Days after Joe Biden dropped out of the 2024 White House race, former US President Barack Obama endorsed Kamala Harris’ candidacy for American president on Friday.

“We called to say Michelle (wife) 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,” Obama told Harris in a short video showing a phone call between the two.

“I am proud of you. This is going to be historic,” the former first lady told Harris. Talking into a cell phone and cracking a few smiles, Harris expressed her gratitude for the endorsement and their long friendship. “Thank you both. It means so much. And we’re gonna have some fun with this too,” Harris said.

‘WE’VE GOT YOUR BACK’

“I’m so proud of my girl, Kamala. Barack and I are so excited to endorse her as the Democratic nominee because of her positivity, sense of humor, and ability to bring light and hope to people all across the country. We’ve got your back,” Michelle said in a post on X.

Harris’s surprise bid against Republican rival Donald Trump continues to gain steam from supporters, donors and politicians less than a week after President Joe Biden bowed out of the race amid slumping poll numbers.

“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 November. We hope you’ll join us,” the first US Black president wrote on his X handle.

Obama remains one of the most popular figures in the Democratic party even after more than a decade has passed since he was last elected. Obama has lent his support to Biden during big-money fundraisers, which were among some of the biggest blockbuster events of his campaign.

The endorsement could help activate and sustain energy and fundraising for Harris’ campaign and it signals he is likely to get on the campaign trail for Harris once she is officially the presumptive nominee. Obama initially withheld his endorsement even as Biden, his former vice president, anointed her as his heir apparent. Obama reportedly did not want to put his thumb on the scale as the party worked through the process of determining its nominee.

Source: news18