Barack Obama endorses Kamala Harris for president

Barack Obama has endorsed Vice President Kamala Harris as the Democratic presidential nominee, ending days of speculation about whether he would back her.

Former President Obama and former First Lady Michelle Obama said in a joint statement that they believe Ms Harris has “the vision, character and strength that this critical moment requires”.

Mr Obama is said to be among more than 100 prominent Democrats Ms Harris has spoken to since President Joe Biden announced he was dropping out of the race last Sunday.

In a statement at the time, Mr Obama praised Mr Biden’s resignation, but did not endorse Ms Harris.

The US vice president has won the support of a majority of Democratic delegates, putting her on track to become the official nominee at the party’s convention in August.

The Obamas said in a statement Friday that they “could not be more excited to endorse” Ms Harris. They pledged to do “everything possible” to elect her.

“We agree with President Biden,” the couple’s statement said, “that choosing Kamala is one of the best decisions he has ever made. She has the track record to prove it.”

They cite her record as California attorney general, U.S. senator and then vice president.

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

“We have no doubt that Kamala Harris has what it takes to win this election and deliver for the American people.

“At a time when the stakes have never been higher, she has given us reason to hope.”

The statement is attached. One video of Ms. Harris when receiving a call from the Obama family in which they pledged their support.

“Oh my gosh,” the vice president said in the clip. “Michelle, Barack, this means a lot to me.”

Ms Harris has held several campaign events across the country in the days since Mr Biden dropped out of the race.

On Thursday, she spoke at the American Federation of Teachers 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 at campaign events earlier this week, Ms Harris took aim at what she called “extreme” Republicans and “failed” policies.

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

Meanwhile, Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump continues to shift attacks on his new opponent.

On Friday night, at a summit in Florida of the conservative organization Turning Point USA, he vowed to defeat Ms Harris, calling her the “most incompetent” vice president ever.

He warned that if elected, she would be “the most radical liberal president in American history”.

Trump has refused to participate in a televised debate with Ms Harris until she is officially confirmed as the party’s nominee.

He said the Democratic Party is “still waiting for someone ‘better’.”