Former President of the United States, Barack Obama has officially endorsed Vice President Kamala Harris for the Democratic presidential nomination, calling her a “happy warrior” and vowing to do all he can to help her defeat former President Donald Trump in November. The announcement was made in a statement released on Friday.
“We called to say Michelle and I couldn’t be prouder to endorse you and do everything we can to get you through this election and into the Oval Office,” Obama tells Harris over the phone.
In a separate statement, the Obamas said, “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.”
In her reply, Harris tells them, “this means so much to me. I am looking forward to doing this with the two of you, Doug and I both, and getting out there, being on the road. But most of all, I just wanna tell you that the words you have spoken and the friendship that you have given over all these years mean more than I can express.”
The endorsement is seen as a significant boost to Harris’s campaign, as the Obamas remain the most popular Democrats in the nation.
Harris has already secured the support of more than 3,000 Democratic delegates, making her the overwhelming frontrunner to secure the nomination.
In addition to the Obamas’ endorsement, Harris has also been backed by President Joe Biden, former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, and House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries.
Harris has also won the backing of Democratic governors, such as Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer, California Gov. Gavin Newsom and Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear. They were initially considered as possible contenders to seek the party’s nomination in the event of Mr. Biden’s withdrawal.
The Democratic National Convention is set to take place in August, where Harris is expected to formally accept the nomination and has until Aug. 7 to select a running mate.