Where N.Y. Dems are on Harris, This Week in New York History
One member of Congress from New York hasn't said he backs Harris yet.
Good afternoon — it’s Monday and Mango Day.
MONDAY, JULY 22, 2024
TODAY’S CAPCON:
New York Democrats were fractured on Biden. How’s that looking on Harris? Very different. We have the details and what’s next.
This Week in New York History features a dog that traveled 140,000 miles more than a century ago.
☀️ Tonight’s Weather: Albany: Chance of storms, rain, high 60s. New York City: Rain likely, low 70s. (National Weather Service)
🗣️ N.Y. Democrats unite behind Harris but outliers remain
🏃 With Biden out of the race, Democrats who called for him to step aside are now rallying behind the vice president.
When I spoke with Gov. Kathy HOCHUL last week, I asked her if she would be disappointed if President Joseph R. BIDEN ultimately decided to step down as her party’s nominee.
“Disappointment is something I rarely feel,” Hochul said. “Obviously if there’s a change, there's a change. We’re adaptable. We figure anything out.”
That wasn’t an emotion Hochul evoked when taking questions on Biden’s decision Monday. She’s been a top surrogate for his campaign in recent weeks.
“I was proud to stand with President Biden,” Hochul said. “I have no regrets.”
Hochul endorsed Vice President Kamala HARRIS Sunday a few hours after Biden announced he would no longer be their party’s nominee.
Biden had also endorsed Harris by then.
“I am confident she will deliver for New Yorkers and am proud to stand beside her,” Hochul said in a statement Sunday.
Hochul and Harris also have political history.
Harris came to New York two years ago to rally for Hochul alongside Hillary Clinton ahead of that year’s election for governor.
Harris reached out to Hochul Sunday but they ended up playing phone tag because of packed schedules and spotty cell service, Hochul said Monday.
“I’m not worried about making that call or having it happen,” Hochul said. “It’ll happen and I will pledge my full support. I’m happy to campaign for her.”
🤝 Most other Democrats in Congress from N.Y. are backing Harris, but not all.
It can sometimes take a lot to build a common bond in politics but there are two things Hochul and Harris have in common that — when combined — can’t be said by many others.
They’re both the first women to hold their respective positions.
And they both found themselves stepping in for a man who decided he would no longer hold a certain position, albeit on very different terms.
“I know a little bit about being number two,” Hochul said. “You are the most qualified to understand what is involved in the role you are expected to step into if circumstances arise.”
Hochul now not only commands the executive branch, she’s also the de facto head of the Democratic Party in New York.
And her next goal is to rally Democrats behind Harris as she tried to do with Biden.
She plans to convene the state’s delegates Monday night to discuss the situation.
But it won’t take much to get more Democrats in Congress to back Harris as the nominee.
Only three incumbent federal lawmakers from New York haven’t endorsed Harris by name:
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