Biden reveals campaign set fundraising record after VP announcement

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It was an exciting 24 hours for Joe Biden, the presumptive Democratic nominee for President, after announcing his running mate, Kamala Harris. 

READ MORE: Joe Biden introduces VP pick Kamala Harris at 1st campaign event

Biden added, “I think I know why.” 

The Delaware politician made the announcement as he and Harris appeared at their first public appearance as running mates. “I have no doubt that I picked the right person to join me as the next vice president of the United States of America, and that’s Senator Kamala Harris.” 

The campaign noted on Twitter that they raised $26 million, including from 150,000 first-time contributors. 

NEWS: @JoeBiden just announced in the last 24 hours since announcing @KamalaHarris would join the campaign as his running mate, we have raised $26 million — including from 150k first time contributors.

In. One. Day. #BidenHarris2020

— TJ Ducklo (@TDucklo) August 12, 2020

According to the New York Times, $10.8 million of those funds were raised in the first four hours after the announcement. Act Blue, the online fundraiser for the Democratic Party said that the flood of money broke the platform’s record. 

“This is a campaign that really fuels my hope because it is about knowing that this is fighting for something and not against something and it’s fighting for the best we are as a nation,” Harris told The New York Times. 

“It’s fighting for the best of who we can be.”

The fundraising further illustrates the excitement surrounding the historic announcement. Harris’ name continues to trend on social media channels since Tuesday. 

Ready. https://t.co/EpR2sG2x9R

— Kamala Harris (@KamalaHarris) August 12, 2020

READ MORE: Kamala Harris shares video of Biden sharing VP news with her during call

Lisa Hernandez Gioia, a Democratic finance director, told The Times that Harris is a “fundraiser’s dream,” who will be like a “shot of espresso” for the campaign’s fundraising. 

Funds raised during campaign fuel all-important advertising campaigns. 

If Biden is elected, Harris would be the first African American, first Asian American and first woman to be vice-president. 

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