 "Former US President Barack Obama hugs Vice President Kamala Harris. The two have close ties, but Obama is yet to publicly endorse Harris. File image/AFP")
After a much noticeable delay, Former President Barack Obama and his wife, ex-First Lady Michelle Obama have finally given their endorsements to Vice President Kamala Harris. Obama shared a video on X, formerly known as Twitter in which the couple was heard endorsing Harris for the 2024 US Presidential Elections.
The 59-year-old Vice President came to the front and centre of the race after her boss, US President Joe Biden announced that he would not continue with his re-election bid. The Democrats soon began to rally behind Harris but the endorsement from the Obamas was much awaited.
“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,” the former president told Harris on a phone call joined by his wife, according to the video shared by Obama.
Harris was seen with all smiles as he thanked the couple for their support. She also took to express her gratitude on X, formally known as Twitter.
“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. And getting out there, being on the road,” the vice president replied in the phone call. The endorsement became significant since many were proposing that former First Lady Michelle Obama should run for the presidency instead of Biden.
‘I am proud of you’: Michelle to Kamala
Elated by the gesture, Harris said that the endorsement reflected the decades of friendship. “But most of all, I just want to tell you the words you have spoken and the friendship that you have given over all these years mean more than I can express, so thank you both. It means so much. And we’re gonna have some fun with this too, aren’t we?” she averred.
The former first lady went on to say that she is proud of 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,” she told Harris. In a joint statement, the couple also took time to praise Harris and listed her accomplishments.
“But Kamala has more than a resume,” the statement said. “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 added. “It means so much to have your endorsements, @MichelleObama and @BarackObama. Let’s get to work,” Harris wrote on X after the announcement. Obama didn’t immediately endorse Harris following President Joe Biden’s and took time to pay homage to Biden’s long political legacy.
“I have extraordinary confidence that the leaders of our party will be able to create a process from which an outstanding nominee emerges,” the former president said in a statement at the time. Obama had previously been supportive of Biden’s reelection efforts, attending a handful of fundraisers.
However, reports started to emerge that Obama eventually asked Biden to step aside after the latter’s poor performance at the first 2024 Presidential debate against former President Donald Trump. It is pertinent to note that Harris is yet to select her running mate.