Live

Election 2024 updates: 'Let's go': Harris says she's ready to debate Trump

Trump had accepted another presidential debate scheduled for Sept. 10.

Last Updated: July 25, 2024, 3:46 PM EDT

Vice President Kamala Harris is pushing ahead with campaigning for president days after President Joe Biden's decision to leave the 2024 race -- a decision he explained during an Oval Office address to the nation on Wednesday night.

On Thursday, Harris spoke to the American Federation of Teachers convention in Houston, Texas. She heads back to Washington, D.C., where she will meet with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu -- a day after he spoke at a joint meeting of Congress.

Harris has secured commitments from enough delegates to become the presumptive nominee if they all honor their commitment when voting, according to ABC News reporting.

10 hours and 8 minutes ago

Harris to appear on 'RuPaul's Drag Race All Stars' finale

Vice President Kamala Harris is sashaying her way into the RuPaul's Drag Race Werk Room with a get out the vote message for the season finale of "RuPaul's Drag Race All Stars" Friday at 9 p.m.

"Hi everyone, it's Kamala Harris. Each day, we're seeing our rights and freedoms under attack, including the right of everyone to be who they are, love who they love, openly, and with pride. So, as we fight back against these attacks, let's all remember no one is alone," she will say.

The video features judge Michelle Visage, Leslie Jones, Lance Bass, Cheyenne Jackson and choreographer Jamal Sims, sitting alongside Harris.

Her appearance on the Vh1 show was filmed in June, according to the vice president's office.

-ABC News' Justin Gomez

1:41 PM EDT

Harris rallies teachers' union in Texas, warns of Trump and his 'extreme allies'

Vice President Kamala Harris on Thursday spoke at the American Federation of Teachers convention in Houston, Texas, where she rallied educators ahead of a fight against former President Donald Trump and his "extreme allies."

"In this moment, across our nation, we witness a full-on attack on hard-won, hard-fought freedoms," Harris said. "While you teach students about democracy and representative government, extremists attack the sacred freedom to vote. While you try to create safe and welcoming places where our children can learn, extremists attack our freedom to live safe from gun violence."

Vice President Kamala Harris delivers the keynote speech at the American Federation of Teachers' 88th National Convention in Houston, Texas, July 25, 2024.
Brendan Smialowski/AFP via Getty Images

Harris went on to discuss efforts to pass gun safety laws and how Republicans are working to strike those efforts.

"In this moment, we are in a fight for our most fundamental freedoms and to this room of leaders I say, bring it on," Harris later added. "Bring it on. Bring it on."

Vice President Kamala Harris delivers the keynote speech at the American Federation of Teachers' 88th National Convention in Houston, Texas, July 25, 2024.
Brendan Smialowski/AFP via Getty Images

Harris pinned the fight for freedoms against Project 2025, the conservative presidential transition blueprint.

"We are clear eyed. As we work to build a brighter future and to move our nation forward, there are those who are really trying to take us backwards. And you, I'm sure, have seen their agenda, Project 2025?" Harris said, eliciting strong boos from the audience.

She called Project 2025 "a plan to return America to a dark past."

-ABC News' Fritz Farrow, Gabriella Abdul-Hakeem and Will McDuffie

12:41 PM EDT

Pelosi joins group of female House Democrats endorsing Harris

Former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and House Minority Whip Katherine Clark joined more than 30 House Democratic women Thursday to formally endorsee Harris' presidential run.

The group kicked off a news conference holding Harris signs and chanting "Kamala."

"[Harris] is capable visually, personally and politically to lead us to victory in November," Pelosi said.

Pelosi repeatedly referred to former President Donald Trump as "what's your name."

"We see ourselves in her. And more importantly, Kamala Harris sees us," Clark said. "She has a vision for the future that includes everyone, and reflects the needs and priorities of women from every corner of this country."

The congresswomen also made a point to extend their gratitude and appreciation for Biden.

"He is one of the most impactful presidents in modern history, with a record of achievement that will reverberate for generations to come," Clark said.

"Last night we saw President Joe Biden talk about his legacy, which, frankly, is our legacy too," Pelosi said. "With love and gratitude, I salute President Biden for always believing in the possibilities of America."

-ABC News' Lauren Peller and Emily Chang

11:43 AM EDT

Harris condemns 'despicable acts' by protesters of Netanyahu's speech in DC

Pro-Palestinian demonstrators burn a U.S. flag, on the day of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's address to a joint meeting of Congress, on Capitol Hill in Washington, July 24, 2024.
Nathan Howard/Reuters

Harris said that actions taken by protestors demonstrating against Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's remarks outside of Washington, D.C.'s Union Station Wednesday night as "despicable acts by unpatriotic protestors and dangerous hate-fueled rhetoric," in a statement Thursday.

"I condemn any individuals associating with the brutal terrorist organization Hamas, which has vowed to annihilate the State of Israel and kill Jews," Harris said in the statement. "Pro-Hamas graffiti and rhetoric is abhorrent and we must not tolerate it in our nation."

She also strongly condemned burning of the American flag, which was captured in several videos at the scene.

"That flag is a symbol of our highest ideals as a nation and represents the promise of America," Harris said. "It should never be desecrated in that way."

The statement came after House Speaker Mike Johnson and a small group House Republicans went to Union Station late Wednesday night to put up American flags.

"Earlier today, pro-Hamas protesters took down the American flags at Union Station, burned them and raised Palestinian flags. Tonight, we righted their wrong. American flags are once again flying over Union Station. We will not let the terrorist mob win," Johnson said in a statement on X.

Sen. Ted Cruz reposted a video of the protests at Union Station on X, saying the protesters are part of the "left's base," claiming "Make no mistake: mainstream Democrats will do anything they can to pander to these antisemites."

Harris is set to meet with Netanyahu at the White House Thursday. It also comes as people are watching carefully to see how she defines her stance on the Israeli-Hamas War as a presidential candidate -- a contentious issue which was a political albatross for Biden when he was a candidate.

-ABC News' Michelle Stoddart and Lauren Peller