Barack and Michelle Obama officially endorsed Vice President Kamala Harris on Thursday night. The Obamas held back on endorsing Harris after President Joe Biden dropped out of the race on Sunday.
Their initial hesitation prompted speculation that Michelle Obama would declare her candidacy at the Democratic National Convention next month.
The turning point came on Wednesday, when The New York Post reported that Obama didn’t believe Harris could beat former President Donald Trump.
“Obama’s very upset because he knows she can’t win,” a Biden family source told The New York Post.
“Obama knows she’s just incompetent — the border czar who never visited the border, saying that all migrants should have health insurance. She cannot navigate the landmines that are ahead of her.”
The source said Arizona Senator Mark Kelly was Obama’s choice for president.
However, in a post on X, formerly Twitter, the former president said that he and his wife Michelle are “going to do everything we can to make sure she wins in November.”
RELATED: Barack Obama refuses to endorse Vice President Kamala Harris
“Earlier this week, Michelle and I called our friend Kamala Harris. We told her we think she’ll make a fantastic President of the United States, and that she has our full support,” he wrote.
“At this critical moment for our country, we’re going to do everything we can to make sure she wins in November. We hope you’ll join us.”
The X post was accompanied by a 55-second video showing Barack and Michelle Obama speaking to Harris on the phone and offering her their support.
In the clip, Michelle said: “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 then added: “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.”
Earlier this week, Michelle and I called our friend @KamalaHarris. We told her we think she’ll make a fantastic President of the United States, and that she has our full support. At this critical moment for our country, we’re going to do everything we can to make sure she wins in… pic.twitter.com/0UIS0doIbA
— Barack Obama (@BarackObama) July 26, 2024
The Obamas endorsed Harris after Biden’s official goodbye speech to America on Wednesday night.
Biden said he believed “the best way forward is to pass the torch to a new generation” and now was the time for “fresh” and “younger” voices.
“I made my choice. I’ve made my views known. I’d like to thank our great vice president, Kamala Harris,” Biden said. “She’s experienced, she’s tough, she’s capable. She’s been an incredible partner to me, and a leader for our country. Now, the choice is up to you, the American people.”
