Harris Solidifies Position as Democratic Candidate in US... "Obama to Announce Support Soon"

Democratic Party Gains Support from All Leading Figures

Former President Barack Obama, the only prominent Democrat who has not yet declared support for Vice President Kamala Harris, is expected to join the ranks of supporters soon.

On the 25th (local time), The New York Times (NYT) and CNN reported that President Obama is about to announce his support for Vice President Harris.

Vice President Kamala Harris [Photo by AFP]

CNN, citing sources, reported that close aides of former President Obama are in contact with Vice President Harris's campaign for this purpose. The source explained that Obama did not immediately declare support for Harris because he believed it was important for delegates to go through the legitimate process of selecting a new candidate.

One of Obama’s advisers stated that Harris was not mentioned on the day President Biden announced his withdrawal to keep the focus on Biden.

Since President Joe Biden announced on the 21st that he would not seek re-election, Vice President Harris has emerged as a leading presidential candidate within and outside the Democratic Party. Support declarations from prominent Democrats, including President Biden, followed. However, only former President Obama did not mention Vice President Harris. While praising Biden’s decision, he only said, "I am confident that Democratic leaders can create a process that produces an excellent candidate."

Former President Obama is known to have had a significant influence on Biden’s decision to withdraw as a candidate. He also regularly communicates with Vice President Harris and has a close relationship to the extent of acting as an advisor to her. However, Obama’s silence on whether he supports Harris led to speculation that he might have favored another candidate instead of Harris.

The tabloid New York Post, citing sources, reported that Obama thinks Vice President Harris lacks capability and is considering Senator Mark Kelly. Some Republicans and others have interpreted Obama’s stance as showing reluctance toward Harris.

If former President Obama also declares his support, Vice President Harris will effectively have the backing of all major Democratic political figures. Previously, former President Bill Clinton and former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer, and House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries have all expressed their support.

Vice President Harris is solidifying her position as the Democratic presidential candidate. On this day, Future Forward, the largest Democratic super PAC (political action committee), announced plans to spend $50 million (69.2 billion KRW) on Harris advertisements over three weeks ahead of the Democratic nomination convention. According to a poll conducted by NYT and Siena College from the 22nd to 24th, former President Trump and Vice President Harris have support rates of 48% and 47%, respectively, showing a close race within the margin of error (±3.3%).