International
How Obama boosted Harris and continues to shape the Democratic Party
CHICAGO — After Kamala Harris secured the Democratic presidential nomination in an unprecedented party upheaval, she got some advice from former President Barack Obama: Tap the campaign talent pool that is out there; you can have anyone you want. Wi
Within days, Obama's former campaign manager David Plouffe and other high profile alumni from Obama's 2008 and 2012 election efforts joined her nascent campaign.
"He just wanted her to know that she was in a position to recruit anyone she thought they needed," said a source familiar with Obama's and Harris' conversation.
Democrats have coalesced around Harris as opinion polls swing in the party's favour, but a month ago some were openly questioning whether she was the right choice to beat Republican candidate Donald Trump when President Joe Biden was forced out of the race after a halting debate performance.
Obama waited to endorse Harris for several days, planning to stay above the fray in case there was a competitive nominating process. When it was clear no significant challengers were coming, he jumped in.
