Van Jones, a Democratic strategist, described Vice President Harris’s ascension to the top of the Democratic ticket as “a very big deal.” During an appearance on CNN’s “The Lead” with Phil Mattingly, Jones emphasized the importance of Harris’s nomination, urging viewers to appreciate the historical moment.
“This is a big deal,” he stated, highlighting the gravity of Harris becoming the official Democratic nominee after a virtual roll call vote hosted by the Democratic National Committee. If she wins the presidency in November, Harris would be the first woman, Black woman, and person of South Asian descent to hold the nation’s highest office.
Jones reflected on the historical context of Harris’s achievement, noting how the idea of a Black female president was once deemed inconceivable. “My mother and grandmothers never imagined a Black president, let alone a Black female president,” Jones remarked, stressing the historical importance of the moment.
Harris secured the nomination swiftly after announcing her candidacy to replace President Biden, who stepped aside last month. She received overwhelming support from delegates and has achieved remarkable fundraising success, bolstered by key Democratic endorsements.
As Harris prepares to select her running mate, several names are being considered, including Democratic governors Josh Shapiro and Tim Walz, Sen. Mark Kelly, and Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg. Jones suggested that Shapiro would be a strong choice due to his popularity in Pennsylvania, a critical battleground state.
Jones expressed confidence in choosing strong leaders regardless of their backgrounds, asserting that the campaign should not shy away from addressing biases and should prioritize effective leadership.