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But on Thursday night in Georgia, Kamala Harris will make a significant move by stepping onto the stage with former President Barack Obama for the first time since accepting her party’s nomination.
Obama, still a major figure within the Democratic Party, has been a strong supporter of Harris, increasing his appearances as her momentum has waned, particularly among Black men. Harris hopes to tap into the “Obama magic” as part of their long-standing relationship, which has been built on mutual support over the years.
This moment marks the culmination of their intertwined political journeys, but it also comes with risks for Harris’s campaign.
Their relationship dates back more than two decades, but it was during the Christmas of 2008 that Harris, then San Francisco’s district attorney, traveled to Iowa to campaign for Obama, a long-shot presidential candidate at the time.
Harris had earlier supported Obama by attending his announcement in Illinois, standing in the crowd as a firm believer in his vision.
During Obama’s presidency, the Democratic Party suffered significant losses in Congress and state legislatures, but Obama remained a popular figure and maintained his influence. Even when he endorsed Hillary Clinton over Joe Biden in 2016, his popularity was never in doubt.
The Obama-Harris partnership further developed in 2010 when Harris ran for California Attorney General. Obama’s support played a pivotal role in her close win. He later referred to Harris as a “dear, dear friend” and continued to endorse her in subsequent races.
Obama’s influence didn’t come without controversy, such as in 2013 when he complimented Harris as “the best-looking attorney general,” which sparked backlash. Still, Harris and Obama maintained their political alliance, with Obama helping her secure a Senate seat in 2016.
However, when Harris ran for president in 2019, Obama didn’t immediately endorse her. Harris struggled in her campaign, eventually dropping out before the first primary. Despite the hurdles, Harris’s ties to Obama have remained strong, with him offering public support when needed.
Now, as Harris tries to appeal to a broad electorate, especially Black men, Obama’s presence on the campaign trail could either help boost her appeal or create new challenges. His charisma and political power have the potential to sway undecided voters, but as Harris navigates her campaign, the Obama-Harris partnership will remain critical to her path forward.
