Obama doesn't immediately endorse Harris

President Barack Obama has not immediately endorsed Vice President Kamala Harris, following immediate endorsements from President Joe Biden and former President Bill Clinton.

"Joe Biden has been one of America’s most consequential presidents, as well as a dear friend and partner to me. Today, we’ve also been reminded – again – that he’s a patriot of the highest order," Obama said in his statement about Biden following his decision to drop out of the 2024 presidential campaign.

“We will be navigating uncharted waters in the days ahead," Obama added. "But I have extraordinary confidence that the leaders of our party will be able to create a process from which an outstanding nominee emerges.”

Amidst questions about why he didn't immediately endorse Harris, a former Obama aide noted that Obama didn't previously endorse the Democratic nominee until after the nominee was decided at the Democratic convention.

Meanwhile, Bill and Hillary Clinton endorsed Harris in a statement on X.

“We are honored to join the President in endorsing Vice President Harris and will do whatever we can to support her,” the Clintons wrote in a statement. “Now is the time to support Kamala Harris and fight with everything we’ve got to elect her.”