(Scypre.com) – In a significant political move, former President Barack Obama formally endorsed Vice President Kamala Harris for the Democratic presidential nomination on Friday. Obama referred to Harris as a “happy warrior” and pledged his unwavering support to help her defeat former President Donald Trump in the upcoming November election.
The endorsement was revealed through a video posted by Harris’ campaign. In the video, Harris is seen receiving a call from Obama and his wife, former First Lady Michelle Obama. During the call, Obama expresses his pride and commitment, saying, “Michelle and I couldn’t be prouder to endorse you and do everything we can to get you through this election and into the Oval Office.” Michelle Obama added, “I am proud of you. This is going to be historic.”
Harris responded with heartfelt gratitude, stating, “This means so much to me. I am looking forward to doing this with the two of you, Doug and I both, and getting out there, being on the road. But most of all, I just wanna tell you that the words you have spoken and the friendship that you have given over all these years mean more than I can express.”
In addition to the video, the Obamas issued a separate statement via a campaign email, emphasizing their agreement with President Biden’s decision to select Harris as his running mate. “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,” the statement read. “At a time when the stakes have never been higher, she gives us all reason to hope.”
The endorsement by Obama solidifies Harris’ support among major Democratic figures and party leaders in Congress. President Biden was the first to endorse his vice president shortly after announcing his withdrawal from the presidential race. His endorsement was quickly followed by key Democratic leaders, including former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, and House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries.
According to a source familiar with the matter, Harris and Obama have maintained regular contact since Biden announced his decision to step aside. The source noted that Harris and Obama have known each other for two decades.
Harris has also garnered support from several Democratic governors who are seen as rising stars within the party and were considered potential contenders for the nomination in the event of Biden’s withdrawal. These governors include Michigan’s Gretchen Whitmer, California’s Gavin Newsom, and Kentucky’s Andy Beshear.
At present, no other Democrat has declared their candidacy for the presidential nomination. Harris has secured endorsements from more than 40 state delegations, surpassing the number of delegates required to win the nomination. If her support holds, the Democratic Party will officially nominate her for president during a virtual roll call vote early next month.
The Democratic National Committee recently adopted new rules stipulating that the nominee will be selected by August 1, with the candidate having until August 7 to choose a running mate. The party’s convention is scheduled to begin in Chicago on August 19.
Harris launched her presidential campaign shortly after Biden announced his decision to forgo a second term in a letter to the American people. This decision followed weeks of increasing pressure on Biden to step aside, particularly after a debate performance against Trump that raised concerns about his fitness for a second term and his ability to defeat his GOP opponent in November.
In an Oval Office address on Wednesday, his first since revealing he would not seek reelection, Biden acknowledged it was time to “pass the torch” to a new generation of leaders. “I believe my record as president, my leadership in the world, my vision for America’s future, all merited a second term,” he said. “But nothing—nothing—can come in the way of saving our democracy. That includes personal ambition.”
Biden praised Harris as “experienced,” “tough,” and “capable.”
Harris, who served as a senator from California before becoming vice president, quickly hit the campaign trail with events in Wisconsin, Indiana, and Texas. Her campaign reported raising more than $100 million between Sunday afternoon, when she officially entered the White House race, and Monday evening.