Former US President Barack Obama and his wife Michelle publicly endorsed Kamala Harris’ candidacy for president this Friday (26) in an approximately one-minute video that captured a private call between the couple and the current vice president.
“We called to say that Michelle and I could not be prouder to support you and to do everything we can to get you through this election and into the Oval Office,” Obama told Harris.
“I am proud of you. This will be historic,” the former first lady told Harris.
Speaking on his cell phone and smiling a few times, Harris expressed his gratitude for their support and long friendship.
“Thank you both. Means a lot. And we’re going to have fun with it too,” Harris said.
The campaign said the video was the actual call, not a reenactment.
Harris’ campaign against Republican rival Donald Trump continues to gain traction among supporters, donors and politicians less than a week after President Joe Biden dropped out of the race amid falling poll numbers.
Obama, the first black president of the United States, remains one of the most popular figures in the Democratic Party, even after more than a decade has passed since he was last elected.
Obama threw his support behind Biden during major fundraisers, which were among some of his campaign’s most successful events.
The endorsement could help activate and maintain energy and fundraising for Harris’ campaign and signals that he will likely join Harris’ campaign once she is officially the party’s nominee.
Obama initially withheld her endorsement, even as Biden, her former vice president, anointed her as his heir. Obama reportedly did not want to put his finger on the scale as the party worked through the process of determining its nominee.
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