After Kamala Harris secured the Democratic presidential nomination in an unprecedented party shake-up, she received advice from former President Barack Obama: Leverage the available campaign talent; you can recruit anyone you need.
Within days, Obama’s former campaign manager, David Plouffe, and other prominent alumni from Obama’s 2008 and 2012 campaigns joined Harris’ emerging campaign.
“He wanted her to know she had the opportunity to bring in anyone she thought was necessary,” a source familiar with Obama and Harris’ conversation said.
Despite Democrats rallying around Harris as polls swing in their favor, a month ago there were doubts about her ability to defeat Republican candidate Donald Trump, particularly after President Joe Biden was forced out of the race following a shaky debate performance.
Obama waited several days to endorse Harris, choosing to stay neutral in case the nomination process remained competitive. Once it became clear there were no significant challengers, he endorsed her.
Former Obama advisers, including Plouffe and 2012 deputy campaign manager Stephanie Cutter, quickly joined Harris’ campaign, reinforcing Obama’s influence on her political operation and demonstrating his ongoing support and sway within the party she now leads.
Obama, 63, who will be the keynote speaker at the Democratic National Convention in Chicago on Tuesday, has known Harris, 59, for two decades. They first met at a California fundraiser in 2004. Both rose through local politics—Harris as a prosecutor and Obama as a community organizer and state senator—before entering the U.S. Senate. They each represent historical firsts: Obama as the first Black U.S. president and Harris as the first woman, as well as the first Black and South Asian person, to serve as vice president.
Harris supported Obama’s 2008 presidential campaign early on, attending his campaign launch in Springfield, Illinois, and canvassing for him before the Iowa caucus, which helped propel him to the nomination. Obama admired her work in California, though he caused a stir in 2013 by calling her “by far the best-looking attorney general in the country” at a fundraiser. He later called her to apologize.
Obama supported Biden’s choice of Harris as vice president and has maintained regular contact since the 2020 election. The Obamas have dined with Harris and her husband, Doug Emhoff, on several occasions.
“She was an early supporter of his, and he was an early admirer of hers,” said David Axelrod, a longtime Obama adviser. “He will not be discussing someone he doesn’t know.”
UNSOLICITED ADVICE
The lack of a competitive nomination process after Biden’s withdrawal seemed to surprise the former president. In a call with Harris, Obama remarked, “Although you called for an open process and… Democrats have… put in place an open process, it appears that people feel very strongly that you need to be our nominee,” according to a transcript released by his office.
A video of the Obamas congratulating Harris warmly during the call has been viewed by millions.
A Harris aide said that Obama now offers unsolicited advice, which is welcomed even if not always acted upon. Harris consulted Obama during her vice presidential selection process, the aide said.
“He has offered to support her campaign in any way he can—including policy or strategic advice, fundraising, and campaign travel to help get out the vote,” another Obama aide said.
ECHOES OF 2008
Obama’s influence has been evident at Harris’ rallies since she became the Democratic nominee, drawing large crowds.
“They’re very different political figures, but certainly the excitement around her is reminiscent of what we saw in 2008,” said Jamal Simmons, a former Harris adviser.
While Obama’s campaign was fueled by themes of hope and change, Harris’ campaign, with running mate Tim Walz, the governor of Minnesota, has energized by promoting joy.
The Harris aide expressed satisfaction with both Obamas speaking at the convention. Michelle Obama, known for urging Democrats to rise above negative attacks in 2016, remains highly popular and, according to polls, would have had substantial support for a presidential run herself had she chosen to pursue one. She did not.
Former President Obama continues to hold a nearly mythic status among Democrats. His presidency is viewed with nostalgia, and his cultural influence—through music playlists and summer reading lists—has kept him relevant with the party’s younger base even seven years after leaving office.
BUMPS IN RELATIONSHIP WITH BIDEN
Obama’s influence with Harris has grown amid a more complicated relationship with Biden, his former vice president. Some believe Obama, along with former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, played a significant role in the party’s revolt that led to Biden stepping aside following his poor debate performance against Trump in late June.
Obama’s aides state that he only served as a sounding board for the president. A White House official acknowledged that Biden was frustrated with those pushing for him to withdraw but is now confident in his decision and committed to working with Obama to defeat Trump in November.
Obama and Biden have experienced several ups and downs. Some in Biden’s orbit suspect that Obama favored Hillary Clinton over Biden for the 2016 presidential nomination, a period when Biden was considering a run while mourning the death of his son Beau. Obama gave a eulogy for Beau Biden.
“You can love and have affection for someone and it can still be complicated,” said one Democrat with connections to both men.
Biden will not attend Obama’s prime-time convention speech. After delivering his own remarks on Monday night in Chicago, he is spending the rest of the week on vacation in California.
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