Presidential candidate Kamala Harris - They stand behind Obama
Now, the former Presidential couple Barack (62) and Michelle Obama (60) have publicly endorsed Democratic politician Kamala Harris (59) for a Presidential candidacy. They did not do this with a joint statement on social media, instead, a video was produced specifically for the "Harris 2024" campaign. On the official YouTube channel of the 59-year-old Vice President, this short clip can be seen - but not the Obamas themselves.
In the video, Kamala Harris receives a call from the Obamas, which she happily answers. The former First Lady then says: "I can't make this call without telling my girl Kamala that I'm proud of you. It's historic." Husband Barack quickly agrees: "We're calling to say that Michelle and I are not more proud than to support you, to lead you through this election, and to bring you to the Oval Office."
Harris responds with acknowledgment. "The words you've said and the friendship you've given me for all these years mean more to me than I can express. I thank you both. ... And we'll have a little fun, won't we?"
Public endorsement by the Obamas was highly anticipated
Other politicians and prominent supporters of the US Democrats quickly expressed their solidarity with Kamala Harris following Joe Biden's (81) withdrawal from the campaign. The Obamas' endorsement was therefore all the more surprising. As a result, speculation arose that behind it could be a presidential candidacy of Michelle Obama. This theory is now definitively off the table.
Harris takes a jab at Trump
Harris would like to bring the momentum to the first public debate with the Republican challenger Donald Trump (78). Trump's camp, however, is said to have no interest in a TV debate Trump vs. Harris for now - they only want her to be an official candidate of the Democrats.
Harris used this perceived sign of weakness from Trump immediately for a verbal jab at X. "What has become of 'at any time and any place'?", she wonders aloud in response to Trump's previous and typically bold statements about being willing to debate at any time.
The official announcement of Kamala Harris as a candidate for the Democrats was expected to take longer, but the party has reportedly already made the decision to accelerate the selection process. Potential opponents reportedly only have until July 27 to declare their candidacy.
If Harris is the only candidate left, as it currently looks, the virtual election of the delegates would take place on either August 1 or August 3. She is expected to receive the necessary number of votes in no more than a week. In short: Harris could officially stand as Trump's challenger in the race for the White House by the end of next week.
- The endorsement by Barack and Michelle Obama for Kamala Harris as a Presidential candidate was featured on her official YouTube Channel, sparking curiosity about a potential presidential candidacy from Michelle Obama.
- In the endorsing video, Kamala Harris receives a call from Barack and Michelle Obama, with Michelle sharing her pride and Barack pledging their support for Harris's election campaign.
- Donald Trump, the Republican challenger, has reportedly shown no interest in a TV debate with Harris at this time, which Harris used as an opportunity for a verbal jab, questioning his commitment to debating "at any time and any place."
- Kamala Harris's formal announcement as a Democratic candidate was anticipated to take longer, but reports suggest that the party has expedited the selection process, giving potential opponents until July 27 to declare their candidacy.
- If Harris remains the only Democratic candidate after the July 27 deadline, she may officially challenge Trump in the election for the White House by the end of next week, with virtual delegate elections potentially taking place on August 1 or 3.
