Barack and Michelle Obama endorse Kamala Harris in heartfelt video, Internet calls it 'a high honor’

Barack Obama didn’t immediately endorse Kamala Harris after President Joe Biden announced he was exiting the 2024 race
UPDATED JUL 26, 2024
Barack and Michelle Obama commended Kamala Harris' accomplishments in a joint statement (Getty Images)
Barack and Michelle Obama commended Kamala Harris' accomplishments in a joint statement (Getty Images)

WASHINGTON, DC: Former president Barack Obama and former first lady Michelle Obama endorsed Vice President Kamala Harris’ presidential bid in a video released on Friday, July 26, according to CNN.

In a phone call captured in the video, the former POTUS conveyed to VP Harris, “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."



 

Harris expressed her gratitude for the Obamas' support and their long-standing friendship, saying, “Oh my goodness. Michelle, Barack, this means so much to me. I’m looking forward to doing this with the two of you, Doug and I both. And getting out there, being on the road."

She added, “But most of all, I just want to tell you the words you have spoken and the friendship that you have given over all these years mean more than I can express, so thank you both. It means so much. And we’re gonna have some fun with this too, aren’t we?”

What else did Barack and Michelle Obama say to Kamala Harris over phone call?

Michelle Obama said she is proud of Kamala Harris and believes the forthcoming election will be historic.

“I can’t have this phone call without saying to my girl, Kamala, I am proud of you. This is going to be historic,” Michelle told Harris.

The Obamas commended Harris and outlined her accomplishments in a joint statement announcing the endorsement.

WASHINGTON, DC - FEBRUARY 12:  Former U.S. President Barack Obama and first lady Michelle Obama part
Former president Barack Obama and Michelle Obama endorsed Vice President Kamala Harris’ presidential bid, putting all speculations to rest (Getty Images)

“But Kamala has more than a resume,” the statement claimed. “She has the vision, the character, and the strength that this critical moment demands. There is no doubt in our mind that Kamala Harris has exactly what it takes to win this election and deliver for the American people.”

“At a time when the stakes have never been higher, she gives us all reason to hope,” the statement added.

Events preceding crucial Obama endorsement for Vice President Kamala Harris

Former president Barack Obama and Kamala Harris, the presumed 2024 Democratic presidential candidate, have been in regular contact, and he has been providing advice to her, as he has done for the past 20 years, according to a source who spoke to the aforementioned outlet earlier this week.

Obama didn’t immediately endorse Harris after President Joe Biden announced on Sunday, July 21, that he would not seek reelection in the upcoming November presidential election.

At the time, former President Obama said, “I have extraordinary confidence that the leaders of our party will be able to create a process from which an outstanding nominee emerges.”

Former U.S. President Barack Obama speaks at a Democracy Forum event held by the Obama Foundation at the Javits Center on November 17, 2022 in New York City. The all day event featured speakers from a variety of backgrounds conversing on the state of global democracy and opportunities for the next generation of global leaders. (Photo by Spencer Platt/Getty Images)
Barack Obama deemed it crucial for the Democratic Party to have a legitimate process by which delegates would select their new presidential nominee (Getty Images)

According to the source, Obama believed the Democratic Party needed to have a legitimate process for delegates to choose their new presidential nominee.

An Obama adviser informed the aforementioned outlet that the ex-president was approaching the situation in the same way as he did during the 2020 Democratic primary, observing closely with the intention of uniting the party when a nominee is chosen – whether it was Harris or someone else.

The adviser said that Obama's statement was intended to keep the focus on Joe Biden – his former vice president – on the day he announced that he was not seeking a second term.

Obama had previously supported Biden’s reelection efforts by attending several fundraisers that raised millions of dollars, participating in moderated conversations with Biden, and sending messages to encourage supporters to contribute to fundraising efforts.

WASHINGTON, DC - MARCH 08: U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris addresses the National League of Cities
Kamala Harris is yet to announce her vice presidential pick (Getty Images)

Democrats have been moving swiftly in their process to nominate Vice President Kamala Harris, with the party adopting rules on Wednesday, July 24, to select their presidential nominee. Voting to officially nominate VP Harris is expected to commence on August 1.

The rules stipulate ceremonial votes for president and vice president, as well as a vote on the party platform during the Democratic convention, which is scheduled to take place in Chicago from August 19 to 22. While the ceremonial presidential vote will be conducted as a roll call, the vice presidential vote is likely to be a voice vote.

Vice President Kamala Harris has not yet chosen a running mate. As previously reported by the aforementioned outlet, a team of lawyers and advisers are conducting one of the most accelerated vice presidential searches in modern American history, intending to announce a nominee before August 7.

Internet abuzz as Barack and Michelle Obama endorse Kamala Harris for president

People online shared their reactions and opinions on former President Barack Obama and former first lady Michelle Obama endorsing Vice President Kamala Harris for the Democratic party's presidential ticket. 

One X user remarked, "I’m fired up and ready to go!"



 

Another user said, "With the Obamas by your side, there's no stopping you! Ready to make history together."



 

Another user asked, "Has any former republican president endorsed trump? Has his former VP endorsed him?"



 

One X user wrote, "More Great News… It’s Official… Barack Obama endorses Kamala Harris for President. #LetsGo."



 

Another user asserted, "They're with HER. Harris 2024. LET'S GO."



 

Finally, this user tweeted, "Both Michelle and Barack. That's a high honor indeed."



 

This article contains remarks made on the Internet by individual people and organizations. MEAWW cannot confirm them independently and does not support claims or opinions being made online.

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