Former President Barack Obama and former First Lady Michelle Obama have openly endorsed Vice-President Kamala Harris as the Democratic presidential nominee.
The endorsement concluded days of speculation about whether the Obamas would support Harris following President Joe Biden’s unexpected withdrawal from the race last Sunday.
The Obamas released a joint statement praising Harris’ capabilities, stating she possessed the “vision, the character, and the strength that this critical moment demands.” The statement highlighted VP Harris’ impressive record as California’s attorney-general, a U.S. Senator, and vice-president, asserting she was uniquely qualified to lead the nation.
Barack Obama was among over 100 prominent Democrats Harris consulted after Biden’s announcement. Although he initially praised Biden’s decision to exit the race, he refrained from openly endorsing Harris until now.
With a majority of Democratic delegates already backing her, Harris is on track to be the official nominee at the Democratic National Convention in August. The Obamas expressed their enthusiasm, saying, “We could not be more thrilled to endorse Kamala Harris. We agree with President Biden that choosing Kamala was one of the best decisions he’s made. She has the resume to prove it.”
They emphasised that Harris offers more than an impressive resume: “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 endorsement was accompanied by a video of Harris receiving a supportive phone call from the Obamas. In the video, Harris expresses her gratitude, saying, “Oh my goodness. Michelle, Barack, this means so much to me.”
Since Biden’s withdrawal, Harris has intensified her campaign efforts, holding multiple events across the United States. On Thursday, she addressed the American Federation of Teachers union in Houston, which was presented as part of her vice-presidential duties but had the feel of a campaign rally with enthusiastic applause and cheers from the audience.
In her recent speeches, Harris has criticized “extremist” Republicans and their “failed” policies. “We want to ban assault weapons, and they want to ban books,” she declared.
Meanwhile, Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump has launched attacks on Harris, labeling her a “radical left Marxist” in a post on his social media platform Truth Social. Trump has also refused to commit to a televised debate with Harris until she is officially confirmed as the Democratic nominee, suggesting Democrats might still be considering other candidates.
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