The Obamas — finally — endorse Harris

The support for Kamala Harris within the Democratic Party springs eternal. Last night, activist Shannon Watts organized a “white women for Kamala Harris” Zoom call, surpassing 100,000 attendants with guests such as pop star P!nk and Megan Rapinoe in attendance. Voting for Harris is now being called an act of “self-love,” according to actress Connie Britton. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand, also on the call, echoed her thoughts, sharing a slightly disturbing anecdote of her and Britton drinking toad venom to recover from seasickness. “We survived,” said Gillibrand. “Connie’s an extraordinary role model for women and girls and people everywhere.” Because she is a woman, Harris will be a better listener and empath, Britton claimed. 

The Obamas decided to join white women in on the fun this morning and throw in their support for Harris. The endorsement was announced through a cringe-inducing video of Harris on a phone call with the former president and first lady. She also appears to be wearing the same pantsuit she wore when addressing the Zeta Phi Beta sorority on Wednesday in Indianapolis, indicating the video was taped then.

In the call, Barack and Michelle call on Americans to join them in getting to work to elect VP Harris. The two gave their whole support and commitment to making her the next president of the United States. “This is going to be historic,” Michelle said on the call. Harris showed her gratitude, thanking the Obamas for the continued “friendship [they] have given over all these years.”

“Michelle and I couldn’t be prouder to endorse you and do everything we can to get you through this election and into the Oval Office,” says former president Obama.  “It’s time for us to rally around you,” added the former first lady. “We’ve got to register, we’ve got to vote… so let’s all roll up our sleeves and make it happen.”

“And we’re gonna have some fun with this too, aren’t we?” she added.

“The country needs a happy warrior,” Barack said, whatever that means… 

The endorsement is expected, but it’s still curious how long the Obamas took to announce it — or at least announce it to the public. Their endorsement joins an already massive wave of support for Kamala from politicians, labor unions, advocacy groups and more.