Washington — Former President Barack Obama supported Vice President Kamala Harris for the Democratic presidential nomination on Friday, calling her a “happy warrior” and vowing to do everything he can to help her defeat former President Donald Trump in November.
In a video released by her campaign, Harris receives a call from Obama and his wife, former first lady Michelle Obama.
“We called to tell you that Michelle and I couldn’t be more proud to support you and do everything we can to help you get through this election and into the Oval Office,” Obama told Harris over the phone.
Michelle Obama told Harris: “I’m proud of you. This will be historic.”
In the video, Harris tells them, “This means a lot to me. I can’t wait to do this with you two, Doug and I, and get out there, get on the road. But most of all, I just want to tell you that the words that you’ve spoken and the friendship that you’ve shown me over all these years means more than I can express.”
And in a separate statement sent in a campaign email, the Obamas said they agreed with President Biden that choosing Harris as his running mate was “one of the best decisions he has made.”
“We have no doubt that Kamala Harris has exactly what it takes to win this election and serve the American people,” the statement read. “At a time when the stakes have never been higher, she gives us all reason to hope.”
With Obama’s endorsement, Harris won the support of all major democrats and party leaders in Congress. Mr. Biden was the first to return his vice president, doing so shortly after he announced his departure of the presidential race. He was joined a few days later by former Speaker of the House of Representatives Nancy Pelosi, Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer and House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries.
Harris and Obama have been in regular contact since Biden announced his decision to step down, a source familiar with the matter said, noting that they have known each other for 20 years.
Harris has also won the support of Democratic governors who are considered rising stars in the party and seen as potential contenders for the party’s nomination if Mr. Biden withdraws, such as California Gov. Gretchen Whitmer, California Gov. Gavin Newsom and Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear.
No other Democrat has announced a candidacy for president. Harris has won the support of more than 40 state delegations, surpassing the number of delegates she will need to win the nomination. If that support holds, Democrats will formally nominate her for president in a virtual election. roll call vote early next month.
Below new rules adopted by the Democratic National Committee on Wednesday, the nominee will be selected as early as August 1, and the candidate, likely Harris, has until August 7 to choose a running mateThe party will meet for its convention in Chicago starting August 19.
Harris launched her presidential campaign hours after Biden announced in a letter to the American people that he would not seek a second term. The decision came after the president faced weeks of reluctance. pressure rise to withdraw following his surprising debate performance against Trump last month, raising concerns about his fitness to run for a second term and his ability to defeat his Republican opponent in November.
In a Oval Office Address On Wednesday, for the first time since he announced he would not seek reelection, Mr. Biden acknowledged that it was time to “pass the torch” to a new generation of leaders.
“I believe my record as president, my leadership in the world, my vision for America’s future, all of that deserved a second term,” he said. “But nothing — nothing — can stand in the way of saving our democracy. That includes personal ambition.”
The president hailed Harris as “experienced,” “tough” and “competent.”
Harris, who was a senator from California before her vice presidential election, quickly hit the campaign trail with events in WisconsinIndiana and TexasHis campaign said it raked more than $100 million between Sunday afternoon, when she officially joined the race for the White House, and Monday evening.
— Fin Gómez and Nidia Cavazos contributed reporting.
