Former US President Barack Obama and his wife Michelle have endorsed Kamala Harris’s bid for the presidency.
The background: The backing comes after President Joe Biden bowed out of the race against Republican rival Donald Trump, amid slumping poll numbers.
Obama posted a video to social media that captures a phone call he and Michelle had with Harris.
The key quote: “We called to say 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.” — Barack Obama to Harris.
What else we know: Obama initially withheld his endorsement, reportedly not wanting to put his thumb on the scale as the party worked through the process of determining its nominee.
What happens now: Obama, the first US Black president, remains one of the most popular figures in the Democratic party after more than a decade since he was last elected.
The endorsement could help activate and sustain energy and fundraising for Harris’s campaign and it signals Obama is likely to get on the campaign trail for Harris once she is officially the presumptive nominee.
