Kamala Harris will “take the fight” to Donald Trump as Democrats “unite” behind the Vice President, a veteran speech writer from Barack Obama’s administration has told GB News.
Riley Roberts, who worked in the Justice Department during Obama’s White House stint, appeared to claim Harris could pose a huge threat to Trump if she takes on the baton from Biden.
Speaking to GB News, Roberts said: “I think Kamala Harris will wow us pretty swiftly and unite Democrats behind her.
“The Vice Presidency is a terrible place for anyone to show off their political chops—it’s an office with little actual power and more political headaches than opportunities—but she shone in the Senate and as Attorney General of California, so—once she’s campaigning on her own terms rather than as running mate—I think she’ll be a jolt of energy in this race and will demonstrate she can take the fight to Trump.”
Riley Roberts, who worked in the Justice Department during Obama’s White House stint, appeared to claim Harris could pose a huge threat to Trump
REUTERS/GETTYHarris is expected to deliver her first speech since Biden announced his decision to exit the race later today.
In his shock statement, the 46th President said: "While it has been my intention to seek re-election, I believe it is in the best interest of my party and country for me to stand down and focus solely on fulfilling my duties as President for the remainder of my term."
The 81-year-old, who earlier this month rejected calls to step aside, now becomes the first President since Lyndon B Johnson in 1968 not to seek re-election.
Responding to Biden’s decision, Harris wrote: “I am honoured to have the President’s endorsement and my intention is to earn and win this nomination.”
She added: "I will do everything in my power to unite the Democratic Party - and unite our nation - to defeat Donald Trump."
However, a Trump ally appeared to suggest the 45th President will not be worried about Harris running on the Democratic Party’s ticket.
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Kamala Harris is regarded as the frontrunner to go up against Donald Trump
GettyMark Burns, once described as “Donald Trump’s top pastor”, said: “President Trump isn’t worried about Harris.”
He added: “Commander-in-Quitter Joe Biden has dropped out of the race and endorsed cackling Kamala Harris. He will go down as the worst President in American history.”
Despite Burns’ comments, not all Republican strategists have been quite as dismissive of Harris.
“This definitely provides some fuel for the Democrats,” a Grand Old Party insider told GB News.” In an odd way, this drama helps get them some attention.”
The strategist added: “Trump needs to be ready to take on Harris. The entire game changes now.”
Trump is already targeting Harris, with the 78-year-old blitzing out new campaign adverts against Harris in a number of key swing states.
Donald Trump is polling 11-points ahead of Kamala Harris
REUTERSRepublicans have looked to use Harris' role as illegal immigration tsar to put pressure on the Vice President as she hopes to lead the Democratic ticket into November 5.
The 45th President, who predicted Biden would drop out after last month's head-to-head debate, also said: "Harris will be easier to beat than Joe Biden would have been."
Trump's chief strategist Chris LaCivita last week even claimed the former President would "love" to go up against Harris, with insiders suggesting campaign officials were preparing for his scenario weeks ago.
Opinion polls support positive musings from inside Mar-a-Lago by suggesting Trump is well-positioned to crush Harris on November 5.
The latest JL Partners poll put Trump 11 points clear of Harris, with his lead over Biden being much narrower at five per cent.
However, Democrats received an almost instant boost after liberal action committee ActBlue received a surge in donations.
Joe Biden became the first President since Lyndon B Johnson to not seek re-election
REUTERSActBlue claimed a whopping $46.7million was raised just hours after Biden withdrew from the race.
Trump witnessed a similar surge in financial support following July 12's assassination attempt in Pennsylvania and used the Republican National Convention to show momentum is behind the GOP.
However, a number of legal obstacles could take some wind out of Trump's sails.
Harris has not yet secured the Democratic Party’s nomination, with Obama voicing support for an open contest rather than coronating Biden’s successor.
"We will be navigating uncharted waters in the days ahead," the 44th President said.
“But I have extraordinary confidence that the leaders of our party will be able to create a process from which an outstanding nominee emerges."
Kamala Harris is already facing criticism from Trump's allies and leading Republicans
REUTERSDespite Obama's remarks, Harris could call on the support of California Governor Gavin Newsom and Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer.
Newsom and Whitmer were regarded as potential successors to Biden, having received praise from leading Democrats after successfully managing their respective state briefs.
Ex-President Bill Clinton and Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro were also quick to endorse Harris.
Over 175 top Democrats have already voiced support for Harris, with several states pledging 500 delegates to the Vice President ahead of the party’s convention in Chicago in mid-August.
