Barack Obama sparks buzz as he doesn’t endorse Kamala Harris for president and leaves it up to Dems

WASHINGTON, DC: Former president Barack Obama refrained from endorsing Kamala Harris, stating instead that Democrats would select an "outstanding nominee", in his initial remarks following President Joe Biden's decision to not seek reelection.

Moments after he announced he is withdrawing from the 2024 presidential race, Biden endorsed Harris as the Democratic nominee.

Along with Obama, even former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi from California has withheld immediate support for the 59-year-old Vice President, following last week's reports that they both advocated for an "open" process to come up with Biden's replacement.

Barack Obama expresses confidence in party's ability to select 'outstanding nominee'

“We will be navigating uncharted waters in the days ahead,” Barack Obama remarked. “But I have extraordinary confidence that the leaders of our party will be able to create a process from which an outstanding nominee emerges.”

Some Democrats are concerned that Kamala Harris might reduce the party's chances in the upcoming election against the 78-year-old former president Donald Trump on November 5, New York Post reported.

“I believe that Joe Biden’s vision of a generous, prosperous, and united America that provides opportunity for everyone, will be on full display at the Democratic Convention in August,” Obama said.

He went on to say, “And I expect that every single one of us are prepared to carry that message of hope and progress forward into November and beyond.”

“For now, Michelle and I just want to express our love and gratitude to Joe and Jill for leading us so ably and courageously during these perilous times  —  and for their commitment to the ideals of freedom and equality that this country was founded on,” he further added.

Obama continues to be a highly esteemed leader among Democrats, and his withholding of an endorsement for Harris might undermine her candidacy, potentially prompting the emergence of new contenders.

Following a lackluster debate performance on June 27, Biden withdrew from the race after Obama, along with other prominent Democrats such as Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) and Pelosi, privately shared apprehensions that the incumbent president could cause a devastating loss for down-ballot Democrats.

One potential presidential candidate who did not immediately support Harris was Illinois Gov JB Pritzker, who tweeted, "I will work every day to ensure that [Trump] does not win in November."

In a sign that congressional Democrats might not quickly unify behind Harris, Sen Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn) expressed to Politico on Sunday his preference for an "open, responsive, democratic process" in selecting Biden's successor.

Nancy Pelosi also refrains from endorsing Kamala Harris

Senator Peter Welch (D-Vt.) expressed to CBS his support for a "truncated process" to find a successor to Joe Biden.

Nancy Pelosi, the first woman to serve in the nation's third-highest position, notably refrained from endorsing Kamala Harris in her initial remarks on Biden's decision, potentially providing leeway for dissenters.

“With love and gratitude to President Biden for always believing in the promise of America and giving people the opportunity to reach their fulfillment. God blessed America with Joe Biden’s greatness and goodness,” Pelosi said.

If elected, Harris would be the first female president, the second of African descent, and the first of South Asian heritage. Her mother emigrated to the United States from India, and her father from Jamaica.

The Vice President's numerous demographic milestones are often viewed as an obstacle to removing her from the ticket. However, the decision by Obama and Pelosi not to endorse her might diminish any allegations of racism and sexism.

AOC claims those urging Joe Biden to step down are also advocating for Kamala Harris' removal

Rep Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-NY), a prominent figure among progressive Democrats, stated in a TikTok video prior to Joe Biden's announcement about withdrawing from the 2024 race, that those urging the President to step down were also advocating for the removal of Harris.

“I’m gonna say what a lot of these folks aren’t saying… If you think that there is consensus among the people who want Joe Biden to leave, that they will support Vice President Harris, you would be mistaken,” Ocasio-Cortez said.

She added, “I’m going to be honest for them. I’m in these rooms… a lot of them are not just interested in removing the President, they are interested in removing the whole ticket.”

In her statement, Harris expressed her commitment to "unite" the Democratic Party in preparation for the virtual vote on the party's ticket, scheduled for early August, before the Democratic convention in Chicago from August 19-22.

An unconventional virtual vote is taking place to adhere to the August 7 Ohio ballot access deadline. However, Democrats may still select an alternate candidate during the convention if dissent arises among the 4,521 delegates.

Kamala Harris currently holds 38.1% favorability rating

Concerns among Democrats suggest that Kamala Harris may struggle more against Donald Trump, attributed to her awkward public appearances, low approval ratings, and the criticism she has faced for handling key issues in her portfolio.

This includes the task assigned by Biden to curb illegal immigration, which, contrary to expectations, has escalated to unprecedented levels.

She currently holds a 38.1% favorability rating, based on the RealClearPolitics average of recent polls, which is behind Biden's 39.1% and Trump's 42.8%.

Democratic insiders have expressed concerns about mockery due to her tendency of "cackling" in public and her apparent hesitation to address challenging tasks, such as her assignment as Biden's border czar.

Regarding a potential Harris candidacy, a senior congressional Democratic source told The Post on Friday, July 18, "We are so f**ked. Apparently the border czar who lets 10 million illegals in is going to win this election for us. Absolutely ridiculous. She should join Biden as he exits stage left.”

Internet speculates Barack Obama will endorse wife Michelle

As soon as Barack Obama's statement regarding the endorsement of an "outstanding nominee" gained traction online, speculations began to swirl that he would endorse his wife, Michelle Obama.

A user questioned, "Could this "outstanding nominee" happen to be his wife?"

Another user added, "Here comes Michelle."

The third commentator wrote, "Here comes Michelle Obama, so Barack can get his 4th term."

"How can he? He's gotta hold out and save his endorsement for Michelle," one remarked.

A person claimed, "He keeps the window open for his wife .."

Other slammed Obama saying, "His arrogance is so disgusting. I hope whomever HE chooses gets crushed in the election."

"I thought ex Presidents served their term and LEFT politics. Please exit stage left like your predecessors," a commentator suggested.

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.