How Americans react to choice of black woman as VP hopeful

TRACKING_____How Americans react to choice of black woman as VP hopeful
JOE BIDEN and KAMALA HARRIS. PHOTO: Brian Cahn/ZUMA Wire
Democratic White House hopeful Joe Biden on Tuesday named Kamala Harris, a high-profile senator from California, as his vice presidential pick.

Here is how US politicians and celebrities have reacted to her nomination:

Former president Barack Obama said that Biden had “nailed this decision” in a lengthy statement.

“Now Joe has an ideal partner to help him tackle the very real challenges America faces right now and in the years ahead,” Obama said, calling Harris “more than prepared for the job.”

He highlighted her personal and professional background, saying “She’s spent her career defending our Constitution and fighting for folks who need a fair shake.”

Vermont senator Bernie Sanders, who ran against Harris and Biden for the 2020 Democratic presidential nomination, congratulated his former opponent.

“She understands what it takes to stand up for working people, fight for health care for all, and take down the most corrupt administration in history,” he tweeted.

“Let’s get to work and win.”

Former Democratic presidential nominee Hillary Clinton said she was “thrilled to welcome @KamalaHarris to a historic Democratic ticket.”

“She’s already proven herself to be an incredible public servant and leader. And I know she’ll be a strong partner to @JoeBiden,” Clinton tweeted.

NBA star LeBron James also could not contain his excitement, tweeting a series of clapping emojis.

“Love to see and support it!” the Los Angeles Lakers forward said.

“Was there ever more of an exciting day?” asked Indian-American actress Mindy Kaling on Twitter.

“For our entire country of course, but especially for my Black and Indian sisters, many of us who have gone our entire lives thinking that someone who looks like us may never hold high office?” she wrote, pointing to Harris’s mixed Black and South Asian heritage.