In a video published on Friday, former president Barack Obama and former first wife Michelle Obama supported Vice President Kamala Harris's presidential campaign.
The video shows the former president speaking to Harris on the phone with his wife. "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," the former president said.
Harris conveyed her appreciation for the Obamas' decades-long relationship and thanked them for their support.
"Oh my god. I really appreciate this, Michelle and Barack. Doug and I are both looking forward to doing this together. and venturing outside and traveling," the vice president remarked.
Above all, though, I just wanted to say how much I appreciate the things you have said and the companionship you have shown throughout the years; thank you both. It has immense meaning. And we're going to enjoy ourselves with this as well, don't we?" she asked.
The former first lady declared that she believes the next election will be historic and expressed her pride in Harris.
"I have to tell my girl Kamala that I'm proud of her during this phone call. This will go down in history," she informed Harris.
The Obamas commended Harris and outlined her accomplishments in a joint statement announcing the endorsement.
In the statement, it was stated, "But Kamala has more than a resume." "She possesses the courage, vision, and character that are needed at this crucial time. Without a doubt, Kamala Harris possesses the necessary skills to emerge victorious in this election and fulfill the expectations of the American people.
The statement went on, "At a time when the stakes have never been higher, she gives us all reason to hope."
As he has done for her over the course of their 20 years of acquaintance, Obama and Harris—the presumed Democratic nominee—have maintained regular communication, a source told CNN earlier this week. He has also been acting as a sounding board for her.
Obama refrained from endorsing Harris right away after President Joe Biden declared on Sunday that he would not be running for reelection.
The former president stated in a statement at the time, "I have extraordinary confidence that the leaders of our party will be able to create a process from which an outstanding nominee emerges."
The source stated that Obama thought it critical that the Democratic Party had an official procedure by which delegates would choose their next nominee. According to an Obama adviser speaking to CNN, the former president was keeping a close eye on the contest in the hopes of uniting the party around the nominee, whether Harris or someone else. This was exactly the same strategy the previous president used during the 2020 Democratic primary. According to the adviser, Obama's remarks were meant to maintain attention on Biden, his former vice president, on the day he said he was not running for reelection.
In the past, Obama had offered support to Biden's reelection attempts by going to a few million dollar fundraisers, having moderated discussions with Biden, and sending out messages urging followers to contribute to fundraising efforts.
Democrats adopted guidelines for selecting their presidential nominee on Wednesday, and since then, they have been moving swiftly to nominate Harris. It is anticipated that voting to formally nominate Harris will start on August 1.
The rules stipulate that during the Democratic convention, which is set to take place in Chicago from August 19 to 22, there will be ceremonial ballots for president and vice president in addition to a vote on the party platform. The vice presidential vote will probably be cast by voice, while the ceremonial presidential vote will be taken by roll call.
Harris hasn't decided on a running partner yet. A group of attorneys and advisors are putting together one of the fastest searches for a vice presidential candidate in recent American history, as CNN previously reported, with the intention of unveiling the winner by August 7.
