SCOOP — Future Forward, the flagship super PAC blessed by President JOE BIDEN, received $150 million in new commitments from major Democratic donors in the 24 hours since the president announced he would step aside from the race, Elena Schneider reports. The fundraising boon — described by a senior Future Forward aide and shared first with POLITICO — gives VP KAMALA HARRIS, Biden’s endorsed successor, an enormous boost as the Democratic Party reorients to a new nominee. Future Forward already had $122 million in cash on hand as of the end of June, according to Federal Elections Commission filings. Before Biden dropped out, several major Democratic donors threatened to withhold their donations after the president’s feeble performance in the June debate. The senior aide described these donors, who had pledged $150 million, as having been stalled but now doubling down. “Future Forward will continue working to make sure DONALD TRUMP is defeated in this election and those dangerous consequences are never felt by the American people,” a Future Forward senior aide shared in a statement with POLITICO. Future Forward had already reserved $250 million in TV and digital advertising earlier this year. ICYMI: Harris raises nearly $50 million since Biden ends bid, by Eli Stokols Related read: “In Silicon Valley, Where Trump Made Inroads, Democrats Are Now Invigorated,” by NYT’s Erin Griffith HARRIS’ RUNWAY IS CLEAR — It’s been less than 24 hours since President Biden’s historic announcement that he would step aside as the Democratic Party’s presidential candidate and endorse VP Harris as his successor. And at this moment, her runway to the nomination is unobstructed. After a flurry of reports that Sen. JOE MANCHIN (I-W.Va.) was on the receiving end of interest from donors eager to see the centrist make a run for the nomination, Manchin told CBS News’ Gayle King that he was “not running for office,” Andrew Howard reports. (Roughly one hour earlier, he told CNN’s Kasie Hunt that “people are pushing in that direction” when asked about a potential campaign. Almost every major potential Democratic contender has endorsed Harris, including statements today from Illinois Gov. JB PRITZKER, Maryland Gov. WES MOORE and Michigan Gov. GRETCHEN WHITMER. For many in the chattering class, the focus has now turned to who Harris would pick as her second in command. — Kentucky Gov. ANDY BESHEAR lent his support to Harris during an appearance on “Morning Joe” today, and used the hit to take a swipe at GOP VP nominee JD VANCE (R-Ohio) that Harris’ campaign was quick to amplify on social media. But Beshear remained coy about whether he wanted the VP gig, Shia Kapos reports: “‘If somebody calls you on that, what you do is at least listen,’ said Beshear, adding he likes his job as governor.” — North Carolina Gov. ROY COOPER also made an appearance on “Morning Joe,” where he confirmed that he’d spoked with Harris on the phone and “talked about winning this race.” Pressed on whether he’d accept the spot as running mate, Cooper demured: “I appreciate people talking about me,” he said, “but I think the focus right now needs to be on her this week.” — Whitmer effectively ruled out a spot on the ticket today. "I am not leaving Michigan,” she said when asked if she was interested in running for VP, per the Detroit News’ Craig Mauger. “I have been consistent. I know everyone is always suspicious and asking this question over and over again ... I am not going anywhere." But Whitmer did announce that she will serve as a co-chair on Harris’ campaign — the same role she had on Biden’s effort. — Other names to watch: Pennsylvania Gov. JOSH SHAPIRO, who endorsed Harris on Sunday, is (naturally) the favorite of Keystone State Dems; Arizona Sen. MARK KELLY, who similarly endorsed Harris yesterday, and; Pritzker, who has been coconut-pilled (Vox has an explainer if you’ve missed the train on this inescapable meme). At the White House … In her first public remarks since becoming the likely Democratic nominee, Harris repeatedly praised Biden’s “unmatched” legacy while speaking at an event for NCAA athletes on the White House’s South Lawn. More from Myah Ward On Capitol Hill … More top Hill Democrats have lined up to endorse Harris, including Senate Majority Whip DICK DURBIN, House Minority Whip KATHERINE CLARK, House Dem Caucus Chair PETE AGUILAR and DCCC Chair SUZAN DelBENE. Senate Majority Leader CHUCK SCHUMER has yet to make a full endorsement of Harris, but will reportedly release a statement later today, per Bloomberg’s Annmarie Hordern. And in Trump world … The Trump campaign launched attacks on Harris’ record on immigration and several other issues today, after preparing for her potential campaign over the last several weeks, Reuters’ Trevor Hunnicutt, Nandita Bose and Jeff Mason report. Meanwhile, Trump lambasted Biden’s decision in a Truth Social post this morning. FWIW … Former VP MIKE PENCE posted on X that Biden “made the right decision for our country,” and that “now is a time for leaders in both parties to project calm and send a message of strength and resolve.” Good Monday afternoon. Thanks for reading Playbook PM. Drop me a line at birvine@politico.com.
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