Former President Barack Obama told Kamala Harris he “couldn’t be prouder” in endorsing her to replace Joe Biden as the Democratic candidate for the US election.
Until now Obama had remained silent. after other top Democrats threw their support behind the US vice president in the days after Biden He withdrew from the race on Sunday..
He also issued a statement after Biden’s decision that suggested that he was calling for an open competition to decide the Democratic candidate.
However, Ms. Harris has posted a video showing her speaking to mr obama and his wife, the former first lady Michelle, in a joint phone call in which they offer their support.
Obama says, “We’re calling to tell you that Michelle and I couldn’t be more proud to support you and do everything we can to get you through this election and into the Oval Office.”
Mrs. Obama, speaking after a suggested survey would win the US election if she decided to run, she told the vice president on the call: “I can’t have this phone call without telling my daughter Kamala: I’m proud of you. This is going to be historic.”
Mrs. Harris responds: “My God. Michelle, Barack, this means a lot to me.
“I really want to do this with you two – Doug [her husband] and I both. And get out there, be on the road.
“But most of all, I just want to tell you that the words you have spoken and the friendship you have given over all these years mean more than I can express.
“So thank you both! It means a lot. And… let’s have some fun with this too, right?”
Obama then tells Harris that she is a “happy warrior,” before the former first lady adds, “And the country needs a happy warrior.”
Mrs. Obama also told the likely Democratic nominee: “It’s time for us to join you, your candidacy. This isn’t up to you, it’s not just up to you and Doug, it’s up to all of us… We have to register.” , we must “I have to vote… So let’s roll up our sleeves and make this happen.”
Harris will almost certainly win the Democratic nomination and face off against the Republican candidate and former president. donald trump in the race for the White House.
Former President Barack Obama with Kamala Harris in 2022. Photo: AP
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The Obamas have been slower to publicly endorse Harris than other top Democrats.
Biden, who was vice president under Obama from 2009 to 2017, immediately threw his support behind his vice president and urged the party to support her when he dropped out of the race.
Endorsements from Bill and Hillary Clinton and former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi quickly followed.
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Mrs Harris with US President Joe Biden
By contrast, Obama issued a statement after Biden announced his resignation, saying, “I have extraordinary confidence that our party leaders will be able to create a process from which an outstanding candidate will emerge.”
But her endorsement today comes after NBC News, Sky News’ sister network, reported that Obama and Harris have been in regular contact since she announced her intention to run.
Governors Gavin Newsom and Josh Shapiro, once touted as possible replacements for mr biden, are among dozens of Democratic elected officials who have shown their support for Ms. Harris. Both could compete to be chosen as his running mate and vice presidential candidate.
The Democratic Party’s fundraising platform had its biggest day of the year after Biden dropped out of the race, taking in almost $50m (£38.7m), with unions and advocacy groups too They endorsed Harris.
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