Joe Biden and Kamala Harris made their first joint appearance as running mates on Wednesday (August 12) in the gymnasium at Alexis I. duPont High School in Wilmington, Delaware.

Biden praised Harris as a leader who is "ready to do this job on day one."

"Kamala, as you all know, is smart, she's tough, she's experienced, she's a proven fighter for the backbone of this country. The middle class. For all those who are struggling to get into the middle class. Kamala knows how to govern, she knows how to make the hard calls. She's ready to do this job on day one," Biden said.

Biden said that Harris will be the "last person in the room" when he makes important decisions.

"When I agreed to serve as President Obama's running mate, he asked me a number of questions most important, he said to me, he asked me what I wanted most ... I told him I wanted to be the last person in the room before he made important decisions. That's what I asked Kamala. I asked Kamala to be the last voice in the room."

Biden said that Harris' story is "America's story" and that she is an inspiration to young girls across the country.

"And this morning, all across the nation, little girls woke up, especially little Black and brown girls that feel overlooked and undervalued in their communities, but today — today just maybe they're seeing themselves for the first time in a new way as president and vice presidents."

Harris said that she was proud to stand by Biden as they are set to take on President Donald Trump and Vice President Mike Pence in November.

"After the most competitive primary in history, the country received a resounding message that Joe was the person to lead us forward and, Joe, I'm so proud to stand with you. And I do so mindful of all the heroic and ambitious women before me whose sacrifice, determination, and resilience makes my presence here today even possible," Harris said.

Harris explained how she got to know the Bidens during her time working with Joe's son Beau.

"I learned quickly that Beau was the kind of guy who inspired people to be a better version of themselves. He really was the best of us. And when I would ask him, 'Where did you get that? Where did this come from?'" Harris said. "He'd always talk about his dad."

Harris said that the presidential election is a "moment of real consequence for America" and that she is "ready to get to work."

"Everything we care about, our economy, our health, our children, the kind of country we live in, it's all on the line. We're reeling from the worst public health crisis in a century. The President's mismanagement of the pandemic has plunged us into the worst economic crisis since the great depression," Harris said.

Photo: Getty Images

Ross Kaminsky