Biden confirms Kamala Harris as running mate in 2024 presidential election

US President Joe Biden (right) said he would take Vice-President Kamala Harris as his running mate again if he enters the 2024 election race. PHOTO: AFP

WASHINGTON (AFP) - United States President Joe Biden said on Wednesday (Jan 20) that Vice-President Kamala Harris would be his running mate in the 2024 presidential election if he stood for office again.

"She's going to be my running mate," Mr Biden said of Ms Harris during a press conference held to mark the first year of his presidency.

In mid-December, Ms Harris said she and Mr Biden had not yet discussed the 2024 election, amid speculation she may not be in the running for the White House if Mr Biden chose not to stand again.

In an interview with the Wall Street Journal, when asked about the possibility of Mr Biden, 79, running again, Ms Harris said: "I don't think about it, nor have we talked about it."

History-making Ms Harris - the first woman and first black and Asian-American person sworn in as vice-president - initially seemed to be the heir apparent.

But her halo has slipped amid negative press alleging dysfunction among her staff, doubt on her standing within the administration and her frustrations over thorny assignments, such as minority voting access and the migration crisis at the southern border.

Mr Biden defended Ms Harris' record on tackling voting rights. "I did put her in charge. I think she's doing a good job," he said.

Mr Biden is pressing Congress to pass two major Bills broadening access to the ballot box, placing more onerous conditions on states attempting to change voting laws and protecting election officials from undue influence.

Democrats and voting rights activists have championed the measures as a necessary response to Republican efforts to restrict voting, especially among black and Latino Americans.

Join ST's Telegram channel and get the latest breaking news delivered to you.