Former President Barack Obama and his wife Michelle endorsed Kamala Harris's presidential campaign in a one-minute video released on Friday, featuring a private phone conversation between the couple and the current Vice President. "Michelle and I are incredibly proud to endorse you and will do everything possible to help you win this election and move into the Oval Office," Obama conveyed to Harris. "I am proud of you, and this will be a historic moment," added the former First Lady. Responding with gratitude and a few smiles, Harris thanked the Obamas for their endorsement and their enduring friendship. "Thank you both, it means a great deal. We're going to enjoy this journey together," Harris replied. The campaign confirmed that the video was a genuine recording of the call, not a staged re-enactment.
Harris's unexpected campaign against Republican opponent Donald Trump continues to gather momentum from supporters, donors, and politicians, just days after President Joe Biden withdrew from the race due to declining poll numbers. Obama, the nation's first African American president, remains a highly influential figure within the Democratic Party, even after over a decade since his last election. He has previously supported Biden through high-profile fundraising events, which were key highlights of his campaign. This endorsement is expected to boost both the energy and fundraising efforts for Harris's campaign, suggesting that Obama may actively campaign for her once she is formally recognized as the presumptive nominee. Initially, Obama refrained from endorsing anyone, even as Biden, his former Vice President, designated Harris as his successor. It was reported that Obama did not wish to influence the party's selection process for the nominee.
