U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris asserted herself as the de facto Democratic nominee for president on Monday, her first full day as a candidate. As potential rivals bowed out of the race, Harris clinched the support of enough delegates to secure the nomination, solidifying her position as the front-runner for the 2024 presidential election.

Harris’s rapid ascent to the top of the Democratic ticket came as President Joe Biden announced his exit from the presidential race, paving the way for the Vice President to take center stage. With her extensive political experience, impressive campaign infrastructure, and strong support from party leaders, Harris is now poised to take on the Republican nominee, likely to be former President Donald Trump.

On her first day as a candidate, Harris hit the ground running, holding a campaign event in which she invoked her past experience as a prosecutor, saying she knows how to take on “predators,” “cheaters,” and “fraudsters.” This was a clear nod to her plans to take on Trump, whom she has pledged to confront head-on.

As potential rivals bowed out of the race, Harris’s path to the nomination became increasingly clear. Her campaign has already secured the support of a significant number of delegates, surpassing the threshold needed to win the nomination. This impressive show of support demonstrates the widespread backing Harris enjoys within the Democratic Party.

With her nomination all but certain, Harris is now focusing on building a strong campaign to take on Trump in the general election. Her experience, combined with her commitment to taking on the former President, makes her a formidable opponent.

As the Democratic Party unites behind Harris, the stage is set for a intense and closely watched presidential campaign. With her swift rise to the top of the ticket, Kamala Harris has proven herself to be a force to be reckoned with, and her campaign is sure to be one to watch in the months ahead