Kamala Harris honors President Biden at event, says his legacy is 'unmatched in modern history'

In her first public appearance since announcing her run for president, Vice President Kamala Harris took the time to honor President Joe Biden for his accomplishments and thank him for his service.

“Joe Biden's legacy of accomplishment over the past three years is unmatched in modern history," Harris said.

“In one term, he has already surpassed the legacy of most presidents who have served two terms in office," said the vice president. "I first came to know President Biden through his son Beau. We worked together as attorneys general in our states, and back then Beau would often tell me stories about his dad. He would talk about the kind of father and the kind of man that Joe Biden is.”

“The qualities that Beau revered in his father are the same qualities that I have seen every day in our president; His honesty, his integrity, his commitment to his faith and his family, his big heart, and his love — deep love — of our country," said Harris. "I am firsthand witness that every day our President Joe Biden fights for the American people and we are deeply, deeply grateful for his service to our nation."

Harris was speaking at a White House event on Monday to celebrate the NCAA championship teams. She was filling in for President Joe Biden, who is in Delaware recovering from COVID-19.

Harris provided an update on the president's condition, saying he was "feeling much better and recovering fast."

Minutes after Biden ended his bid for president on Sunday, he endorsed Harris.

Harris spoke out in a statement afterward, saying, “I am honored to have the president’s endorsement and my intention is to earn and win this nomination.”

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Harris had continued to back President Biden despite calls from dozens of elected Democrats for him to abandon the race for president. In her statement Sunday, Harris called the president’s move to step aside a “selfless and “patriotic act.”

“President Biden is doing what he has done throughout his life of service: putting the American people and our country above everything else,” she said.

Speaking about potentially leading the Democratic ticket, Harris said she would do everything in her power to make sure former President Donald Trump does not win in November.

"Over the past year, I have traveled across the country, talking with Americans about the clear choice in this momentous election. And that is what I will continue to do in the days and weeks ahead," she said.