Barack wants Michael to be President?
Barack Obama is calling for an open contest - why has he not endorsed Kamala Harris?
Former President Barack Obama with Kamala Harris in 2022. Pic: AP
Image: Former President Barack Obama with Kamala Harris in 2022. Pic: AP
President Joe Biden led the charge, endorsing Kamala Harris within minutes.
Bill and Hillary Clinton were quick to follow, pledging their support for the vice president.
Sponsored link
Other names once touted as potential substitutes for Mr Biden rallied behind - Governors Gavin Newsom and Josh Shapiro.
But there was one name conspicuous by its absence on the cheerleading list - President Barack Obama.
A statement from the Obamas' office lauded Mr Biden but made no reference to Ms Harris.
"We will be navigating unchartered waters in the days ahead," it read.
"But I have extraordinary confidence that the leaders of our party will be able to create a process from which an outstanding nominee emerges.
"I believe that Joe Biden's vision of a generous, prosperous and united America that provides opportunity for everyone will be on full display at the Democratic Convention in August."
That could be interpreted as a call for an open contest, rather than a coronation.
Hugh Kieve, 10, of Washington, holds a sign outside the White House in Washington, Sunday, July 21, 2024, as he and his family come out to show support for President Joe Biden. Biden dropped out of the 2024 race for the White House on Sunday, ending his bid for reelection following a disastrous debate with Donald Trump that raised doubts about his fitness for office just four months before the election. (AP Photo/Susan Walsh)
1:33
Play Video - What next for Democrats?
What's next for the Democrats?
Would the man who made history as America's first black president not want his party to break new ground again?
If she won the nomination and subsequent election, Ms Harris would be the first woman to take the White House.
U.S. President Joe Biden and Former U.S. President Barack Obama walk at John F. Kennedy International Airport in New York, U.S., March 28, 2024. Pic: Reuters/Elizabeth Frantz
Image: President Joe Biden and former President Barack Obama in March. Pic: AP
Follow Sky News on WhatsApp
Follow Sky News on WhatsApp
Keep up with all the latest news from the UK and around the world by following Sky News
A source close to Barack Obama said: "Just like he did in 2020, once Joe Biden earned the nomination, President Obama believes he will be uniquely positioned to help unite the party."
Mr Obama did not endorse Mr Biden in 2020 until Senator Bernie Sanders had dropped out of the race.
Spreaker
This content is provided by Spreaker, which may be using cookies and other technologies. To show you this content, we need your permission to use cookies. You can use the buttons below to amend your preferences to enable Spreaker cookies or to allow those cookies just once. You can change your settings at any time via the Privacy Options.