Former President Barack Obama didn’t endorse Kamala Harris — saying Democrats would pick an unnamed “outstanding nominee” in his first statement on President Biden stepping aside from the party’s ticket.
“We will be navigating uncharted waters in the days ahead,” said Obama, 62. “But I have extraordinary confidence that the leaders of our party will be able to create a process from which an outstanding nominee emerges.”
Some Democrats fear that Harris, the 59-year-old vice president, could further diminish the party’s chances against former President Donald Trump, 78, in the Nov. 5 election.
“I believe that Joe Biden’s vision of a generous, prosperous, and united America that provides opportunity for everyone will be on full display at the Democratic Convention in August. And I expect that every single one of us are prepared to carry that message of hope and progress forward into November and beyond,” Obama said.
“For now, Michelle and I just want to express our love and gratitude to Joe and Jill for leading us so ably and courageously during these perilous times — and for their commitment to the ideals of freedom and equality that this country was founded on.”
Obama, America’s first black president, remains one of the most respected leaders among Democrats and his lack of an endorsement of Harris could damage her candidacy and implicitly encourage new candidates to emerge.
Biden dropped out after Obama and other leading Democrats, including Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) and former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) privately expressed concerns that the sitting president would lead down-ballot Democrats to a wipeout defeat.
One Democrat who did not immediately endorse Harris was Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker — a possible presidential contender — who tweeted that “I will work every day to ensure that [Trump] does not win in November” without explicitly backing Harris.
This is a developing story. Please check back for updates.
