Harris says he was doing a puzzle when Biden called to deliver the historic news

Harris, laughing at the memory, said the phone rang. It was Biden. He decided to abruptly drop out of the 2024 race after enduring weeks of senior Democrats pressuring him to withdraw. Biden later made his decision public in a post on X, changing the presidential campaign in a way not seen in decades.

“He told me what he decided to do, I asked him, ‘Are you sure?'” Harris said. “And he said, ‘Yeah,’ and that’s how we found out about it.”

Bash asked if Harris asked Biden for approval. She replied: “It was very clear that he would support me.” Biden quickly issued a second statement within hours of announcing his decision to drop out. Before then, there was speculation that Democrats would reopen the nomination battle just days before the party’s national convention.

Harris, as he has done before, praised Biden as a historic figure, highlighting their administration’s work on infrastructure and strengthening US allies.

“I think history will show that not only has Joe Biden led an administration that has achieved those extraordinary successes, but the character of the man is one that has been throughout his life and career, including as president, quite selfless and puts the American people first she said.