Kamala Harris Takes Lead as Biden Bows Out in Dramatic Election Twist

Vice President Kamala Harris led a robust campaign rally criticizing Donald Trump after succeeding Joe Biden as the Democratic presidential candidate. A Reuters/Ipsos poll showed Harris narrowly leading Trump 44% to 42%. Biden exited the race citing concerns over his competitiveness, which shifted voters' sentiments toward Harris.

Vice President Kamala Harris assailed Donald Trump on Tuesday at her first campaign rally since replacing President Joe Biden as the Democratic presidential candidate. A Reuters/Ipsos opinion poll showed Harris taking a marginal lead over Trump, the Republican nominee. 'In this campaign, I promise you I will proudly put my record against his any day of the week,' she told a cheering crowd at West Allis Central High School in Wisconsin, a crucial battleground state for the Nov. 5 election.

She posed a question to the crowd: 'Do we want to live in a country of freedom, compassion and rule of law, or a country of chaos, fear and hate?' Harris led Trump 44% to 42% among registered voters in the national poll conducted Monday and Tuesday after Biden dropped out Sunday and endorsed Harris.

Harris rapidly consolidated party support post-Biden's exit, securing pledges from a majority of delegates. Most Democratic lawmakers, including Senate and House leaders, have endorsed her. This comes as Biden addresses his decision to end his campaign, compounded by concerns about his health and a narrow escape from an assassination attempt against Trump.