As former President Barack Obama prepares to take the stage at the Democratic National Convention in Chicago to deliver a keynote address, the event marks a significant milestone not only for him but also for Vice President Kamala Harris.
Their political careers have intersected numerous times over the past two decades, shaping the Democratic Party and influencing the course of American politics. Here’s a detailed look at the key moments when Obama and Harris’s paths crossed, highlighting how their relationship evolved and the impact it has had on their respective careers.
Early Days: Harris and Obama Meet (2004)
Barack Obama was a rising star in the Democratic Party when he met Kamala Harris at a fundraiser in California in 2004. At the time, Harris was serving as the District Attorney of San Francisco, while Obama was an Illinois state senator running for the U.S. Senate. Both were relatively new faces in the national political arena, but they shared a commitment to public service and a vision for progressive change. This initial meeting laid the foundation for a relationship that would grow stronger over the years.
Harris’s Support for Obama’s Presidential Campaign (2007-2008)
When Barack Obama announced his candidacy for the presidency in February 2007, Kamala Harris was among the early supporters who recognized his potential. As the junior senator from Illinois launched his campaign on the steps of the Old State Capitol in Springfield, Illinois, Harris was part of the crowd that gathered to witness the historic moment. She quickly became an active supporter, volunteering for his campaign, knocking on doors, and raising funds in California ahead of the critical Iowa caucuses.
Harris’s role as a California campaign co-chair was instrumental in mobilizing support for Obama in one of the nation’s most populous states. Her involvement in the campaign helped to solidify her position as a rising star within the Democratic Party and established her as a trusted ally of Obama.
Obama’s Support for Harris’s Attorney General Bid (2010)
In 2010, Kamala Harris decided to run for California Attorney General, a position that would make her the top law enforcement officer in the state. The race was highly competitive, with Harris facing off against Republican Steve Cooley, the popular District Attorney of Los Angeles. As the election approached, Harris was locked in a tight contest, and her campaign needed a boost.
Despite the widespread congressional losses that Democrats faced in the 2010 midterms, President Obama made time to support Harris. He appeared at a rally in Los Angeles in October 2010, where he referred to Harris as a “dear, dear friend of mine” and urged the crowd to support her. This endorsement from the sitting president provided Harris with the national attention she needed and helped her secure a narrow victory by less than a percentage point. Her win as Attorney General was a significant milestone, setting her on a path toward higher office.
Democratic National Convention (2012)
By 2012, Kamala Harris had established herself as a formidable force in California politics. As the first woman of color to serve as San Francisco’s District Attorney and California’s Attorney General, she had already broken numerous barriers. Her work in negotiating a financial settlement for homeowners during the foreclosure crisis had garnered national attention, solidifying her reputation as a tough and effective leader.
Recognizing her rising profile, President Obama invited Harris to speak at the 2012 Democratic National Convention in Charlotte, North Carolina, where he was seeking re-election. Harris delivered a powerful speech in which she praised Obama’s leadership during the housing crisis and highlighted her own accomplishments. She also took the opportunity to attack Republican challenger Mitt Romney as an ally of Wall Street, reinforcing the party’s message of fighting for working families.
Harris’s speech was well-received, and her prominent speaking slot just before former President Bill Clinton ensured that she caught the attention of key Democratic powerbrokers and donors. This moment marked Harris’s emergence on the national stage and further strengthened her ties to Obama.
Controversial Comment (2013)
In 2013, as Kamala Harris continued to rise in prominence, a comment made by President Obama during a fundraiser in San Francisco sparked controversy. While praising Harris’s accomplishments as Attorney General, Obama referred to her as “the best-looking attorney general in the country.” The remark was widely criticized as inappropriate and overshadowed the president’s intended message of highlighting Harris’s intelligence, dedication, and toughness.
Obama quickly recognized the misstep and called Harris to apologize. White House spokesman Jay Carney later told reporters that Obama did not want in any way to diminish Harris’s accomplishments and that they remained “old friends and good friends.” Despite the controversy, the incident did not harm their relationship, and Harris continued to rise in the ranks of the Democratic Party.
Endorsement for U.S. Senate (2016)
As President Obama approached the end of his second term in 2016, he remained a powerful figure within the Democratic Party. That year, Kamala Harris launched her campaign for the U.S. Senate seat being vacated by retiring Senator Barbara Boxer. The race was closely watched, with Harris facing off against fellow Democrat Loretta Sanchez in California’s unique top-two primary system.
In July 2016, Obama and Vice President Joe Biden formally endorsed Harris, giving her campaign a significant boost. In a statement released by the Harris campaign, Obama praised her as a “lifelong courtroom prosecutor with only one client: the people of the State of California.” Biden, who had developed a friendship with Harris through his late son Beau Biden, also expressed strong support.
With the backing of Obama and Biden, Harris won the election handily, becoming only the second Black woman ever to serve in the U.S. Senate. This victory solidified her position as one of the most influential Democrats in the country and set the stage for her future national ambitions.
2020 Presidential Race: Harris and Biden
Kamala Harris’s own presidential ambitions became clear when she launched her campaign for the Democratic nomination in 2019. Her campaign kickoff in Oakland, California, drew a crowd of 20,000 people, signaling the enthusiasm and support she had garnered within the party. Like other candidates, Harris met with Barack Obama to discuss her candidacy and seek his advice.
However, Obama, who was keen to stay out of the political fray until the party selected its nominee, did not endorse any candidate during the primaries. Harris’s campaign faced significant challenges and eventually faltered, leading her to suspend her bid in December 2019. Despite this setback, Harris’s political career was far from over.
In March 2020, Joe Biden, who had emerged as the frontrunner for the Democratic nomination, began the process of selecting a running mate. Obama reportedly supported Biden’s decision to choose Harris, despite the early clash between the two candidates during the debates over Biden’s record on school desegregation. Obama praised Biden’s selection, stating that his former vice president “nailed this decision” by choosing someone with the judgment and character needed for the role.
Harris’s Vice-Presidential Nomination (2020)
When Joe Biden announced Kamala Harris as his running mate in August 2020, it marked a historic moment in American politics. Harris became the first woman of color to be nominated for vice president by a major party, and her selection was widely celebrated as a continuation of the progress made during Obama’s presidency.
Obama publicly endorsed the Biden-Harris ticket, expressing his full support and vowing to help the campaign in any way he could. The former president also stayed in regular contact with Harris, offering her counsel and serving as a sounding board during the campaign. This support was crucial as Harris navigated the challenges of a high-stakes national campaign amid a deeply divided political climate.
Obama-Harris Partnership in the 2020 Campaign
Throughout the 2020 general election campaign, Barack Obama played an active role in supporting the Biden-Harris ticket. He appeared at virtual and in-person events, headlined fundraisers, and delivered speeches aimed at mobilizing Democratic voters. Obama’s popularity and influence within the party were key assets in the effort to defeat incumbent President Donald Trump.
Harris, meanwhile, benefited from the expertise and experience of many former Obama aides who joined her campaign. Figures like Eric Holder, Obama’s former attorney general, and David Plouffe, Obama’s 2008 campaign manager, provided strategic advice and helped to shape Harris’s campaign message. The presence of these seasoned political operatives underscored the close relationship between Harris and the Obama camp.
Post-Election: Biden-Harris Administration and Obama’s Influence
After winning the 2020 election, the Biden-Harris administration faced the daunting task of governing a nation in the midst of multiple crises, including the COVID-19 pandemic, economic instability, and deep political divisions. Throughout this period, Barack Obama remained a trusted advisor to both Biden and Harris, offering guidance on key issues and helping to navigate the challenges of leading the country.
For Kamala Harris, Obama’s influence has been particularly significant as she has taken on the historic role of vice president. As the first woman, first Black person, and first Asian American to hold the office, Harris has broken new ground in American politics, and Obama’s mentorship has been a valuable resource. The two have continued to stay in close contact, with Obama providing advice on policy matters, political strategy, and the responsibilities of national leadership.
Obama’s Role in Harris’s 2024 Campaign
As Kamala Harris prepares for her own presidential run in 2024, Barack Obama’s role in her campaign is expected to be pivotal. With his unmatched popularity within the Democratic Party and his deep experience in national politics, Obama is well-positioned to help Harris navigate the challenges of a presidential campaign. From fundraising to get-out-the-vote efforts, Obama’s involvement will be crucial in helping Harris build the broad coalition needed to win the presidency.
In addition to Obama’s personal support, Harris is also relying on many of his former aides and advisors to help run her campaign. The presence of figures like David Plouffe, Jennifer O’Malley Dillon, and Stephanie Cutter reflects the deep connections between Harris and the Obama political machine. This continuity of personnel and strategy underscores the extent to which Harris’s campaign is seen as a continuation of the Obama-Biden legacy.
The relationship between Barack Obama and Kamala Harris is one marked by mutual respect, shared values, and a commitment to progressive change. Over the past two decades, their political paths have crossed at key moments, shaping the trajectory of their careers and influencing the direction of the Democratic Party. As Harris embarks on her journey toward the presidency, the support and guidance of Barack Obama will be an invaluable asset, helping to ensure that their shared legacy continues to shape the future of American politics.
