He held back for a long time – but now he has spoken out: former President Obama has backed Harris as a US presidential candidate. He gave her the news by phone – the whole world can hear it.
Former US President Barack Obama has thrown his support behind his party colleague Kamala Harris as the Democratic candidate for the November election. Harris has his full support and that of his wife Michelle, Obama said on Platform X.
Video shows phone call between Harris and Obama
In a video that Harris' campaign team released on X, the phone call between Harris and the Obamas can be seen.
“We called to say that Michelle and I couldn't be prouder to support you and do everything we can to get you through this election and into the Oval Office,” Obama told Harris. “I'm proud of you. This is going to be a historic moment,” the former First Lady added, addressing Harris.
“We will have fun”
The US Vice President expressed her gratitude for the Obamas' support and their long friendship. “Thank you both. This means so much to me. And we're going to have a little fun,” said Harris, referring to the election campaign. Her team explained that the video is of the actual call and not a re-enactment.
Obama's support is important for Harris
Obama's approval may not be formally decisive for the further procedure, but his support is politically important. Obama is one of the most influential voices in the Democratic Party and a highly effective fundraiser.
The former president had initially refrained from making a formal statement of solidarity with Harris following incumbent Joe Biden's withdrawal from the current election campaign, while other high-ranking Democrats immediately stepped forward and expressed their support for her.
US media reported, citing Obama's entourage, that the former president did not want to get involved in the internal party debate too early – also in order to focus on Biden's political successes.
Decision lies with the delegates
The decision as to whether Harris will actually become the Democratic presidential candidate rests with the party's delegates from each state. According to US media estimates, the US Vice President already has enough delegate votes for a nomination.
The party wants to clarify the personnel issue virtually before the party convention in mid-August. The responsible committee of the Democratic Party approved the procedure for this. Electronic voting could therefore start on August 1 at the earliest.
Biden proposed Harris as candidate
The Democrats had actually wanted to officially choose their presidential candidate at a major nominating convention in Chicago from August 19 to 22. However, even before Biden's withdrawal, the party leadership had already made plans to bring the candidate selection forward. This has to do with the deadlines in the states by which the parties must have confirmed their candidates in order to be on the ballot.
Biden had come under massive pressure from his own party because of his age of 81 and doubts about his physical and mental condition. In the end, he bowed to calls from various party colleagues to withdraw and announced his withdrawal from the presidential race a few days ago.
Biden himself proposed his running mate Harris as a replacement candidate for the November 5 election to run against Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump.
