Prominent Democrats—including House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, Former President Bill Clinton and Former United States Secretary of State Hillary Clinton—have given hearty endorsements for Vice President Kamala Harris’ Democratic presidential nomination. However, there is one notable person missing from the fold: Former President Barack Obama.
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Obama has been slow to endorse candidates in the past, but as we approach the edge of a political precipice in the form of a second Trump term there is simply no time to waste. Folks are wondering: what is taking this nation’s first Black president so long to endorse the person who could become its first Black woman president?
On Sunday, Obama wrote a lengthy tribute to President Joe Biden after Biden announced he would not be running in the upcoming election. “Joe Biden has been one of America’s most consequential presidents, as well as a dear friend and partner to me,” he stated.
“We will be navigating uncharted waters in the days ahead,” Obama continued. “But I have extraordinary confidence that the leaders of our party will be able to create a process from which an outstanding nominee emerges.” Though President Biden endorsed Harris immediately, Obama continues to take his time.
Obama acted similarly four years ago when he was encouraged by Biden’s aides to endorse him in the Democratic primaries before Sen. Bernie Sanders dropped out. Though he has been known to say “I don’t want to thumb the scale” in the past. His stoic nature is respectable, but respectfully, this isn’t the time for it.
Obama’s statement on Biden dropping out of the race focused on the achievements of the Biden administration which was admirable. However, Dems—and the country—have quickly galvanized behind Harris because we understand what’s at stake come November and it’s greater than ever before: women’s rights, police reform, immigration, Supreme Court justices and America’s overall future are all up in the air.
We’re confident that Obama will get in formation and back Harris—we just hope it’s sooner than later.
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