Former President Barack Obama has chosen not to endorse Vice President Kamala Harris and instead expressed confidence that an “outstanding nominee” will be chosen by the Democrats after President Joe Biden’s decision to step aside.
Former President Barack Obama did not endorse current VP Kamala Harris in his statement on Sunday.Getty Images
In a similar vein, former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi has also refrained from giving immediate support to Harris, and she has favored an “open” process to determine Biden’s successor. Both Obama and Pelosi have shown support for a broad selection process to find Biden’s replacement. Obama expressed confidence that the party’s leaders will successfully produce a strong candidate.
The hesitation from these key Democratic figures has raised concerns among some party members about Harris’s potential to secure victory against former President Donald Trump in the upcoming November election.
On the other hand, Harris received President Joe Biden’s “full endorsement” on Sunday. Obama praised Biden’s leadership and vision but did not directly support Harris, a move that could influence the dynamics of the race and open the door for new candidates.
Illinois Governor JB Pritzker, seen as a potential presidential contender, has also withheld his endorsement for Harris, instead focusing on ensuring Trump’s defeat. Congressional Democrats like Senators Richard Blumenthal and Peter Welch have called for a thorough and responsive process for selecting Biden’s successor.
Pelosi, in her statement, offered gratitude to Biden but did not endorse Harris, potentially allowing room for dissent within the party. Her comments emphasized Biden’s contributions but avoided addressing the Vice President directly.
Even though Harris would make history as the first female president, as well as the second president of African ancestry and the first of South Asian descent, the lack of endorsement from Obama and Pelosi may have an impact on her candidacy, especially considering comments from Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, who noted that not all Biden critics necessarily support Harris.
This situation emphasizes the Democratic Party’s internal debates as it prepares for the upcoming election and considers its options for leadership.
