Staff Reports
Barack Obama has thrown his hat into the ring, albeit in a slightly awkward way, by endorsing Vice President Kamala Harris for the presidency just days after President Joe Biden decided to pack his bags and skip the 2024 party. The former president, along with his equally illustrious wife Michelle, seems determined to make sure Harris receives the royal treatment as she prepares to duke it out against Donald Trump next November.
In a classic case of political matchmaking, the Obamas have declared their unwavering support for Harris, suggesting that her journey to the top won’t exactly be a stroll through a flower garden. With Biden’s departure, Harris quickly grabbed the necessary delegates to claim the Democratic nomination, all while Trump appears to be sharpening his campaign muscles for an election rematch that has Democrats sweating bullets—not that they’d admit it.
Harris is now dubbed an “underdog” by Obama. This ought to charm and terrify many on the left. Who doesn’t love a feel-good story? Unfortunately, this particular underdog might have more in common with a paper tiger than a heroic poodle. Obama has urged her to cultivate trust across the political spectrum as if that’s just a quick trip to a bakery. In reality, the wide divide in public opinion suggests that such trust may be more difficult to cultivate than a garden of cacti in a desert.
Meanwhile, Michelle is getting in on the action too, proudly calling Harris “my girl.” While the heartwarming camaraderie among the former first family is touching, the phrase certainly evokes more of a sorority vibe than a presidential endorsement. The Obamas seem to believe that Harris’s “energy,” “positivity,” and “sense of humor” will enthrall voters. One can only wonder if they’ve actually checked her approval ratings lately, which show her trailing Trump by nearly 2%—not exactly the kind of momentum one usually associates with the “it” candidate.
The Obamas have taken to social media as well, releasing their endorsements on X, formerly Twitter, which seems fitting for a modern campaign. However, voters likely remember that mere hashtags and emojis won’t win elections. The Obamas may be excited about Harris’s potential to “bring light and hope,” but anyone who has endured cringe-worthy moments of Harris trying to relate to everyday Americans knows there might be a long way to go before she proves her mettle in the political arena.
Obama Finally Endorses Harris, Tells Vice President They’ll Be ‘Underdogs’ In Presidential Campaign: 'We are gonna do everything we can to help propel you into the presidency' https://t.co/17cSEDnqLe #NewsletterPoliticsandElections #2024Election pic.twitter.com/N83YWP57hn
— Janie Johnson – America is Exceptional (@jjauthor) July 26, 2024
As the dust settles, the political landscape is shifting, but Harris still finds herself facing a formidable opponent in Trump. With a notable gap in the polls and plenty of baggage from Biden’s administration hanging over her head like a gloomy cloud, the road to the White House may be bumpier than anticipated for the vice president. But with the Obamas offering their support and a generous dose of misguided optimism, this campaign is sure to be more entertaining than a high school play.
