Barack, Michelle Obama back Kamala Harris for US Presidential election

New Delhi: Former President Barack Obama and former First Lady Michelle Obama endorsed Vice President Kamala Harris for president on Friday. The endorsement is going to unite key Democratic leaders behind Harris following President Joe Biden's decision not to seek a second term.

In a video shared on social media, the Obamas called Harris to share the news. Barack Obama expressed his pride in Harris, saying, "Michelle and I couldn’t be prouder to endorse you and to do everything we can to get you through this election and into the Oval Office." Michelle Obama added her own words of encouragement: "I can't have this phone call without saying to my girl Kamala: I am proud of you. This is going to be historic."

Pledge to support

The Obamas released a separate statement emphasizing their commitment to Harris's campaign. They highlighted her extensive record of accomplishments and countered Republican claims that Harris’s success was due to diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives."

"It means so much to have your endorsements,
Michelle Obama and Barack Obama..," tweets US Vice President Kamala Harris. https://t.co/3SicNvZxa1 pic.twitter.com/Mkfpq49jO9

— ANI (@ANI) July 26, 2024

But Kamala has more than a resume. She has the vision, the character, and the strength that this critical moment demands," they wrote. "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."

Earlier this week, Michelle and I called our friend @KamalaHarris. We told her we think she’ll make a fantastic President of the United States, and that she has our full support. At this critical moment for our country, we’re going to do everything we can to make sure she wins in… pic.twitter.com/0UIS0doIbA

— Barack Obama (@BarackObama) July 26, 2024

The call between the Obamas and Harris occurred on Wednesday. Barack Obama agreed on the fact that Democrats are 'underdogs' in the election. "Bottom line is, we are ready to get to work," he said. "We are telling everybody to kick off those bedroom slippers and get off the couch and start knocking on doors and making phone calls."

Political reactions

After Biden’s exit from the race on Sunday, many Republicans noted that Obama initially did not endorse Harris. Former President Donald Trump’s campaign used this as a point of criticism. Steven Cheung, a campaign spokesman, stated that the lack of early endorsement indicated uncertainty within the Democratic Party about Harris’s candidacy. "There is a strong sense by many in the Democrat Party — namely Barack Hussein Obama — that Kamala Harris is a Marxist fraud who cannot beat President Trump, and they are still holding out for someone ‘better,'" Cheung said in a statement.

Biden’s withdrawal from presidential race

Just before Biden decided to drop out, Obama advised his allies that Biden’s chances of winning had diminished. Concerned about Biden’s legacy and well-being, Obama believed it was time for the president to reconsider his candidacy. Biden, acknowledging the political landscape, withdrew from the race and endorsed Harris.