New York

US Vice President Kamala Harris gave her first public remarks and praised President Joe Biden after he gave up his re-election bid and endorsed her as the Democrat nominee for the November elections. 

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Harris first provided an update on Biden's health, stating that the president wanted to be here but was recovering at his home in Delaware. 

“Our president, Joe Biden, wanted to be here today. He is feeling much better and recovering fast, and he looks forward to getting back on the road," said Harris. 

She reflected on Biden's work as president and waxed lyrical as to how he had surpassed the legacy of most of his predecessors. 

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"And I wanted to say a few words about our president. Joe Biden’s legacy of accomplishments over the past three years is unmatched in modern history. In one term, he has already surpassed the legacy of most presidents who have served two terms in office,” Harris said. 

The VP went back in time and said it was during her time with Biden's son Beau that she realised what kind of man the Democrat leader was. 

"I first came to know President Biden through his son Beau. We worked together as attorneys general in our states, and back then, Beau would often tell me stories about his dad. He would talk about the kind of father and the kind of man that Joe Biden is," said Harris. 

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"The qualities that Beau revered in his father are the same qualities that I have seen every day in our president, his honesty, his integrity, his commitment to his faith and his family, his big heart and his love, deep love of our country. And I am a first-hand witness that every day our president, Joe Biden, fights for the American people, and we are deeply, deeply grateful for his service to our nation," she signed off as saying. 

Watch: US Elections: Republicans keep up the heat, Trump says 'Joe Biden destroying US, not fit to serve'

Harris ready for presidential race

Minutes after quitting the presidential race on Sunday, Biden endorsed Harris as the Democrat nominee for the elections. Harris grabbed the opportunity with both arms and said her intention was to win the nomination. 

However, she will have to wait till the Democratic National Convention (DNC), scheduled to take place next month in Chicago to know her fate as the nominee. 

Also read | Joe Biden endorses Kamala Harris as Democrat presidential nominee

Harris's campaign was off to a solid start as her campaign received nearly $50 million in online donations from Democrat voters - the single largest fundraising for party contributions since the last presidential elections. 

According to reports, the donations spiked from an average of less than $200k per hour in the hours before Biden quit to nearly $11.5 million in a single hour later on Sunday (Jul 21). 

(With inputs from agencies)