Posted on 04/14/20
| News Source: WBAL
Former President Barack Obama endorsed Joe Biden on Tuesday, in a video message in which he explains why he believes his former running mate is the candidate needed at this moment of crisis in America.
"If there's one thing we've learned as a country from moments of great crisis, it's that the spirit of looking out for one another can't be restricted to our homes, or our workplaces, or our neighborhoods, or our houses of worship. It also has to be reflected in our national government," Obama says in the over 11-minute endorsement video.
He continues, "The kind of leadership that's guided by knowledge and experience, honesty and humility, empathy and grace — that kind of leadership doesn't just belong in our state capitols and mayors' offices. It belongs in the White House."
"And that's why I'm so proud to endorse Joe Biden for President of the United States."
The endorsement reunites the former running mates, and it positions Obama, whose endorsement of Biden was seen as a forgone conclusion once Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders dropped out of the race last week, to be one of Biden's most powerful surrogates in the race against President Donald Trump.
It also marks the public re-emergence of Obama into the political arena. The former president kept a low public profile throughout much of the Democratic nomination fight, but he was active behind the scenes.
Two people familiar with Obama's video say it is intended as more than a simple endorsement of his friend and former vice president. His message is designed to address this particular moment in America and around the world, particularly in the wake of the coronavirus pandemic.
Obama also spoke directly to progressives, praising the spirit of their movement before outlining why he believes they should embrace Biden's candidacy. The former president also offered full-throated praise of Sanders and noted what his candidacy has meant for the pursuit of liberal ideals.
"Bernie's an American original — a man who has devoted his life to giving voice to working people's hopes, dreams and frustrations. He and I haven't always agreed on everything, but we've always shared a conviction that we have to make America a fairer, more just, more equitable society," Obama says.
Obama in November said he had spoken to all of the candidates during the campaign, often giving them advice both before they announced their bid and after they dropped out. Advisers to the former president said his advice was often the same: Consider why you believe you should be president, what impact it will have on your family and whether you can actually win.
"We have a field of very accomplished, very serious and passionate and smart people who have a history of public service," Obama said at a private fundraiser in late 2019. "Whoever emerges from the primary process, I will work my tail off to make sure they are the next president."