeted, "Don't worry, Mr. President. I'll see you at your trial." She assured she will "do everything in my power to defeat Donald Trump."