Image source, Getty Images
President Barack Obama has endorsed Vice President Kamala Harris for the Democratic presidential nomination, ending days of speculation about whether the president would endorse Harris.
In a joint statement, former President Barack Obama and former first lady Michelle Obama said they believed Harris had “the vision, character and strength that is needed at this critical time.”
Obama was reportedly one of more than 100 prominent Democrats that Harris spoke with after President Joe Biden announced he was dropping out of the race last Sunday.
In a statement at the time, President Obama praised Biden for stepping down but stopped short of endorsing Harris.
- author, Anna Fagie and Bernd Debsmann Jr. at the White House
- role, BBC News, Washington
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The vice president of the United States has already secured the support of a majority of Democratic delegates and is expected to become the official candidate at the party's convention in August.
The Obamas said in a statement on Friday that they “couldn't be more excited to endorse” Harris. They vowed to “do everything we can” to help her win.
“We stand with President Biden,” the couple said in a statement. “Choosing Kamala is one of the best decisions he has ever made, and she has the resume to prove it.”
They cited her record as California's attorney general, U.S. senator and vice president.
“But Kamala has more than her pedigree,” the statement continued. “She has the vision, character and strength needed at this critical moment.”
“We have no doubt that Kamala Harris has 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 hope.”
The statement was accompanied by a video of Harris receiving a call from the Obamas pledging their support.
“Oh my goodness,” the vice president says in the video. “Michelle, Barack, this means so much to me.”
Harris has held numerous campaign events across the country since Biden dropped out of the race.
She was in Houston on Thursday speaking to the American Federation of Teachers Unions.
Though the event was part of his duties as vice president, it had the feel of a campaign rally, with loud applause and cheers from the audience.
Harris repeated language she used on the campaign trail earlier this week, targeting what she called “extremist” Republicans and “failed” policies.
“We want to ban assault weapons, and they want to ban books,” she said.
Meanwhile, Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump continued to pivot to attacking his new rival.
Speaking at a Florida summit for the conservative group Turning Point USA on Friday night, Trump called Harris the “most incompetent” vice president in history and vowed to defeat her.
He warned that if elected, she would be “the most radical liberal president in American history.”
Trump has refused to debate Harris in a televised capacity until she is officially endorsed as the party's nominee.
He suggested Democrats are “still waiting for someone 'better'.”
