Kamala Harris’ unprecedented Democratic presidential nomination has got her some advice from former President Barack Obama: “Tap the campaign talent pool as you can have anyone you want.”
A month ago, Joe Biden being forced to back out put the Democrats in a pickle. They were questioning whether Harris was the right candidate to beat Republican Trump. But seeing opinion polls in her favour, they were soon to gather around her.
Ex-Obama advisers, including David Plouffe and Stephanie Cutter, quickly joined Harris’ campaign. However, Obama waited to endorse Harris for several days before supporting Harris openly.
CREATING HISTORY WITH FIRSTS
Harris and Obama have similarities other than being Democrats and presidential nominees. Both rose in local politics before entering the U.S. Senate. They have both represented historical firsts – Obama as the first Black U.S. President, and Harris as the first woman and first Black and South Asian person to serve as Vice President. If she wins the elections, she will create history once again, serving as America’s first Black woman President.
Obama had backed Biden’s pick of Harris as vice president, according to a Democrat. He has kept in regular touch since the 2020 election, aides say. “He has offered to support her campaign in any way that he can – including policy or strategic advice, fundraising, etc” an Obama aide said.
ECHOES OF 2008
Harris’ campaign rallies are a grand echo of Obama’s rallies drawing crowds of thousands. A former Harris advisor Jamal Simmons says that although they are both very different political figures, the excitement is similar to what the people witnessed in 2008.
The Harris aide said she was pleased that both Obamas were speaking at the convention. Michelle Obama is hugely popular in the party and, polls suggest, would have had significant support for a presidential run herself had she pursued.
Meanwhile former President Obama still remains influential among Democrats. His two-term presidency is viewed with nostalgia. The excitement for his playlist and reading list releases has kept him relevant with young people in the party, even after seven years.
BUMPS WITH BIDEN
Although Obama’s influence with Harris has grown, his relationship with Biden, his former vice president, has become more complicated.
“You can love and have affection for someone and it can still be complicated,” said one Democrat with ties to both men.
(with inputs from Reuters)
