Kamala Harris praises Biden at first public event since he endorsed her for president

WASHINGTON — Vice President Kamala Harris on Monday applauded President Joe Biden and his accomplishments in the White House in her first public remarks since he endorsed her for president.

Harris said Biden's "legacy of accomplishment over the past three years is unmatched in modern history."

"In one term, he has already surpassed the legacy of most presidents who have served two terms in office," Harris said on the South Lawn of the White House at an event celebrating NCAA athletes who won championships in the 2023-24 season.

The vice president said that she has witnessed the president's "honesty" and "integrity" and "commitment to faith and his family" as well as "his big heart and his deep love of our country."

"I am a firsthand witness that every day our President Joe Biden fights for the American people and we are deeply, deeply grateful for his service to our nation," she said.

Harris said that Biden wanted to attend the event, which he has hosted in past years, and is "feeling much better" and "recovering fast" from his Covid diagnosis last week.

"He looks forward to getting back on the road," she said about Biden, who has been isolating at his home in Rehoboth Beach, Delaware.

The spotlight is now on Harris following Biden's endorsement of her on Sunday, moments after he announced that he was dropping out of the 2024 presidential race.

Harris said in a statement Sunday that she’s honored to have earned Biden’s endorsement and said her “intention is to earn and win this nomination.”

Scores of Democrats, including some high-profile governors and lawmakers, have since endorsed Harris for the presidential nomination. But other congressional leaders, including Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer and House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, have not yet explicitly expressed support for her.

As expected, Harris did not directly address her presidential campaign during her Monday remarks because it was an official White House event.

At a later date, Harris is expected to talk about her candidacy, the way forward, and her plan for beating former President Donald Trump. She also said she plans to travel to Wilmington, Delaware, to meet with campaign staff there.