former president barack obama Agree Vice President Kamala Harris who won the Democratic presidential nomination on Friday, called her a “joyful warrior” and vowed to do whatever it takes to help her defeat the former president President Donald Trump November.
In a video released by her campaign, Harris received a call from Obama and his wife, the former first lady Michelle Obama.
“We’re calling to say that Michelle and I are very proud to support you and do everything we can to get you through this election and into the Oval Office,” Obama told Harris on the call.
Michelle Obama told Harris, “I’m so proud of you. This is going to be historic.”
In the video, Harris tells them, “This means a lot to me. I’m looking forward to doing this with you two, Doug and I, and getting out there and hitting the road. But most of all, I just Wanted to tell you that the words you have said and the friendship you have given over the years mean more than I can ever express.
In a separate statement sent in a campaign email, the Obamas said they agreed President Joe Biden Choosing Harris as his running mate was “one of the best decisions he’s ever made.”
“We have no doubt that Kamala Harris is more than capable of winning this election and delivering for the American people,” their statement read. “At a time when the stakes have never been higher, she gave Reasons for hope for all of us.”
With Obama’s endorsement, Harris has the support of all major Democrats and party leaders in Congress. Biden was the first to endorse his vice president, doing so shortly after he announced he was withdrawing from the presidential race. Within days, he was joined by former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer and House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries.
Harris and Obama have been in regular contact since Biden announced his decision to withdraw, a person familiar with the matter said, noting they have known each other for 20 years.
Harris also won support from Democratic governors who are considered rising stars in the party and are considered possible contenders to seek the party’s nomination after Biden exits, such as Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer, California Governor Gavin Newsom and Kentucky Governor.
No other Democrats have announced their candidacy for president. Harris has secured the support of more than 40 state delegations, more than she needs to win the nomination. If the support continues, Democrats will formally nominate her for president in a virtual roll call vote early next month.
Under new rules adopted by the Democratic National Committee on Wednesday, the nominee will be chosen as early as August 1 and the candidate, likely Harris, must choose a running mate by August 7. The party will hold its convention in Chicago starting on August 19th.
Harris launched her presidential campaign hours after Biden announced in a letter to the American people that he would abandon his re-election bid. The decision comes after weeks of mounting pressure on the president to step down after his shocking performance in a debate with Trump last month, which raised questions about his suitability and ability to be re-elected. Concerns over defeating Republican opponents in November.
Speaking in the Oval Office on Wednesday, his first since revealing he would not seek re-election, Biden acknowledged it was time to “pass the torch” to a new generation of leaders.
“I believe my record as president, my leadership in the world, and my vision for America’s future, all deserve re-election,” he said. “But nothing — nothing — can stand in the way of saving our democracy. This Including personal ambition.”
The president praised Harris as “experienced,” “tough” and “capable.”
Harris, who was a California senator before being elected vice president, was soon campaigning in Wisconsin, Indiana and Texas. Her campaign said it had raised more than $100 million between the time she officially joined the White House race on Sunday afternoon and Monday night.
This story was originally published on cbs news Written by Melissa Quinn, Nikole Killion and Fin Gómez.
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