The Obamas were some of the last Democratic power players to express their support for Harris’ campaign. On Friday, July 26, the former first couple said they’re ready to “roll up their sleeves”
Barack and Michelle Obama endorsed Kamala Harris for president on Friday, July 26, jumping in line behind the Democratic candidate as she appears on track to secure her party’s nomination.
In a video released by the Harris campaign on Friday morning, the vice president is seen answering a phone call and getting greeted by the former first couple. “Hi, you’re both together!” Harris responds. “Oh, it’s good to hear you both.”
“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 says in the video.
Barack adds: “Michelle and I couldn’t be prouder to endorse you and do everything we can to get you through this election and into the Oval Office.”
“I just wanna tell you that the words you have spoken and the friendship that you have given over all these years mean more than I can express,” Harris says. “And we’re gonna have some fun with this, too, aren’t we?”
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In a full transcript from their call obtained by PEOPLE, the Obamas cited Harris’ positivity and “record of inclusion” for feeling hopeful about a Harris administration.
We’re gonna be underdogs, you know, and you are gonna have to continue, as you said, to earn not just the nomination but earn the trust of folks all across this country,” Barack said. “But knowing you as we do, we’re absolutely confident that you’re gonna be able to make it happen.”
“We’ve got to work now. All of us, you know,” Michelle added. “It’s time to stop wringing our hands, it’s time to stop complaining, it’s time for us to rally around you, your candidacy. This is not on you, it’s not just on you and Doug, it’s on all of us.”
The Obamas released a separate statement on Friday morning, where they elaborated on their decision.
“We agree with President Biden — choosing Kamala was one of the best decisions he’s made. She has the resume to prove it,” the statement reads. “But Kamala has more than a resume. She has the vision, the character, and the strength that this critical moment demands.”
It continues: “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.”
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When Joe Biden announced on July 21 that he would be ending his reelection campaign and endorsing Harris for the role instead, President Obama quickly issued a statement praising Biden’s leadership.
He did not, however, mention anything about Harris’ candidacy, as other power players like Bill and Hillary Clinton released near-immediate statements that emphatically endorsed the vice president.
“Joe Biden has been one of America’s most consequential presidents, as well as a dear friend and partner to me,” Barack wrote. “Today we’ve also been reminded — again — that he’s a patriot of the highest order.”
“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,” the former president added. “And I expect that every single one of us are prepared to carry that message of hope and progress forward into November and beyond.”
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President Obama was a firm supporter of his former running mate’s reelection campaign, calling Biden “the kind of president I want” during a Q&A at a Democratic fundraiser in March.
“The reason why I originally selected Joe Biden to be my vice president, the reason that I think he was one of the best vice presidents we’ve ever had, and the reason why I think he has been an outstanding president is because he has moral conviction and clarity,” he said.
“But he’s also willing to acknowledge that the world is complicated, and that he’s willing to listen to all sides in this debate and every other debate and try to see if we can find common ground.”
The Obamas were some of the only high-profile Democrats yet to publicly endorse Harris, and they now join a number of party leaders in their support for her campaign — including former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer and House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries.
Source people.com
