Obama Backs Kamala Harris for Democratic Nomination
Barack Obama has announced his support for Vice President Kamala Harris in the Democratic Party's presidential nomination race, effectively ending recent speculation about his endorsement of her.
In a joint statement, former President Obama and former First Lady Michelle Obama emphasised that they view Harris as the candidate possessing the “vision, character, and strength required at this crucial moment,” according to BBC.
Obama was one of over 100 prominent Democrats with whom Harris engaged after President Joe Biden announced his withdrawal from the race last Sunday. In a previous statement, Obama praised Biden’s decision to withdraw but did not provide explicit support for Harris at that time.
Vice President Harris has already secured the backing of most Democratic delegates, placing her on track to become the official nominee at the party convention in August. In the statement released on Friday, the Obamas expressed their enthusiasm for supporting Harris and pledged to do “everything possible” to assist her in winning the election.
“We agree with President Biden. His choice of Kamala was among the best decisions he made. She has the qualifications to demonstrate this. She possesses the vision, character, and strength required at this critical moment. We have no doubt that Kamala Harris has exactly what it takes to win this election and deliver results for the American people. At a time when the stakes are higher than ever, she gives us all a reason to hope.”
Following Biden's withdrawal from the race, Harris has organised a series of nationwide campaign events. On Thursday, she delivered a speech to the American Federation of Teachers in Houston. Although the event was framed as part of her vice-presidential duties, the atmosphere resembled a campaign rally, with enthusiastic applause and ovations from the audience.
Recently, Kamala Harris also met with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, during which she stated that it is time for the war between Israel and Gaza to end. This conflict began when Israel launched a campaign in Gaza to dismantle Hamas in response to the attack last October, which resulted in approximately 1,200 deaths and 251 hostages in southern Israel. Since then, according to the Hamas-controlled Ministry of Health, more than 39,000 people have been killed in Gaza. Harris voiced her “serious concerns” about the casualties in Gaza, emphasising in her discussion with Netanyahu the importance of how Israel defends itself. She also highlighted the necessity of finding a two-state solution.
Translation by Iurie Tataru
