Barack and Michelle Obama have publicly endorsed Kamala Harris for president, expressing their strong support in a campaign video released early Friday. They conveyed their pride and commitment to aiding her journey to the Oval Office.
The 55-second advertisement opens with Harris receiving a phone call from the Obamas while backstage at a campaign event. Former President Obama’s recognizable voice greets her warmly: “Kamala!”
Following Michelle’s greeting, the video transitions to a title card—“The Obamas Call Kamala”—and then shows Harris standing beside a black SUV, holding the phone to her ear with the speakerphone on. “It’s good to hear you both,” Harris responds.
Michelle Obama praises Harris, saying, “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 adds, “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.”
“Oh my goodness,” Harris replies, beaming. “Michelle, Barack, this means so much to me.”
Harris then mentions that she and her husband, Doug Emhoff, are eager to join the Obamas on the campaign trail. “But most of all, I just want to tell you that the words you have spoken and the friendship 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 endorsement from the former president and first lady follows a report from a private news outlet that indicated an endorsement was forthcoming. Insiders revealed that Obama had delayed his support to avoid the impression of orchestrating Harris’s candidacy and to prevent overshadowing President Joe Biden, who recently announced his withdrawal from the presidential race.
In his announcement, Biden praised Harris and called for Democratic unity behind her candidacy. Harris declared her presidential run shortly after.
Sources told a private news outlet that the Obamas had been privately supporting Harris, with Barack maintaining regular contact and serving as an advisor. Another source indicated that the couple was waiting for the optimal moment to endorse Harris.
Harris, after a series of calls to donors and lawmakers, announced late Monday that she had secured the necessary delegate support to become the Democratic presidential nominee. Over the past five days, she has gained significant endorsements, including from former President Bill Clinton, former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, and former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi.
Pelosi, in her endorsement statement, highlighted Harris’s dedication to working families and women’s rights. She also emphasized Harris’s longstanding values, faith, and commitment to public service, expressing full confidence in her ability to lead the party to victory in November.
