Barack Obama endorses Kamala Harris as Democrat nominee for presidential race

Former United States President Barack Obama and his wife Michelle Obama have endorsed Kamala Harris as the Democratic nominee for the November elections. In a video shared by Harris on Friday (Jul 26), the Obamas could be heard formally endorsing the incumbent vice president. 

“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," said Barack. 

“I can’t have this phone call without saying to my girl Kamala: I am proud of you,” Michelle says, whilst adding: “This is going to be historic.”

Harris thanked the Obamas for their support and expressed gratitude for their friendship.

“Oh my goodness. Michelle, Barack, this means so much to me. I’m looking forward to doing this with the two of you, Doug and I both. And getting out there, being on the road,” the vice president said.

Watch: US: Kamala Harris raises record $81 million in campaign funds in 24 hours

Who all have endorsed Harris?

After President Joe Biden decided to quit his re-election campaign, he immediately endorsed Harris as the Democratic nominee. Since then, the other major figures of the party have also come out in support of Harris, who did not have to go through the rigours of securing Primaries across the country. 

"My very first decision as the party nominee in 2020 was to pick Kamala Harris as my Vice President. And it’s been the best decision I’ve made. Today I want to offer my full support and endorsement for Kamala to be the nominee of our party this year. Democrats — it’s time to come together and beat Trump. Let’s do this," said Biden last week. 

Apart from Biden and the Obamas, former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi has also endorsed Harris, stating the vice president was the right pick for the job.

"Today, it is with immense pride and limitless optimism for our country’s future that I endorse Vice-President Kamala Harris for president of the United States. My enthusiastic support for Kamala Harris for president is official, personal and political," Pelosi said.

Also read: Kamala Harris for president: After Biden exits, his vice president enters race, but can she win?

Earlier this week, Chuck Schumer, the US Senate majority leader and Hakeem Jeffries, House minority leader also came out in support of the California Democrat. 

“Now that the process has played out from the grassroots, bottom up, we are here today to throw our support behind Vice President Kamala Harris," said Schumer. 

Meanwhile, Jeffries stressed that her candidacy had re-energised the party and the nation.

“Kamala Harris and her candidacy has excited and energised the House Democratic Caucus, the Democratic Party and the nation,” he said.

Having secured the big vote, Harris will be confident heading into the Democratic National Convention, scheduled to be held in Chicago next month where her nomination could be finalised. 

(With inputs from agencies)