(NationRise.com) – Former US President Barack Obama praised President Joe Biden on July 21 after announcing he was stepping down from his re-election campaign. However, most notably, he didn’t endorse Vice President Kamala Harris to become the Democratic Party’s nominee. President Biden made the announcement after some of the most important Democratic leaders asked him to suspend his bid, following a disastrous debate with former President and Republican nominee Donald Trump back in June.
In a statement, Obama praised President Biden for having a “remarkable” political career where he showed his efficiency and commitment to public service not only as a senator but also as a vice president. He also said that while he had the right to run for re-election, he knew “better than anyone” that the current presidential election was different from many others, as the main goal was to prevent another Trump presidency.
Obama added that he was fully aware that what President Biden did was one of the most difficult decisions he had to take in his life, but explained that it showed how much he loves the United States and what he’s willing to do for its democracy. The former commander-in-chief explained that even though the country would be in “uncharted waters” over the next few days, he believed that the Democratic Party would create “a process” from which a proper presidential nominee would emerge.
Many political analysts explained that part of his statement could be interpreted in many ways, as he seemed to ask for a primary to pick a nominee instead of directly endorsing Harris as President Biden did after his announcement. Other Democrats who endorsed the vice president included former President Bill Clinton, former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, and many governors and lawmakers.
While Harris has already secured enough delegates to win the nomination, political reporters explained that Obama’s refusal to endorse her suggested he believed she was not strong enough to beat Trump in the November presidential election.
Eventually, days after most of the Democratic leadership had already bent the knee to Harris, Obama and his wife both announced their endorsement for the presumptive presidential nominee. The Harris campaign released a short video clip in which a phone call between the Obama’s and Kamala can be heard in which the former president makes the announcement.
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