US Democrats - Obama endorses Harris in US election campaign full support
It is the possibly last crucial puzzle piece for Kamala Harris on her way to her nomination as the US Democrats' Presidential candidate: Former US President Barack Obama has endorsed the current Vice President. He and his wife Michelle will do everything they can to ensure Harris wins, Obama stated on platform X.
The support from the popular ex-head of state was skillfully showcased by the Democrats. In a video released by Obama, a radiant Harris is seen receiving a call from the Obamas while on campaign trail. "Kamala?", Obama is heard calling out. "Michelle and I couldn't be prouder to support you and do everything we can to help you through this election and into the Oval Office."
"Oh my goodness", Harris responds. "Michelle, Barack - that means so much to me." She is excited to campaign with them. "Thank you both. (...) And we'll have some fun, won't we?"
Obama's endorsement is formally significant for Harris' nomination process, but not decisive. The decision on whether Harris will indeed be the Democratic Party's candidate for the election on November 5 lies with the party delegates. Politically, it is a significant endorsement. Obama is one of the most influential voices in the Democratic Party - and an extremely effective fundraiser.
Obama initially took his time
A few days ago, the ex-president took his time. While some Democrats quickly endorsed Harris after Biden's withdrawal from the race, there was only a formal solidarity statement from the Obamas at first.
US media reported, citing Obama's circle, that the ex-president had initially wanted to stay out of the internal party debate and initially focused on Biden's political achievements.
This reminds us of Obama's approach before the US election in 2020. At that time, Biden wanted to be the Democratic Party's candidate. Biden's campaign team hoped that Obama would publicly support him early on. But he waited and said he didn't want to be decisive.
Democrats rally around Harris
Biden was under heavy pressure within his own party due to his age of 81 and doubts about his mental fitness. He eventually gave in to the withdrawal demands of several party colleagues and announced his exit from the presidential race a few days ago.
Biden himself proposed Harris as his replacement candidate to run against the Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump.
The party quickly rallied around its new leading lady. Harris secured the support of all prominent party figures: among them, the Democratic Senate leaders Chuck Schumer and Hakeem Jeffries, the former Speaker of the House of Representatives, Nancy Pelosi, and the former US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, who ran for president herself in 2016.
The decision now lies with the delegates
Estimates from US media suggest that the US Vice President has already gathered sufficient delegate votes for a nomination. The party intends to clarify the personnel before the mid-August convention digitally. The relevant committee of the Democratic Party approved the procedure. An electronic vote could therefore start as early as August 1st.
Originally, the Democrats wanted to officially nominate their presidential candidate at a large nomination convention from August 19th to 22nd in Chicago. However, the party leadership had already advanced plans to select the candidates before Biden's exit. This is due to the deadlines in the states, by when parties must confirm their candidates to appear on the ballot. It is still open who Harris will choose as her running mate.
Obama and Harris have been connected for a long time
In 2008, Obama was elected as the first black President of the United States. He served from January 2009 to January 2017 in the White House and was then replaced by Trump. Harris has been considered a confidant of Obama's since then and spoke at the Democratic Convention in 2012, at which Obama was nominated as the presidential candidate again.
With Harris, the first woman and the first Black person assumed the US Vice Presidency in 2021. If Harris were to actually defeat Trump as the party's nominee, she would be the first woman, the first Black person, and the first person of Asian descent to move into the White House. However, it remains to be seen how realistic her chances are.
- Joe Biden, the former rival for the Democratic Party's nomination, has endorsed Kamala Harris and suggested her as his replacement candidate.
- The endorsement from Barack Obama, a highly influential figure in the Democratic Party, is expected to significantly boost Harris' campaign for the US Presidency in the 2024 US Election.
- Obama's approval was essential to securing the support of other prominent Democratic figures, such as Chuck Schumer, Nancy Pelosi, and Hillary Clinton.
- If selected, Kamala Harris would make history as the first woman, the first Black person, and the first person of Asian descent to become the US President, following in the footsteps of former President Barack Obama.
- The nomination process is now in the hands of the party delegates, who are expected to vote electronically in early August.
- Kamala Harris has already amassed a significant number of delegate votes, suggesting a strong chance of securing the Democratic Party nomination.
- Donald Trump, the Republican presidential candidate in the 2020 US Election, will likely be Harris' main rival if she appears on the ballot in 2024.
- Regardless of the outcome of the US Election 2024, Obama and Harris' relationship will continue to be an important part of the Democratic Party's history and future US Election campaigns.
