Former US President Barack Obama released a statement on Friday morning endorsing Vice President Kamala Harris as the Democratic presidential nominee for 2024. The move ended days of rumors about whether Obama would endorse Harris.
In a joint statement, President Obama and former first lady Michelle Obama said they believed Harris had “the vision, character and strength needed at this critical time.”
The Obamas said they were “delighted to endorse” Harris and vowed to “do everything we can” to help her win, the BBC reported. Reports.
“We stand with President Biden,” the couple said in a statement. “Choosing Kamala is one of the best decisions he has ever made, and she has the resume to prove it.”
Her record as California attorney general, U.S. senator and vice president demonstrates all she can bring to the job, they said.
FILE/In this file photo taken Feb. 16, 2012, President Barack Obama walks with California Attorney General Kamala Harris after arriving at San Francisco International Airport. (Associated Press/Eric Risberg, File)
“But Kamala has more than her pedigree,” the statement continued. “She has the vision, character and strength needed at this critical moment.”
“We have no doubt that Kamala Harris has 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 hope.”
This statement was accompanied by a carefully planned video Breitbart News reported that after President Joe Biden declined to attend the coronation, Harris received a call from the Obamas, who pledged their support.
I am so proud of my daughter, Kamala. Barack and I are thrilled to endorse her for the Democratic nomination because of her positivity, sense of humor, and ability to bring light and hope to people across the country. We’re rooting for you. Kamala Harris! pic.twitter.com/xldcZeDXuS
— Michelle Obama (@MichelleObama) July 26, 2024
“Michelle and I called to let you know we couldn’t be more proud to endorse you and that we’ll do everything we can to help you get through this election and into the Oval Office,” the former president told Harris, who was photographed taking the call while walking backstage at the event pursued by Secret Service agents.
“Oh my goodness,” the vice president says in the video. “Michelle, Barack, this means so much to me.”
ABC News Note The Obamas campaigned separately for Hillary Clinton in 2016 and for Biden in 2020, holding large rallies in the final weekend before Election Day.
They delivered key speeches at the 2020 Democratic Convention, which was held virtually because of the COVID-19 pandemic.
