In a historic fundraising effort, the Democratic Party amassed an impressive $46.7 million within hours of President Joe Biden’s announcement that he would withdraw from the 2024 presidential race and endorse Vice President Kamala Harris. This significant influx of funds marks the largest single-day online contribution to the party since the last presidential election, as reported by the New York Times.

The substantial donation surge occurred following Biden’s decision to support Harris as the Democratic nominee to face former President Donald Trump in the upcoming November election. ActBlue, a prominent liberal nonprofit fundraising platform used by Democratic campaigns, underscored the magnitude of the fundraising event in a statement.

ActBlue highlighted that by 9 pm ET on the day of Biden's announcement, grassroots supporters had raised a remarkable $46.7 million through their platform. They noted, “This has been the biggest fundraising day of the 2024 cycle. Small-dollar donors are fired up and ready to take on this election.” The statement also reflected the enthusiasm of grassroots supporters, adding, “Grassroots supporters are energized and excited to support her as the Democratic nominee.”

The dramatic spike in donations was evident as figures soared from an average of less than $200,000 per hour prior to Biden's announcement to nearly $11.5 million in a single hour later that same Sunday, July 21. This unprecedented level of financial support surpassed the previous record set in September 2020, when ActBlue processed approximately $74.5 million following the passing of Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg.

A New Phase in the Democratic Race

With Biden officially endorsing Kamala Harris as his successor in the 2024 race, Harris now stands as the Democratic Party’s preferred nominee. In response to Biden's endorsement and the overwhelming support from donors, Harris issued a statement expressing her gratitude and commitment to the campaign. She remarked, “On behalf of the American people, I thank Joe Biden for his extraordinary leadership as President of the United States and for his decades of service to our country. I am honored to have the President’s endorsement and my intention is to earn and win this nomination.”

Joe Biden
Image Source: Al Jazeera

The endorsement of Kamala Harris not only shifts the dynamics of the Democratic primary but also introduces a new competitive element to the general election. Former New Jersey Governor Chris Christie, in an interview with ABC News, emphasized the profound impact of Kamala Harris entering the race. He commented, “Look, this changes the race, David. I think anybody who says this doesn't change the race doesn't understand politics.” Christie pointed out that the race now involves increased scrutiny and pressure on Harris and speculated on how Trump might adapt his campaign strategy in response.

Christie highlighted the significance of Kamala Harris’ candidacy, noting, “He’s now not running against 81-year-old Joe Biden. He’s running against a much younger woman. And that’s going to change the dynamic, too.” Reflecting on his own experiences running against both male and female candidates, Christie questioned whether Trump could effectively adjust his approach to this new candidate. He suggested that the evolution in campaign dynamics would result in intriguing developments in the weeks to come, emphasizing the need for Trump to adapt his strategy.

The sudden and substantial increase in fundraising for the Democratic Party signifies not only the party’s robust financial backing but also the heightened energy and commitment of its supporters. As Kamala Harris prepares to take on Donald Trump, the electoral landscape is poised for a new and potentially transformative phase. With this unprecedented support, the stage is set for a highly competitive and closely watched election, with both sides gearing up for an intense battle.

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