Former President Barack Obama has yet to publicly endorse Vice President Kamala Harris' presidential bid, stirring speculation about his reservations.
According to Daily Mail, a Biden family insider claims Obama is skeptical of Harris' ability to defeat Donald Trump in the upcoming election.
Barack Obama's silence on Kamala Harris' candidacy has been notably conspicuous, especially after President Joe Biden announced he would not seek reelection and promptly endorsed his vice president. Despite Harris garnering substantial support from the Democratic Party delegates and influential figures like Nancy Pelosi and Gavin Newsom, Obama's endorsement remains absent.
A source close to the Biden family revealed that Obama is "very upset" about Harris' candidacy and doubts her competence. The insider suggested that Obama believes Harris cannot navigate the complexities of a presidential campaign against Trump. This skepticism is reportedly rooted in Harris' past performance and controversial stances, which Obama thinks could hinder her ability to win.
In contrast, other Democrats assert that Obama has been privately supportive of Harris and intends to endorse her soon. They claim Obama has been in regular contact with Harris and believes her campaign is progressing well. This dichotomy between public silence and alleged private support has fueled ongoing discussions about Obama's true stance.
Following Biden's decision to drop his reelection bid, he quickly endorsed Harris, prompting swift support from top Democrats. However, Obama's hesitance stands out in this landscape of rapid endorsements. According to the source, Obama was "shocked" by Biden's prompt endorsement of Harris and is reportedly "furious" about the situation.
Obama's statement praising Biden and the Democratic nomination process further highlighted his reluctance to endorse Harris. While acknowledging the uncharted waters ahead, Obama expressed confidence in the party's ability to select an outstanding nominee but pointedly did not endorse Harris.
The insider also indicated that Obama might prefer Arizona senator Mark Kelly as the Democratic nominee. This preference adds another layer to the complex dynamics within the Democratic Party as it prepares for the upcoming election. Despite these reports, sources close to Obama suggest he will eventually join Harris on the campaign trail, with no specific date set for this participation.
Obama's senior adviser, Eric Schultz, commented on Obama's broader strategy, stating that the former president looks forward to helping Democrats in the upcoming elections.
Schultz emphasized Obama's role in unifying the party and driving impact where his voice can make a difference. This approach hints at Obama's potential future involvement in Harris' campaign, albeit with carefully timed appearances.
Kamala Harris has known Obama for several years, having supported his 2008 presidential campaign. Obama previously backed Harris in her campaigns for attorney general in California and her Senate bid in 2016. This longstanding relationship suggests a foundation of mutual respect and support, which could play a role in Obama's eventual public endorsement.
Both Obama and his wife Michelle reportedly support Harris, despite the former president's current public silence. Sources close to Obama describe him as a "resource" and "sounding board" for Harris, indicating a behind-the-scenes role in her campaign. This support aligns with reports of ongoing discussions about joint campaign appearances.
Despite former President Barack Obama's current public silence on Kamala Harris' presidential bid, sources indicate that he may eventually endorse her and join her campaign. Insiders suggest that Obama's hesitation stems from concerns about Harris' ability to defeat Donald Trump and navigate a complex presidential campaign. Nevertheless, influential Democrats and Obama's previous support for Harris hint at potential future collaboration.
