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Former President Barack Obama and ex-First Lady Michelle Obama have officially endorsed Vice-President Kamala Harris to be the Democratic presidential nominee, ending days of speculation. In a joint statement, they praised Harris for having the "vision, the character, and the strength that this critical moment demands.

The Obamas expressed their wholehearted support, stating, "We could not be more thrilled to endorse Kamala Harris. We will do everything we can to elect her." They lauded Harris's impressive resume as California’s attorney general, a US senator, and now vice-president, emphasizing that she possesses more than just credentials. "Kamala has the vision, the character, and the strength that this critical moment demands," they added.

President Joe Biden announced his withdrawal from the race last Sunday, triggering Harris's outreach to over 100 prominent Democrats, including Obama. Although Obama initially praised Biden's decision, he withheld immediate endorsement until now.

Harris has already garnered the support of a majority of Democratic delegates, positioning her as the likely official nominee at the party convention in August. The endorsement came with a heartfelt video showing Harris receiving the Obamas' call, visibly moved by their support.

Harris has been actively campaigning across the US since Biden's exit. On Thursday, she addressed the American Federation of Teachers union in Houston, where she received loud applause and cheers. Harris criticized "extremist" Republicans and their "failed" policies, stating, “We want to ban assault weapons, and they want to ban books.”

Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump quickly responded to Harris's new status, attacking her on his social media platform, Truth Social, calling her a "radical left Marxist." Trump also refused to commit to a televised debate with Harris until she is officially confirmed as the Democratic nominee, suggesting that Democrats might still be looking for "someone 'better'."

The endorsement by the Obamas significantly bolsters Harris’s campaign, providing her with substantial political capital as she prepares for the upcoming party convention and the general election campaign against Trump.