The Obamas endorse Harris for president in an emotional video call before the 2024 US elections.
Unexpectedly, Michelle and Barack Obama have formally endorsed Vice President Kamala Harris for the presidency. In a moving video Harris’s team published early on July 26th, Friday, their support was given during a phone call.
A Historic Moment
The video captures Harris answering a call from the former president and first lady. Michelle Obama, 60, expresses her pride, stating, “I can’t have this phone call without saying to my girl Kamala: I am proud of you. This is going to be historic.”
Barack Obama, 62, adds his support, saying, “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.”
Reasons for Endorsement
A full transcript of the call reveals that the 44th president cited Harris’s “record of inclusion” as one of the primary reasons for their endorsement. Barack Obama emphasized the challenges ahead:
“We’re gonna be underdogs, you know, and you are gonna have to continue, as you said, to earn not just the nomination but earn the trust of folks all across this country. But knowing you as we do, we’re absolutely confident that you’re gonna be able to make it happen.”
Call to Action
Michelle Obama stressed the importance of collective effort in supporting Harris’s candidacy:
“We’ve got to work now. All of us, you know. It’s time to stop wringing our hands, it’s time to stop complaining, it’s time for us to rally around you, your candidacy. This is not on you, it’s not just on you and [your husband] Doug [Emhoff], it’s on all of us.”
Official Statement
The Obamas released a separate statement Friday morning, aligning with President Biden’s view that endorsing Harris “was one of the best decisions he’s made.” They expressed confidence in Harris’s capabilities:
“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.”
Biden’s Withdrawal and Political Landscape
The endorsement follows calls from both parties for President Biden to withdraw following his surprise announcement last Sunday that he would not be running for re-election.
The Obamas took a while to endorse Harris, but other notable Democrats, like Nancy Pelosi, Chuck Schumer, and Hakeem Jeffries, did so right away. This late but strong show of support from the influential couple could significantly impact the race for the Democratic nomination.
Image: Collections – GetArchive
