Obama endorses Kamala Harris for US president
America
By
AFP
| Jul 26, 2024
US Vice President Kamala Harris delivers the keynote speech at the American Federation of Teachers' 88th National Convention in Houston, Texas, on July 25, 2024. [AFP]
Former US president Barack Obama endorsed his fellow Democrat Kamala Harris' bid for the White House on Friday, delivering a major boost to her campaign to beat Donald Trump in November's presidential election.
"Earlier this week, Michelle and I called our friend Kamala Harris. We told her we think she'll make a fantastic President of the United States, and that she has our full support," Obama said on social media platform X.
"At this critical moment for our country, we're going to do everything we can to make sure she wins in November. We hope you'll join us."
The influential former leader was one of the last Democratic heavy hitters to offer his endorsement, with Harris having already received the backing of President Joe Biden on Sunday to take his place on the ballot.
READ MORE
Leaders hail teachers' selfless service
Teachers' unions demand ECDE promotions and P1 recruitment
Ogamba calls on university dons to resume duty
Over 700,000 students hit as lecturers strike paralyses universities
Court pardons IG Kanja over Nairobi CBD roadblocks during protests
COB: 42 Counties record development absorption rates below 75pc
Farmers upbeat ahead of tea bonus
IT expert Ndiangui awarded Sh5m over police raid, disappearance saga
Nairobi County sues Kenya Kwanza government over control of gambling billions
Obama's backing will add to the growing momentum behind Harris' campaign, which has enjoyed a groundswell of support since she announced her 11th-hour candidacy.
Harris, 59, jumped into the election after weeks of turmoil over 81-year-old Biden, who bowed out after a dismal debate performance against Trump accelerated concerns over his mental capacity and persistently low polling numbers.
The country's first woman vice president -- who is seeking to make history again in November -- launched a blistering attack on Trump and his "extremist" Republicans as she addressed teachers Thursday.
The momentum appeared to catch Trump off guard, with the bombastic Republican refusing to schedule a debate with Harris, saying Thursday night it would be "inappropriate" until she was officially named the Democratic nominee.
"Democrats very well could still change their minds," Trump campaign spokesman Steven Cheung said in a statement.
Harris, a former top prosecutor for California, chided her opponent on X, saying: "What happened to 'any time, any place?'"
She had previously said of a potential September 10 face-off: "I'm ready. So let's go."
Union endorsement
The first union to endorse Harris -- the American Federation of Teachers -- applauded at their convention in Houston as Harris warned that the country was witnessing a "full-on attack" by Trump's Republicans on "hard-won, hard-fought freedoms."
"While you teach students about democracy and representative government, extremists attack the sacred freedom to vote. While you try to create safe and welcoming places where our children can learn, extremists attack our freedom to live safe from gun violence," she said.
The speech came with Harris facing increasingly extreme rhetoric from Trump, who on Wednesday called her a "radical left lunatic" and claimed -- entirely falsely -- that she was in favor of the "execution" of newborn babies.
Trump, who at 78 is the oldest presidential nominee in US history, has promised he will "not give one penny" of federal funds to schools with vaccine mandates. Every public school in America has such mandates.
Emerging Stars survive Tanzania attack to book Ivory Coast in AFCON U-23 qualifiers
The result saw Kenya advance 5-4 on aggregate after their commanding 4-1 victory in the first leg at Nyayo National Stadium last week.VIDEO: Ugly scenes as fans attack referee after controversial penalty in Sharks-Mombasa playoff
The Kariobangi Sharks-Mombasa United promotion-relegation playoff descended into ugly scenes after angry fans stormed the pitch following the award of a penalty to the visitorsThe Last Dance: Football prepares for emotional farewell as Lionel Messi plays final Argentina game
A defining era in modern sports reaches its curtain call tonight at the Estadio Mâs Monumental, as 39-year-old captain Lionel Messi leads Argentina out one final timeNgetich, Sawe nominated for 2026 World Athlete Year honours
Kenya’s Sebastian Sawe and Agnes Ngetich nominated for 2026 World Athlete of the Year awards; they both smashed world records in London and Copenhagen, respectively.Kenya Lionesses lie in wait as they hunt down Safari Sevens trophy
Kenya Lionesses captain Sheila Chajira says the team is ready to defend its Safari Sevens women’s title when the 28th edition kicks off at Nyayo Stadium on Friday.MOST READ
Emerging Stars survive Tanzania attack to book Ivory Coast in AFCON U-23 qualifiers
FOOTBALL