"Former U.S. President Barack Obama did not endorse Vice President Kamala Harris." (The Wall Street Journal)
On the 21st (local time), when former President Obama released a statement praising President Joe Biden's decision to withdraw from the Democratic presidential nomination, local media unanimously noted the absence of support for Vice President Harris.
The statement released that day included numerous praises for President Biden's decision, such as "President Biden is not only my dear friend and partner but also one of the most significant presidents in American history," and "Today, we once again recognize that he is the greatest patriot."
Former President Obama said, "He (Biden) knows better than anyone how everything he has fought for his entire life and everything the Democratic Party stands for would be at risk if former President Trump returned to the White House and the Republicans took control of Congress," adding, "He would not have made this decision (to withdraw from the nomination) if he did not believe it was right for America. This is evidence of President Biden's love for the country and a historic example of a true public servant who prioritizes the interests of the American people over his own."
However, he did not express support for any specific candidate, including Vice President Kamala Harris, who is considered the top candidate to replace President Biden. Former President Obama said, "We will be navigating uncharted waters ahead," and "I am confident that our party leaders will create a process that can produce an outstanding candidate."
He did not specify who the outstanding candidate might be. He said, "I believe President Biden's vision of a generous, prosperous, and united America that offers opportunities to all will be fully revealed at the Democratic National Convention in August," and "I hope we can all carry that message of hope and progress through November and beyond."
Local media, including the WSJ, compared former President Obama’s lack of specific mention of Vice President Harris to former President Bill Clinton, who had previously endorsed Harris. Politico reported, "Former President Clinton endorsed Vice President Harris, while former President Obama supported an open process."
In particular, considering that the card of former First Lady and bestselling author Michelle Obama continues to be mentioned as a new Democratic presidential candidate both inside and outside the political sphere, there are opinions paying attention to former President Obama's statement that day. New York Magazine reported, "The Republicans are waiting for Vice President Harris and fearing Michelle Obama." Although Michelle Obama has repeatedly stated publicly that she has no intention to run for president, she is still regarded as the most competitive Democratic candidate in terms of public recognition and influence.
Regarding this, a close aide to former President Obama told the WSJ, "As in 2020, former President Obama will be in a position to unify the party after the candidate is nominated," explaining, "He will support the candidate and do his best to ensure victory in November." The New York Times (NYT) also reported, "There is much speculation about why former President Obama did not endorse Vice President Harris in the statement," and quoted an aide saying, "He is ready to help unify the party once the candidate is decided."
During his eight years in office, former President Obama worked closely with Vice President Biden. He was also rumored within the party to be behind the calls for Biden to withdraw his candidacy. After the fallout from the disastrous TV debate expanded, he reportedly conveyed the call for resignation to those around him and played a decisive role in Biden’s mid-campaign withdrawal.
Meanwhile, former President Trump, the Republican presidential candidate, stated, "President Biden will be remembered as the worst president in American history," and "Vice President Harris is easier to beat than President Biden."
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