Biden praises Harris in first joint 2024 campaign event

The Biden administration, and now Harris's campaign, are under continued scrutiny over the US's handling of the Israel-Gaza war

US President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris during their first shared campaign event in Maryland on August 15. Bloomberg

US President Joe Biden appeared on Thursday with Vice President Kamala Harris on the 2024 campaign trail for the first time since he ended his re-election bid and endorsed her for the Democratic Party nomination.

“She’s going to make one hell of a president,” Mr Biden said to cheers from the audience.

The two spoke at an event at a Maryland community college to herald the administration's work on lowering prescription drug costs, before praising each other.

Ms Harris said it was an “eternal and great honour” to have served as Mr Biden's Vice President and called him an “extraordinary human being and American and leader”.

The longtime Democrat said he would not seek re-election in July, and endorsed Ms Harris to become the nominee.

Mr Biden effectively ended his decades-long political career after rising concerns about his fitness to serve, and political challenges over his support for Israel in the country's war in Gaza after a Hamas-led October 7 attack.

“We are the most unique country in the world,” he said after the event, repeating his line that the US is based on an idea.

Arab Americans say Mr Biden and his administration have show shown little sympathy over the rising Palestinian civilian death toll in Gaza, which reached 40,000 people on Thursday, according to local health authorities.

“Including Palestinians?” someone in the crowd shouted at the President.

He answered with: “Including Palestinians”.

Ms Harris and her campaign are facing similar challenges by pro-Palestine, pro-ceasefire activists, and may have further pressure with protests at the Democratic National Convention in Chicago next week.

Mr Biden said Ms Harris must win in the November 5 election because Republican contender Donald Trump does not respect foreign alliances. He said other leaders globally want Democrats to win.

“There is so much at stake here,” he said. “This really matters.”

Mr Biden stressed that his team is working on a ceasefire agreement.

Foreign allies and key negotiators are meeting in Doha, Qatar, to discuss a Gaza ceasefire and deal over the release of hostages and detainees between Hamas and Israel.

The White House said the talks had a “promising start” on Thursday, despite Hamas not attending.