Washington, D.C., United States | By Michael Wandati | Former President Barack Obama and and his wife, former First Lady Michelle Obama have officially endorsed Vice President Kamala Harris as the Democratic presidential nominee, putting an end to weeks of speculation about his support.
In a joint statement with former First Lady Michelle Obama, the Obamas expressed their belief that Harris possesses the “vision, character, and strength” needed for this pivotal moment in American history.
Following President Joe Biden’s announcement last Sunday that he was withdrawing from the presidential race, Harris engaged with over 100 leading Democrats, including Obama.
Initially, Obama praised Biden’s decision but did not immediately extend his endorsement to Harris.
Currently, Harris has garnered the backing of a majority of Democratic delegates, positioning her favorably to secure the nomination at the upcoming party convention in August.
In their statement on Friday 26, July 2024, the Obamas conveyed their enthusiastic support for Kamala Harris and committed to doing “everything we can” to help elect her as the next President.
“We agree with President Biden,” said the couple’s statement, “choosing Kamala was one of the best decisions he’s made. She has the resume to prove it.”
They cited her record as California’s attorney general, a US senator and then vice-president.
“But Kamala has more than a resume,” the statement continued. “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 statement was accompanied by a video showing Kamala Harris receiving a phone call from the Obamas, during which they pledged their support.
“Oh my goodness,” says the vice-president in the clip. “Michelle, Barack, this means so much to me.”
Since Joe Biden’s withdrawal from the race, Kamala Harris has been actively campaigning across the United States. On Thursday, she spoke at an event hosted by the American Federation of Teachers in Houston. Although the event was officially part of her vice-presidential responsibilities, it had the atmosphere of a campaign rally, with enthusiastic applause and cheers from the audience.
Harris used the occasion to target what she described as “extremist” Republicans and “failed” policies, echoing themes from her earlier campaign appearances this week.
“We want to ban assault weapons, and they want to ban books,” she said.
Meanwhile, Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump has shifted his focus to attacking his new opponent.
“Lyin’ Kamala Harris is a radical left Marxist, and worse!” he said in a partially all-capital-letters post on his social media platform Truth Social.
Trump also declined to agree to a televised debate with Harris until she is officially confirmed as the Democratic nominee. He suggested that Democrats might still be “holding out for someone ‘better.'”
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Kamala Harris has engaged in “frank and constructive” discussions with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, urging an end to the ongoing Israel-Gaza conflict.
The conflict escalated following an attack on southern Israel last October, which resulted in approximately 1,200 deaths and 251 hostages. Since then, over 39,000 people have been killed in Gaza, according to the Hamas-run health ministry.
Harris conveyed her “serious concerns” about the high casualty rates in Gaza, emphasizing that the manner in which Israel defends itself is crucial.
She also highlighted the importance of pursuing a two-state solution. Netanyahu has also met with President Biden at the White House and is scheduled to meet Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump on Friday.
