Credits: The Today Show
Former President Barack Obama is expected to endorse Vice President Kamala Harris for president shortly, following multiple conversations between the two this week. According to four sources familiar with their discussions, Obama has been in close contact with Harris since she announced her candidacy on Sunday.
Privately, Obama has fully supported Harris’s campaign and plans to make his endorsement public soon. “He has been in regular contact with her and thinks she’s been off to a great start,” one source said.
While several high-profile Democrats have already endorsed Harris, Obama has so far kept his support private. The exact timing of his endorsement is not yet clear. One source indicated that Obama wanted to avoid overshadowing President Joe Biden’s Oval Office address on Wednesday night.
Another source mentioned that both Obama and Harris prefer the endorsement to be a distinct moment to maintain the momentum her campaign has garnered since its launch.
Discussions have also taken place about arranging joint appearances on the campaign trail for Obama and Harris, though no dates have been set. Additionally, Michelle Obama supports Harris’s candidacy, according to two sources.
Eric Schultz, a senior adviser to Obama, stated, “President Obama looks forward to helping Democrats up and down the ballot make the case to voters this fall. Our strategy will be based on driving impact, especially where and when his voice can move the needle.”
During their recent conversations, Obama has offered Harris advice on setting up a campaign and other aspects of running a successful presidential bid. With about 100 days until Election Day, Obama sees himself as a resource and a sounding board for Harris.
Obama aims to help unify the Democratic Party and advance its agenda. He is expected to be a prominent figure on the campaign trail this fall.
The only publicly known phone call between Obama and Harris occurred on Sunday, when Biden announced he was ending his re-election campaign and endorsed Harris. Obama issued a statement praising Biden and supporting the process to select a new Democratic nominee but did not endorse Harris at that time.
Harris quickly received endorsements from across the country, with no challengers stepping up for the nomination.
Since Biden’s June 27 debate performance, Obama has privately expressed concerns about Biden’s ability to defeat former President Donald Trump in November. However, he did not urge Biden to stay in the race and defended his debate performance on social media.
Obama and Harris have known each other for years, with Harris supporting Obama’s 2008 campaign and receiving a speaking role at his 2012 nominating convention. Obama also campaigned for Harris during her runs for California attorney general and the U.S. Senate.