Barack Obama endorses Kamala Harris for president, solidifying Democratic support

former president barack obama Supported Vice President Kamala Harris Obama, who entered the race for the Democratic presidential nomination on Friday, described Trump as a “joyful warrior” and vowed to do everything he could to help him defeat former President Donald Trump. President Donald Trump in November.

In a video posted by his campaign, Harris is seen speaking to Obama and his wife, the former first lady. Michelle Obama,

“We called Michelle to tell her that Michelle and I are very proud to support you and that we are going to do everything we can to help you win this election and get you into the Oval Office,” Obama told Harris over the phone.

“I’m so proud of you. This is going to be historic,” Michelle Obama told Harris.

“It means so much to me. I’m looking forward to doing this and getting out there, being on the road with both of you, Doug and I. But most of all, I want to tell you that the words you said and the friendship you gave me over all these years mean so much to me that words can’t even describe it,” Harris tells him in the video.

And in a separate statement, which they sent in a campaign email, the Obamas said they agreed. President Joe Biden He said choosing Harris as his vice-presidential candidate was “one of the best decisions he’s ever made.”

“We have no doubt that Kamala Harris has what it takes to win this election and make a difference for the American people,” their statement said. “At a time when the stakes are higher than ever, she gives us all reason to hope.”

With Obama’s endorsement, Harris has received the support of all major Democrats and party leaders in Congress. Biden was the first to endorse his vice president, doing so shortly after she announced her exit from the presidential race. Within days, he was joined by former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, and House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries.

Harris and Obama have been in regular contact since Biden decided to withdraw from the election, a source familiar with the matter said, adding that they have known each other for 20 years.

No other Democrat has announced their candidacy for president. Harris has garnered endorsements from more than 40 state delegations, far more than the number of delegates needed to win the nomination. If that support holds, Democrats will officially nominate her for president during a virtual roll call vote early next month.

Harris launched her presidential campaign just hours after Biden announced in a letter to the American people that he was withdrawing his bid for a second term. The decision comes as the president faces mounting pressure to step down following his stunning debate performance against Trump last month that raised concerns about his fitness for a second term and his ability to defeat his GOP rival in November.

In his Oval Office address on Wednesday, his first since revealing he would not seek re-election, Biden acknowledged it was time to “pass the torch to a new generation of leaders.”

“I believe my record as president, my leadership in the world, my vision for America’s future, all of these things merit a second term,” he said. “But nothing — absolutely nothing — can get in the way of saving our democracy. That includes personal ambition.”

The president described Harris as “experienced,” “tough” and “capable.”

Harris, who was a senator from California before being elected as vice president, kicked off the campaign with events in Wisconsin, Indiana and Texas. Her campaign said it raised more than $100 million between Sunday afternoon, when she officially entered the White House race, and Monday evening.

This story was originally published by CBS News and written by Melissa Quinn, Nicole Killian and Finn Gomez.

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