Former president Barack Obama endorsed his one-time vice president Joe Biden for the presidency Tuesday.
“Choosing Joe to be my vice president was one of the best decisions I ever made, and he became a close friend and I believe Joe has all the qualities we need in a president right now,” the two-term Democratic president said in a video posted to Twitter.
Obama’s long-awaited endorsement came the week after Sen. Bernie Sanders dropped out of the race, clearing the way for Biden to take the Democratic nomination. Monday, Sanders himself formally endorsed Biden, though he hinted at his forthcoming support during his own suspension address, which was also broadcast online.
In his endorsement, Obama mentioned the coronavirus pandemic and said he and his wife, former first lady Michelle Obama, hope viewers are doing well and are keeping them in their prayers. Calling the current crisis and economic downturn “one of the most difficult times in our history,” Obama pivoted to his endorsement of Biden, saying the former senator for having and demonstrating experience, honesty and humility.
“He’s someone whose own life has taught him how to persevere, how to bounce back when you’ve been knocked down,” Obama said in the video, which you can watch below.
I’m proud to endorse my friend @JoeBiden for President of the United States. Let's go: https://t.co/maHVGRozkX
— Barack Obama (@BarackObama) April 14, 2020
Biden responded graciously to Obama’s endorsement Tuesday morning via Twitter.
“Barack — This endorsement means the world to Jill and me. We’re going to build on the progress we made together, and there’s no one I’d rather have standing by my side,” he tweeted.
Barack — This endorsement means the world to Jill and me. We’re going to build on the progress we made together, and there’s no one I’d rather have standing by my side. https://t.co/0mAjPZeYmd
— Joe Biden (@JoeBiden) April 14, 2020
