Former U.S. President Barack Obama has officially endorsed Vice President Kamala Harris as the Democratic presidential nominee. This ended days of speculation regarding his potential endorsement.
In a joint statement, former President Obama and former First Lady Michelle Obama expressed their conviction that Ms. Harris possesses the “vision, the character, and the strength that this critical moment demands.”
Obama was reportedly among more than 100 prominent Democrats Harris spoke to after President Joe Biden announced last Sunday he was dropping out of the race.
In a statement at the time, Obama praised Biden’s exit but stopped short of endorsing Harris.
The US Vice President has already secured the support of a majority of Democratic delegates, setting her on course to become the official nominee at the party convention in August.
In their Friday statement, the Obamas expressed their “unbridled enthusiasm” for endorsing Ms. Harris. They vowed to do “everything we can” to elect her.
We agree with President Biden,” said the couple’s statement, “Choosing Kamala was one of the best decisions he’s made. She has the resume to prove it.”
They cited her record as California’s attorney general, a US senator and Vice President.
“But Kamala has more than a resume,” the statement continued. “She has the vision, the character, and the strength that this critical moment demands.
“There is no doubt in our minds 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 taking a phone call from the Obamas in which they pledged their support.
“Oh my goodness,” says the vice-president in the clip. “Michelle, Barack, this means so much to me.”
