Yesterday, the Chairman of the American Samoa Democratic Party, Patrick Ti’a Reid, joined the Chairs, Vice Chairs, and Executive Directors (Association of State Democratic Committees) of the 57 State and Territorial Democratic Parties to announce their endorsement of Vice President Kamala Harris to be the party’s 2024 presidential nominee.
This follows the surprise announcement by President Joe Biden yesterday that he was not seeking re-election.
Biden said, “…While it has been my intention to seek reelection, I believe it is in the best interest of my party and the country for me to stand down and to focus solely on fulfilling my duties as President for the remainder of my term.”
Asked for reaction to Biden’s announcement, the leader of the local Democratic Party Reid said, “Its been a bittersweet moment to see one of the most accomplished presidents of our lifetimes step down from the nomination. Especially one that’s done so much for our territory in the first years of his Presidency.”
At the same time, Reid believes the announcement also energized many demographics of the country around Vice President Kamala Harris. Biden has endorsed Harris to be the democratic presidential nominee.
Reid observed that Biden’s announcement is on track to be one of, if not the highest single day fundraising record of the cycle.
National media report that more than $100 million was raised in online donations Sunday, making it the single biggest day for online Democratic contributions since the 2020 election.
“So I think folks are quickly rallying around Kamala to show a unified front, to express their excitement for a younger, diverse and potentially historic Convention as we head into the general election,” said Reid.
He added, “I am so grateful to our President Joe Biden for a lifetime of service and transformative leadership for our country. He is a true statesman and model public servant.”
During the American Samoa Democratic Party caucus in March Jason Palmer, received 51 ballots, or 51.56%, while Joe Biden got 40, or 44% of the 51 ballots counted. The party announced that Biden and Palmer will get three votes each during the National Democratic Convention. With the two no longer in the running, the local Democrats have thrown their support behind Kamala Harris for US President.
