Kamala Harris Rallies Democratic Donors Amid Calls for Biden to Step Down

U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris assured Democratic donors that the party would win the presidential election despite growing calls for President Joe Biden to step down. Harris emphasized Biden's focus on American priorities during a short-notice call arranged to calm donor concerns amid fundraisers being halted and threats of withheld funds.

U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris assured major Democratic donors on Friday that the party would win the presidential election, even as increasing numbers of lawmakers called for President Joe Biden to step down.

'We are going to win this election,' Harris said during a call arranged on short notice to address donor concerns, according to a participant. 'We know which candidate in this election puts the American people first: Our president, Joe Biden.' The call came after Biden reaffirmed his commitment to the 2024 race and the Democratic Party announced plans to fast-track his nomination. At least nine Democratic lawmakers called on Biden to drop out on Friday.

Several Biden campaign fundraisers were paused as donors threatened to withhold money, multiple Democratic sources told Reuters. Donors were invited to a 30-minute briefing 'to discuss urgent, emerging needs,' according to an invitation seen by Reuters.

Harris took part in the call 'at the direct request of senior advisers to the president,' one source said, an account confirmed by another individual familiar with the matter.

(With inputs from agencies.)