Kamala Harris Backed Obama in 2008
- Kamala Harris took a political risk by supporting Barack Obama in the 2008 primary race against Hillary Clinton.
- Her endorsement paid off, and Barack Obama never forgot her support.
- This alliance between Harris and Obama shaped both of their political careers.
In a significant political move, Kamala Harris, then the district attorney of San Francisco, chose to endorse Barack Obama during the 2008 Democratic primary, a decision that came with considerable risk. As the primary race was largely dominated by Hillary Clinton, Harris's support for the junior senator from Illinois marked her as one of the few elected officials in California and the Democratic Party to back Obama at that time. On New Year’s Eve in 2007, Harris traveled to the Midwest to campaign for Obama, demonstrating her commitment to his candidacy. Amidst the cold winter, she joined grassroots efforts, knocking on doors and rallying support for a candidate many viewed as a long shot. Her enthusiasm for Obama was palpable, as she expressed the excitement and promise his campaign represented. Harris's endorsement was not just a personal choice but a strategic alignment with a candidate who was challenging the political status quo. Buffy Wicks, a California State Assembly member and early Obama campaign staffer, highlighted Harris's unwavering support during a time when the political establishment largely overlooked Obama. This early endorsement would later prove pivotal in shaping Harris's political trajectory and her relationship with Obama, who would go on to become the first African American president of the United States. Their bond, rooted in shared values and mutual respect, continues to influence their political partnership today.