With Biden out, what's next? Democrats line up behind Kamala Harris as potential nominee

WASHINGTON (TND) — Democrats have a lot to figure out, and not much time to do it, following President Joe Biden’s unprecedented decision to end his re-election bid this late in the election cycle.

Vice President Kamala Harris is now trying to shore up support to establish herself as the front-runner.

She praised Biden in her first public comments after a whirlwind 24 hours that saw the President end his bid for a 2nd term and endorse her to be the Democrats’ nominee.

"Joe Biden’s legacy of accomplishment in the past three years is unmatched in modern history," she said during an event honoring collegiate athletes.

Harris has already locked up notable support beyond the President. A majority of Democrats in Congress were backing her by Monday.

“Kamala needs to make the case to the delegates. I'm glad to support her. many others are as well," said Sen. Tim Kaine, D-Va.

Several Democratic Governors around the country who were once viewed as potential Presidential candidates themselves are also backing her. They’re also on the shortlist of her potential VP candidates.

The Vice President is ready, she has my full endorsement, I’m going to do anything I can to support her," said Gov. Andy Beshear, D-Ky.

What happens next is still up in the air with three weeks to go before the Democratic National Convention. The delegates Biden won in primaries are now free to vote how they want. Some delegations have already pledged support for Harris.

Meanwhile, prominent Republicans believe the President should resign from office in the wake of the announcement.

If everyone acknowledges that he is incapable of running a campaign, then he's clearly incapable of running the country. I mean, he has the nuclear codes, he has major decisions, he has to make every single hour of every day and he does not have the faculties to do so," said House Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La.

Harris officially kicked off her campaign by traveling to Delaware to greet campaign staff at their headquarters.