(NewsWorthy.news.com) – Former President Barack Obama did not join other Democrats in endorsing Vice President Kamala Harris as the Democratic Party’s presidential nominee following incumbent President Joe Biden’s decision to step down from his reelection campaign. Obama continued to dismiss concerns about Biden’s suitability as a candidate and praised his “remarkable” political career. He argued that Biden was entitled to run for reelection and continue with the work he started.
Obama warned that the work done by the Biden administration could be undone if former President Donald Trump reenters the White House. He expressed his “extraordinary confidence” in the ability of leading Democrats to ensure the party settles on an “outstanding nominee”. President Joe Biden was quick to endorse Harris as a presidential nominee, and both Bill and Hillary Clinton soon followed suit.
Obama, however, made clear that he wanted there to be an open contest. Harris’ fairly poor performance in approval polls has already been highlighted; in some states she appears to be less popular than Biden. A University of Houston/Texas Southern University poll carried out in July 2024 found that Harris had an unfavorability rating of 56%, compared to Biden’s 55% and Trump’s 49% among those likely to vote in Texas.
As pressure built on Biden to step out of the race, other than Harris, California Governor Gavin Newsom, Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer, Illinois Governor JB Pritzker and Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro were all suggested as possible candidates to replace Biden. Newsom and Witmer, however, along with Transportation Secretary Pete Buttegieg and Former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, quickly endorsed Harris as a presidential nominee.
While Obama made clear how much he admired the political legacy of Biden, which includes his work as vice president in the Obama administration, Obama did not join the incumbent president in rallying behind Harris as a nominee. The former president did not mention her at all in his statement. Biden described his choice to have Harris as his vice president as the best decision he made, and said it was time to rally together to defeat Trump, who was formally nominated as the GOP’s presidential candidate at the Republican National Convention.
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