Overview
Former President Barack Obama has officially endorsed Vice President Kamala Harris for the upcoming presidential election. The endorsement was shared in a video posted to X, highlighting Obama and Michelle’s support for Harris.
Why It Matters
Kamala Harris’s endorsement by the Obamas emphasizes her leadership capabilities and their dedication to ensuring her victory, reflecting broader political strategies and alliances impacting the nation’s future.
Who It Impacts
This endorsement affects Democratic voters and party members, influencing their support and confidence in Harris as a candidate for the presidency.
In the early hours of Friday morning, former President Barack Obama took to X to endorse Vice President Kamala Harris for the presidency. The post, which went live at 5:01 am ET, featured a heartfelt video where Obama, alongside former First Lady Michelle Obama, expressed their full support for Harris’s presidential bid.
“Earlier this week, Michelle and I called our friend Kamala Harris,” Obama announced in the post. “We told her we think she’ll make a fantastic President of the United States, and that she has our full support. At this critical moment for our country, we’re going to do everything we can to make sure she wins in November. We hope you’ll join us.” This endorsement marks a significant moment in Harris’s campaign, underscoring the backing of one of the most influential figures in the Democratic Party.
The video, which captures Harris walking with her cell phone, features both Barack and Michelle Obama praising her. “Michelle and I couldn’t be prouder to endorse you and to do everything we can to get you through this election and into the Oval Office,” Obama stated. Harris responded with enthusiasm, saying, “Oh my goodness. Michelle, Barack, this means so much to me. I’m looking forward to doing this with the two of you, Doug and I both. And getting out there, being on the road.”
Earlier this week, Michelle and I called our friend @KamalaHarris. We told her we think she’ll make a fantastic President of the United States, and that she has our full support. At this critical moment for our country, we’re going to do everything we can to make sure she wins in… pic.twitter.com/0UIS0doIbA
— Barack Obama (@BarackObama) July 26, 2024
Michelle Obama also voiced her pride, telling Harris, “I can’t have this phone call without saying to my girl, Kamala, I am proud of you. This is going to be historic.” Alongside the video, the Obamas released a joint statement through CNN, emphasizing Harris’s qualifications and character. “But Kamala has more than a resume,” the statement read. “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.”
Despite the swift endorsements from other Democrats following President Joe Biden’s decision to end his re-election campaign, Obama’s endorsement came after a five-day silence. Initially, Obama released a statement expressing confidence in the Democratic Party’s ability to select a strong nominee, saying, “I have extraordinary confidence that the leaders of our party will be able to create a process from which an outstanding nominee emerges.”
The Democratic Party, facing an unprecedented situation with Biden stepping down, has adopted new rules allowing remote voting to select a replacement nominee by August 7. Nearly 2,000 delegates, initially pledged to Biden, have switched their support to Harris. Democratic National Convention Chair Minyon Moore addressed the unusual circumstances, stating, “While this situation is unprecedented, the process we are prepared to undertake is not. We have important deadlines to meet. We will make sure the process is fair, because, as it stands, no candidate has secured a majority of the delegates to the convention.”
