International Desk

After days of speculation, it is now clear that Barack Obama will endorse Vice President Kamala Harris as the Democratic presidential nominee.

In a joint statement, former President Obama and former First Lady Michelle Obama expressed their belief that Ms. Harris possesses the "vision, the character, and the strength that this critical moment demands."

After President Joe Biden announced his withdrawal from the race on Sunday, Ms. Harris reportedly spoke with more than 100 prominent Democrats.

Mr. Obama stated at the time that praised Mr. Biden's departure but did not endorse Ms. Harris.

The US vice-president has already secured the support of a majority of Democratic delegates, setting her on course to become the official nominee at the party convention in August.

The Obamas said in Friday's statement that they could not be "more thrilled to endorse" Ms Harris. They vowed to do "everything we can" to elect her.

"We agree with President Biden," said the couple's statement, "choosing Kamala was one of the best decisions he’s made. She has the resume to prove it."

They cited her record as California’s attorney general, a US senator and then vice-president.

"But Kamala has more than a resume," the statement continued. "She has the vision, the character, and the strength that this critical moment demands.

"There is no doubt in our mind that Kamala Harris has exactly what it takes to win this election and deliver for the American people.

"At a time when the stakes have never been higher, she gives us all reason to hope."
The statement was accompanied by a video of Ms Harris taking a phone call from the Obamas in which they pledge their support.

"Oh my goodness," says the vice-president in the clip. "Michelle, Barack, this means so much to me."

Ms Harris has held a number of campaign events across the US in the days since Mr Biden withdrew from the race.

On Thursday, she addressed the American Federation of Teachers union in Houston.

While the event was billed as part of her vice-presidential duties, it had the air of a campaign rally, with loud applause and cheers from the audience.

Echoing language used in campaign events on Tuesday and Wednesday, Ms Harris took aim at what she termed "extremist" Republicans and "failed" policies.

“We want to ban assault weapons, and they want to ban books,” she said.

On Thursday, Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump continued to pivot to assail his new rival.
"Lyin' Kamala Harris is a radical left Marxist, and worse!" he said in a partially all-capital-letters post on his social media platform Truth Social.

Trump also refused to commit to a televised debate with Ms Harris until she is officially confirmed as the party's nominee.

He suggested Democrats were "still holding out for someone 'better'".