Former President Barack Obama and his wife, former First Lady Michelle Obama, officially endorsed the 2024 presidential election bid of Vice President Kamala Harris just after President Joe Biden announced that he would not be running for re-election. A video posted by the Harris campaign shows Obama and his wife making the endorsement over the phone.
Expressions of Pride and Support
“Michelle and I couldn’t be prouder to endorse you and do whatever we can to help you succeed in this election, and get you to the Oval Office,” Obama said. Michelle said, “I am proud of you. This is going to be historic.”
In a campaign email, the Obamas stepped up their endorsement of Biden’s vice presidential pick, referring to it as “one of the best decisions he’s made.” They expressed their belief in Harris’s possibilities of winning the election and serving the American people, saying she gives them “all reason to hope” during these difficult times.
Earlier this week, Michelle and I called our friend @KamalaHarris. We told her we think she’ll make a fantastic President of the United States, and that she has our full support. At this critical moment for our country, we’re going to do everything we can to make sure she wins in… pic.twitter.com/0UIS0doIbA
— Barack Obama (@BarackObama) July 26, 2024
Strong support among the Democrats
The Obama’s endorsement bolsters her with top Democrats and congressional leaders in her corner. Some influential Democratic governors, who have already endorsed her since the announcement of her presidential race, include Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer, California Governor Gavin Newsom, and Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear—each one of whom had been considered a possible presidential candidate.
The Obama’s influence
Barack Obama remains a highly popular figure within the Democratic Party, even more than a decade after his last election. He has supported Joe Biden, his former vice president, by participating in major fundraising events. Kamala Harris expressed her appreciation for the Obamas’ endorsement and their enduring friendship, which dates back to before Obama’s 2008 election. “Thank you both. It means so much. And we’re gonna have some fun with this too, aren’t we?” Harris said.
Harris’s Campaign
After entering the race on Sunday afternoon, Kamala Harris’s campaign announced that it had raised over $100 million by Monday evening. Harris has now become the sole Democratic presidential nominee, having secured endorsements from more than 40 state delegations. This surpasses the number of delegates needed for the nomination. If she maintains this level of support, she will be officially nominated as the Democratic candidate in a virtual roll-call vote next month.
About the Author
Ms Yogya Reddy is an undergraduate student at the University of Massachusetts, Boston, USA, studying International Relations and affairs. She is passionate about global democracy and politics. She also enjoys working on research and writing.
