House Majority Whip Jim Clyburn (D-S.C.) is outlining the benefits of Democratic presidential nominee Joe Biden having Sen. Kamala Harris (D-Calif.) as his vice presidential pick.
During an appearance on CNN Wednesday, Clyburn recalled the discussions he’d had with Biden as his campaign team vetted vice presidential candidates.
Clyburn noted that Harris’ dreams and aspirations align with Biden’s but the differences in their backgrounds can serve as a means of bridging the gap between two different worlds.
The high-ranking Democrat also insists Harris’ proven ability to “[break] through in areas” where women never have before brings a new “aura” to the Biden campaign.
“With the success that she’s had breaking through in areas that no woman had broken into before, I think all of that gives Joe Biden the kind of aura around his campaign that will endear him to American people,” he said.
Watch the video below:
.@WhipClyburn says Harris "knows what it is to be different."
— CNN (@CNN) August 12, 2020
"With the success that she's had breaking through in areas that no woman had broken into before, I think all of that gives Joe Biden the kind of aura around his campaign that will endear him to… American people.” pic.twitter.com/orx1dna50x
Clyburn’s latest remarks come just one day after Biden’s announcement. During an interview with NPR, Clyburn also noted a number of other strong attributes Harris brings to the table as he commended her debating skills which will likely prove to be beneficial in the coming months.
“She has tremendous debating skills. I mean, I watched her having been an old debater myself. I was very proud of the way she acquitted herself during various hearings on the Hill. The Kavanaugh hearing — I thought she was great. She was outstanding questioning Barr the other day.”
He also touched on Harris’ previous criticism of Biden as he noted her will to win. Despite her previous criticism of the former vice president, Clyburn insists she held an appropriate stance based on her goal at that particular time.
“I thought she did well on the stage even with Biden,” Clyburn said. “A lot of people got upset with her for the way she went after Biden on the busing thing, but that’s — you’re trying to win. You’re in a contest, and you’re debating the other person. You go to win, so I’m not upset with her at all.”
Biden and Harris are set to make their first public appearance together Wednesday afternoon in his home state of Delaware.
