Barack, Michelle Obama endorse Kamala Harris for president after days of silence
The endorsement comes days after President Biden announced he would not be seeking a second term
Former President Barack Obama and former first lady Michelle Obama officially endorsed Vice President Kamala Harris for president in a video released Friday morning, after days of silence over their support.
The announcement came as big-name Democrats have coalesced around Harris as their new choice to take on former President Donald Trump in the 2024 election. President Biden endorsed Harris this past Sunday, the same day he announced he would no longer run for a second term – but until Friday, the Obamas had kept quiet.
In the video, Barack Obama could be heard first greeting Kamala, with Michelle chiming in as well.
Vice President Kamala Harris and Former President Barack Obama attending an event to mark the 2010 passage of the Affordable Care Act in the East Room of the White House on April 5, 2022. (Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images, File)
"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 Obama said.
"We called to say 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," former President Obama said following his wife.
The former president then called Harris a "happy warrior."
Vice President Kamala Harris became the leading favorite for Democratic presidential nominee after President Biden withdrew from the race on Sunday. (Getty Images)
"Indeed," Harris answered back.
"The country needs a happy warrior," the former first lady said.
US Vice President Kamala Harris speaking during a campaign event at Westover High School in Fayetteville, North Carolina, on July 18. (ALLISON JOYCE/AFP via Getty Images)
Harris for President is also kicking off a Weekend of Action marking 100 days until Election Day.
The Obamas’ endorsement added to the growing support for the vice president’s candidacy, including endorsements from labor unions, advocacy groups, and dozens of Democratic elected officials.
"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.... We've got to register, we've got to vote.... So, let's all roll up our sleeves and make it happen," the former first lady said in a statement.