OTTAWA — While developments in U.S. presidential politics unfold with lighting speed, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau is enjoying quiet walks on the beach as he vacations in British Columbia, seemingly untroubled by any pressure to step aside for his party, as President Joe Biden recently did.

In just over the last 48 hours, U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris has consolidated her support as the Democratic frontrunner to replace Biden, who announced on Sunday that he would give up his plan to be the party’s presidential nominee in November’s election. Harris has secured the endorsement of most Democrats in Congress and all the country’s Democratic governors, signed up tens of thousands of volunteers, and managed to swiftly raise a whopping US$100 million.