Former President Barack Obama officially endorsed Vice President Kamala Harris on Thursday to be the Democratic Party’s 2024 nominee.
Obama was one of the only high-profile Democrats who had yet to endorse Harris, who quickly secured enough delegate support to clinch the nomination so long as the delegates do not change their mind before the Democratic National Convention’s virtual roll next month.
Vice President Kamala Harris and Former President Barack Obama attend an event to mark the 2010 passage of the Affordable Care Act in the East Room of the White House, Apr. 5, 2022, in Washington.
Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images
When President Joe Biden announced Sunday he was exiting the 2024 race, he quickly endorsed Harris to take his place.
In more extensive remarks on his decision delivered from the Oval Office on Wednesday night, Biden said he believed “the best way forward is to pass the torch to a new generation” and now was the time for “fresh” and “younger” voices.
“I made my choice. I’ve made my views known. I’d like to thank our great vice president, Kamala Harris,” Biden said. “She’s experienced, she’s tough, she’s capable. She’s been an incredible partner to me, and a leader for our country. Now, the choice is up to you, the American people.”
After Biden backed Harris, many Democrats across the country quickly fell in line behind her and she faces no major opposition yet for the party’s nomination. Focus has already shifted to who she may select to be her vice presidential running mate in challenging former President Donald Trump and JD Vance.
Several days before Obama’s endorsement, Democratic leaders, including Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer and House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, publicly endorsed Harris. Jeffries and Schumer both spoke about Harris earning the nomination “from the grassroots up and not the top down.”
Obama, too, appeared to want to let the “process” play out before announcing his support. In his initial response to Biden’s decision to drop out, Obama said the party would be “navigating uncharted waters in the days ahead.”
“But I have extraordinary confidence that the leaders of our party will be able to create a process from which an outstanding nominee emerges,” Obama said at the time.
Though a source told ABC News Senior White House Correspondent Selina Wang that Harris had spoken to Obama, along with other leaders, in the 24 hours after Biden stepped down from the race.
Former President Barack Obama recently announced his endorsement of Senator Kamala Harris for the 2020 presidential election. This endorsement comes as a significant boost to Harris’ campaign, as Obama remains a highly respected figure within the Democratic Party.
In a statement released on social media, Obama praised Harris for her intelligence, experience, and dedication to public service. He highlighted her work as a prosecutor, attorney general, and senator, noting her commitment to fighting for justice and equality for all Americans.
Obama’s endorsement is seen as a major milestone in Harris’ campaign, as it signals to Democratic voters that she has the support of one of the party’s most influential leaders. Obama’s popularity among Democrats could help Harris gain momentum in the crowded field of candidates vying for the party’s nomination.
Harris has been positioning herself as a progressive candidate who is focused on issues such as healthcare, immigration reform, and criminal justice reform. Her background as a prosecutor has given her a unique perspective on these issues, and she has been vocal in her criticism of the Trump administration’s policies.
With Obama’s endorsement, Harris now has the backing of one of the most popular figures in the Democratic Party. This could help her attract more support from voters who are looking for a candidate who can unite the party and defeat President Trump in the 2020 election.
Overall, Obama’s endorsement of Kamala Harris is a significant development in the 2020 presidential race. It solidifies Harris’ position as a top contender for the Democratic nomination and could help her gain the support she needs to win the party’s ticket. As the campaign heats up, all eyes will be on Harris to see how she capitalizes on this endorsement and builds momentum heading into the primary elections.
