Barack Obama has endorsed Vice President Kamala Harris as the Democratic presidential nominee, ending days of speculation over his support. The former President and Michelle Obama announced their endorsement in a joint statement, asserting that Harris has the “vision, the character, and the strength that this critical moment demands.”
Kamala Harris, who has known Obama for 20 years, spoke to over 100 prominent Democrats, including Obama, after President Joe Biden announced his withdrawal from the race last Sunday. Initially, Obama praised Biden’s decision but did not immediately endorse Harris.
With the support of a majority of Democratic delegates, Harris is poised to become the official nominee at the party convention in August. The Obamas expressed their excitement in their statement, saying they could not be “more thrilled to endorse” Harris and vowed to do “everything we can” to elect her.
Kamala Harris Resume
“We agree with President Biden,” the statement said, “choosing Kamala was one of the best decisions he’s made. She has the resume to prove it.” They highlighted her roles as California’s attorney general, a US senator, and vice-president. “But Kamala has more than a resume,” they added. “She has the vision, the character, and the strength that this critical moment demands. There is no doubt in our mind that Kamala Harris has exactly what it takes to win this election and deliver for the American people. At a time when the stakes have never been higher, she gives us all reason to hope.”
The statement was accompanied by a video of Harris receiving a phone call from the Obamas, during which they pledged their support. “Oh my goodness,” Harris responded in the clip. “Michelle, Barack, this means so much to me.”
Kamala Harris Campaign Hit the Ground Running
Since Biden’s withdrawal, Harris has held numerous campaign events across the US. On Thursday, she addressed the American Federation of Teachers union in Houston. Though billed as a vice-presidential duty, the event had the feel of a campaign rally, with loud applause and cheers from the audience. Harris criticized “extremist” Republicans and “failed” policies, saying, “We want to ban assault weapons, and they want to ban books.”
Meanwhile, Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump has intensified his attacks on Harris. “Lyin’ Kamala Harris is a radical left Marxist, and worse!” he said on his social media platform, Truth Social. Trump also refused to commit to a televised debate with Harris until she is officially confirmed as the party’s nominee, suggesting Democrats were “still holding out for someone ‘better’.”
Harris has also engaged in international diplomacy, holding “frank and constructive” talks with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu about the Israel-Gaza conflict. She expressed her “serious concerns” over casualties in Gaza and emphasized the need for a path to a two-state solution. Netanyahu also met with President Biden at the White House and plans to meet Trump on Friday.
