(NewsNation) — Former President Barack Obama does not plan to endorse any Democratic candidate before a nominee is chosen, a source familiar with his thinking told NewsNation, following President Joe Biden’s announcement that he won’t see reelection.
The source also said that similar to his actions in 2020 once Biden secured the nomination, Obama believes he’ll be uniquely positioned to help unite the party, support the nominee, and do everything he can to secure their election in November.
Obama’s office has not commented on the matter.
On Sunday, Obama expressed his gratitude and admiration for Biden following his decision to drop out of the 2024 election.
The message came after Biden officially endorsed Vice President Kamala Harris to be the party’s presidential nominee.
Biden’s decision to end his reelection bid comes after growing calls from within his party to “pass the torch” following his heavily criticized debate performance.
On the first day of her presidential campaign, Harris brought in over $49.6 million in donations, her campaign confirmed to NewsNation.
Harris says she’ll do everything in her power to unite Democrats and the nation and defeat Trump.
NewsNation’s Urja Sinha and Andrew Dorn and the Associated Press. contributed to this report.