Obama, top Dems mum on Kamala
Top Democrats, including former President Barack Obama, noticeably did not endorse Vice President Kamala Harris as President Biden’s replacement on the Democratic ticket Sunday after the latter abandoned his 2024 re-election campaign.
Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY), House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-NY) and House Speaker emerita Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.), who had all pressured Biden to withdraw in recent weeks, also celebrated his decision to suspend his campaign in statements that left out Harris’s name.
Obama (below) instead said Democrats would pick an unnamed “outstanding nominee.”
“We will be navigating uncharted waters in the days ahead,” he said. “But I have extraordinary confidence that the leaders of our party will be able to create a process from which an outstanding nominee emerges.”
Some Democrats fear that Harris could further diminish the party’s chances against former President Donald Trump in the Nov. 5 election.
“I believe that Joe Biden’s vision of a generous, prosperous, and united America that provides opportunity for everyone will be on full display at the Democratic Convention in August,” Obthat ama said.
“And I expect every single one of us are prepared to carry that message of hope and progress forward into November and beyond.”
The former president remains one of the most respected leaders among Democrats and his lack of an endorsement of Harris could damage her candidacy and implicitly encourage new candidates to emerge.
Obama’s decision not to support the veep follows reports last week that both he and Pelosi favored an “open” process to replace Biden.
Pelosi, the first woman to hold the country’s thirdmost-powerful post, notably did not endorse Harris in her initial statement on Biden’s decision, potentially giving cover to dissenters.
“With love and gratitude to President Biden for always believing in the promise of America and giving people the opportunity to reach their fulfillment. God blessed America with Joe Biden’s greatness and goodness,” Pelosi said.
The Democratic National Committee is expected to host a virtual vote on the presidential nomination in early August to meet an Ohio ballot-access deadline Aug. 7.
However, voting might be reopened on the floor of the Democratic National Convention between Aug.
19-22 in
Chicago if lawmakers come forward to oppose Harris’ candidacy.