Former President Barack Obama has ended days of speculation by endorsing Kamala Harris for president, saying that he and his wife Michelle are “going to do everything we can to make sure she wins in November.”
The former president made the announcement via a post on X in which he said: “Earlier this week, Michelle and I called our friend Kamala Harris. We told her we think she’ll make a fantastic President of the United States, and that she has our full support.
“At this critical moment for our country, we’re going to do everything we can to make sure she wins in November. We hope you’ll join us.”
The post was accompanied by a 55-second video showing Barack and Michelle Obama speaking to Harris on the phone and offering her their support.
“This is going to be historic”
Harris thanked the Obamas for their support and expressed gratitude for their decadeslong friendship.
“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,” the vice president said.
“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?” she added.
The former first lady said she is proud of Harris and expects the upcoming election to 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,” she told Harris.
In a joint statement announcing the endorsement, the Obamas praised Harris and listed her accomplishments.
“But Kamala has more than a resume,” the statement said. “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.”
The statement added, “At a time when the stakes have never been higher, she gives us all reason to hope.”
Obama and Harris have been in touch regularly, serving as a sounding board for her as he has over the 20 years they’ve known each other.
Since leaving office, Obama has proven to be a fundraising powerhouse for Democrats. He raised more than $25 million for the Biden-Harris campaign at a star-studded fundraiser in New York in March followed by another in Los Angeles in June that raised more than $28 million.