Former US President Barack Obama has endorsed former Vice President and current Democratic presidential candidate Joe Biden for president. Tanzia Haq reports.
In a statement video published on 14 April, Obama asserted Biden’s experience in politics and his abilities as a leader to rebuild an America deeply divided since the election of current president Donald Trump.
In the 12-minute endorsement video, Obama stated that Biden was the sort of leader the world needs right now to confront the crisis the coronavirus pandemic has left in its wake. Most political commentators predict that the coronavirus’ economic and public health impacts will be key speaking points preceding the 2020 US presidential election.
In the clip, Obama stated how these are not normal times and noted the bravery of healthcare workers and frontline staff responsible for keeping the economy afloat. Obama then drew similarities between Mr. Biden’s experiences with those of other Americans.
Obama said, “Joe has the character and the experience to guide us through one of our darkest times and heal us through a long recovery.”
Obama had previously refrained from making any statements during the Democratic primaries and follow-up, leading to Republicans and Trump himself questioning why Obama was not lending his name to Biden’s campaign.
Biden’s previous experience as Vice President has solidified his status as a capable leader but a great segment of American voters have voiced skepticism about his leadership abilities: young voters.
Biden still remains an embodiment of progressive hope, pledging to choose a woman as his running mate as the elections get closer. Biden has also pledged to strengthen the ‘Affordable Care Act’, against Bernie Sanders’ ‘Medicare for All’.
Former presidential hopeful Bernie Sanders has also endorsed Biden, appealing to progressives to fight back against the policies set by the current administration that has seen the US remove itself from multinational cooperation on many fronts.
The candidates for the 2020 presidential race are currently running virtual fundraisers and campaigns.
To see Barack Obama’s full endorsement video, click below:
