Barack and Michelle Obama Endorse Kamala Harris for President: “This Is Going to Be Historic”
In a monumental move, former President Barack Obama and former First Lady Michelle Obama have publicly endorsed Vice President Kamala Harris for the presidency. This highly anticipated endorsement was revealed during a brief but powerful call with Harris, captured in a video clip released on her social media and YouTube channel on a recent Friday morning. This endorsement marks a significant moment in American political history and sets the stage for what could be a groundbreaking election.
The Historic Endorsement
The Significance of the Endorsement
The Obamas’ endorsement of Kamala Harris carries immense weight and symbolism. Barack Obama, the nation’s first African American president, and Michelle Obama, a highly respected former First Lady, lend their powerful voices to Harris’s campaign. This endorsement not only signifies their belief in Harris’s capabilities but also highlights the potential for further breaking barriers in American politics.
The Endorsement Call
In the nearly minute-long video clip, Harris is seen walking and talking as she takes a phone call from the Obamas. The call is filled with warmth and mutual respect, beginning with Harris expressing her joy at hearing from both Barack and Michelle together. Michelle Obama, taking the lead, expresses her pride in Harris, stating, “I can’t have this phone call without saying to my girl, Kamala, I am proud of you. This is going to be historic.”
Barack Obama follows, delivering the words that many in Washington, D.C., and across the country have been eagerly awaiting. “We called to say, Michelle and I couldn’t be prouder to endorse you and to do everything we can to get you through this election and into the Oval Office,” the former president declares.
Harris, visibly moved, responds with heartfelt gratitude, “Michelle, Barack, this means so much to me. I’m looking forward to doing this with the two of you, [Doug Emhoff] and I both, and getting out there, being on the road. 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 going to have some fun with this, too, aren’t we?”
The Impact of Biden’s Decision
Biden’s Announcement
President Joe Biden’s unexpected announcement that he would step aside from the re-election campaign, citing the best interest of his party and country, set the stage for Harris’s run for the presidency. This move by Biden has reshaped the political landscape, prompting a swift and overwhelming show of support for Harris.
A Wave of Support
Following Biden’s announcement on July 21, a flood of endorsements for Harris ensued. Notably, former President Bill Clinton, 2016 presidential candidate Hillary Clinton, former Speaker Nancy Pelosi, and 23 Democratic governors, including Gretchen Whitmer, Gavin Newsom, Josh Shapiro, Andy Beshear, Tim Walz, Roy Cooper, Tony Evers, and J.B. Pritzker, among others, quickly rallied behind Harris. Virtually every Democratic politician in both Houses of Congress has also voiced their support.
Harris’s Path to the Nomination
Securing Delegate Endorsements
Just a day after her campaign kickoff, Harris secured enough state delegate endorsements to win the Democratic nomination, making her the presumptive Democratic Party nominee. This rapid consolidation of support underscores the unity and enthusiasm within the Democratic Party for Harris’s candidacy.
Fundraising Success
Harris’s campaign has shattered fundraising records, raising an impressive $200 million on the ActBlue platform alone since July 21, primarily from small donors. Additionally, super PACs affiliated with Harris have raised another $150 million, demonstrating robust financial backing and widespread grassroots support.
A Historic Candidacy
Breaking Barriers
Kamala Harris’s candidacy is poised to make history in multiple ways. If she defeats former President Donald Trump in the upcoming election, Harris would become the first female President of the United States and the first woman of color to hold the highest office in the land. Her historic vice presidency under Joe Biden has already set a precedent as she became the first woman, the first Black American, and the first South Asian American to serve as vice president.
Personal Background
According to her official biography, Kamala Harris was born in Oakland, California, to immigrant parents. Her mother, Shyamala Gopalan, emigrated from India, while her father, Donald Jasper Harris, emigrated from Jamaica. Harris’s diverse heritage and life experiences uniquely position her to represent a broad spectrum of Americans.
The Road Ahead
Campaign Strategy
As Harris’s campaign gains momentum, she is set to embark on a nationwide tour with her husband, Doug Emhoff. The campaign will focus on key battleground states, leveraging the support of high-profile endorsers like the Obamas and the Clintons to galvanize voters.
Voter Engagement
The campaign aims to harness the enthusiasm reminiscent of Barack Obama’s 2008 presidential run. With a strong emphasis on voter engagement and grassroots mobilization, Harris’s team is working tirelessly to build a coalition of supporters that reflects the diversity and values of the Democratic Party.
