Could Kamala Harris’ India connection boost chances in US presidential race?
- Indian-American community expected to rally around Harris, observers say, with the vice-president likely to defy odds even at a late stage of the contest
Joe Biden’s decision to exit the US presidential election and endorse Vice-President Kamala Harris to be his successor underscores a pivotal moment for Indian-American political clout and will pose a significant challenge to Donald Trump’s campaign, analysts say.
Biden, 81, withdrew on Sunday as the Democratic Party’s candidate for the November presidential election amid increasing pressure from party members following his disastrous showing in a televised debate three weeks ago that deepened concerns about his age and health.
Harris, 59, is the first female vice-president in US history and the daughter of immigrants. Her Indian-born mother and Jamaican-born father were both academics and activists.
It is uncertain if Harris will become her party’s nominee despite Biden’s endorsement, but she is widely considered the front runner to be selected for the role at the Democratic National Convention, which is set for August 19-22.
Asian-Americans have traditionally rallied around the Democratic Party, but various polls have shown that their levels of support have been thinning under Biden’s leadership.
