After months of anticipation and speculation, Democratic presumptive nominee Joe Biden announced that he's selected Senator Kamala Harris (D-CA) as his running mate in the 2020 election.
I have the great honor to announce that I've picked @KamalaHarris — a fearless fighter for the little guy, and one of the country's finest public servants — as my running mate.
— Joe Biden (@JoeBiden) August 11, 2020
Harris was long considered the frontrunner, so President Donald Trump's campaign was prepared to roll out the first attack ad against the Biden/Harris ticket minutes after the announcement.
Watch below.
pic.twitter.com/jXoffXyZed
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) August 11, 2020
The ad labels the United States Senator as "phony Kamala" and accuses her of "rushing to the radical left."
Then some awkward news broke.
Trump himself donated a total of six thousand dollars to Harris during her bids for California's Attorney General in 2011 and 2013.
NBC News: According to California state records, President Trump -- while a private citizen -- twice donated to Kamala Harris while she was a candidate for state AG.
A total of $6,000 in 2011 and 2013 combined.
Image: pic.twitter.com/rbOiMbdQ4L
— Tom Winter (@Tom_Winter) August 11, 2020
As did Trump's beloved daughter, Ivanka Trump, to the tune of four thousand dollars in 2014.
Donald Trump donated twice to Kamala Harris when she was running for reelection as California attorney general, according to state records. Ivanka Trump donated as well. pic.twitter.com/JaZt7WYxLt
— Matt Viser (@mviser) August 11, 2020
Harris didn't accept Trump's donations, and instead donated the six thousand dollars to an organization advocating for Central Americans.
The Trump campaign released a statement in reaction to the Harris pick, in which they falsely claimed that Harris called Biden a racist in the first Democratic debate.
Trump campaign statement on Kamala Harris pic.twitter.com/kS2YSlcS9Q
— Sahil Kapur (@sahilkapur) August 11, 2020
It looks like the Trump campaign's first attacks against Harris are doomed to fall flat.
Trump: “I've been watching Harris for a long time and I'm surprised that he picked her"
Yes, like when you donated to her campaign
— Tom Nichols (@RadioFreeTom) August 11, 2020
maybe they'll vote for her in november
— Hannah Markus (@hannahtmarkus) August 11, 2020
pic.twitter.com/9K6j9slmMQ
— Mara Novak #BLM (@NaraMovak) August 11, 2020
This is perfect! Just perfect! 😂
— Dave R C (@Davrcro) August 11, 2020
Praise for Harris poured out across the internet—including from women largely considered frontrunners for the VP selection.
My warmest congratulations to @KamalaHarris. I am confident Biden-Harris will prove to be a winning ticket. I will do my utmost to help them win and govern. 👇🏽 pic.twitter.com/9pfJggZSV9
— Susan Rice (@AmbassadorRice) August 11, 2020
Thrilled to support @KamalaHarris as next VP. I was honored to speak with @JoeBiden at length over the weekend and again today. His focus on reaching out to every corner of our country speaks to how he will lead us. I look forward to doing all I can for Team #BidenHarris!
— Stacey Abrams (@staceyabrams) August 11, 2020
I am extraordinarily proud to support @KamalaHarris and @JoeBiden! They will be a fierce team to Build America Back Better. #WeHaveHerBack pic.twitter.com/pxNnv5bGD2
— Gretchen Whitmer (@gretchenwhitmer) August 11, 2020
@KamalaHarris is a great choice for Vice President.
Her tenacious pursuit of justice and relentless advocacy for the people is what is needed right now. 1/ pic.twitter.com/Fnv9SgWxDc
— Karen Bass (@KarenBassTweets) August 11, 2020
Senator @KamalaHarris is a fearless and proven champion for American families and the rule of law. Excited about this team and America's future. https://t.co/SjZcUUF0nQ
— Val Demings (@val_demings) August 11, 2020
At a press briefing on Tuesday afternoon—after calling Harris "nasty"—Donald Trump was beginning to leave the podium when a White House correspondent shouted, asking why he donated to her. Trump walked away without answering.
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