Obama didn’t endorse Harris, saying Democrats would pick an “outstanding nominee.”
Obama, 62, and former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) didn’t immediately back the 59-year-old vice president. Last week, they said they wanted an “open” process to replace Biden.
“We’re in uncharted waters,” Obama said.
“I’m sure the party leaders will create a process that produces an outstanding nominee.”
Some Democrats think Harris could hurt the party’s chances against Trump in the November 5 election.
“Joe Biden’s vision of a better America will be on full display at the Democratic Convention in August,” Obama said.
“We’re ready to keep spreading hope and progress until November and beyond.”
Obama added, “Michelle and I want to thank Joe and Jill for leading us during these dangerous times and supporting the freedom and equality this country was founded on.”
Obama is one of the most respected Democrats. Not endorsing Harris could hurt her campaign and encourage new candidates to emerge.
Biden dropped out after Obama and other top Democrats said he would lead to a defeat for Democrats in the November election.
Illinois Governor JB Pritzker, who might run for president, didn’t immediately back Harris. He said he’ll work to stop Trump from winning in November.
Some Democrats might not back Harris. Senator Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.) told Politico on Sunday that he wants a fair process to pick Biden’s replacement.
Peter Welch (D-Vt.) told CBS he also wants a quick process to replace Biden.
Pelosi, the first woman to hold the country’s third-most-powerful post, did not endorse Harris in her initial statement on Biden’s decision.
“Thank you, President Biden, for believing in America and giving people a chance.” “God blessed America with Joe Biden,” Pelosi said.
Harris would be the first female president of African and South Asian descent. Her mother immigrated from India, and her father from Jamaica.
People think her being the first woman, African American, and South Asian American on the ticket makes it hard to remove her. But if Obama and Pelosi don’t endorse her, it will be harder to say she was chosen because of sexism or racism.
Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-NY), a left-wing Democrat, said in a TikTok video that mutineers wanted to drop Harris too.
Harris said she would work to unite Democrats ahead of a virtual vote on the party’s ticket in August.
The virtual vote is being held to meet an August 7, Ohio, deadline, but Democrats could choose a different candidate at the convention if many delegates protest.
Democrats worry that Harris might do worse against Trump because of her public appearances, low approval ratings, and her job performance.
She has a 38.1% favorability rating, trailing Biden’s 39.1% and Trump’s 42.8%.
Some Democrats are worried about Harris’s habit of “cackling” in public and her reluctance to take on tough jobs.
“We’re in trouble,” a senior Democratic source told The Post about a possible Harris candidacy on Friday.
“The border czar who lets 10 million illegals in is going to win this election for us. It’s ridiculous. She should join Biden as he leaves.