Barack Obama endorses Stacey Abrams in bid for Georgia governor against Trump candidate Brian Kemp

Democratic candidate Stacey Abrams received a big boost to her campaign today with an endorsement from former President Barack Obama.

TheGrio

Aug 1, 2018

[griojw id=”208KN7Ur” playerid=”GqX43ZoG”]

Democratic candidate Stacey Abrams received a big boost to her campaign today with an endorsement from former President Barack Obama.

The progressive candidate, who has a chance to make history as the first Black female governor in the country, took to social media to share the news with her followers writing: “It is a profound honor to receive President @BarackObama’s endorsement. He knows first-hand that progress isn’t always easy, but it is always worth fighting for—no matter who you are or where you call home. Join us: http://bit.ly/progress-ga #TeamAbrams #GAGov #gapol”

It is a profound honor to receive President @BarackObama’s endorsement. He knows first-hand that progress isn’t always easy, but it is always worth fighting for—no matter who you are or where you call home. Join us: https://t.co/i2tFQgUbjF #TeamAbrams #GAGov #gapol pic.twitter.com/mk53mCHFFd

— Stacey Abrams (@staceyabrams) August 1, 2018

Obama released a statement showing his support for Abrams’ campaign to the CBS46 newsroom:

“I am so excited to endorse Stacey Abrams for Governor of Georgia. She’s not running a campaign built on division or distraction; she’s running to lead one Georgia where everybody has opportunity, and everybody’s voice is heard. And she’s got the record of building consensus that shows she can deliver – with good jobs, great public education, expanded Medicaid, and secure, affordable health insurance for everyone. In a time when too many folks are focused simply on how to win an election, Stacey’s somebody who cares about something more important: why we should. That’s the kind of politics we should practice. That’s why I’m proud to give Stacey Abrams my support.”

Abrams also released an official statement about the endorsement:

“It is a profound honor to receive President Obama’s endorsement. President Obama’s legacy is marked by integrity, a deep commitment to service, and an ability to find solutions that put the well-being of people first. I am grateful for his support as I continue a campaign for governor grounded in hope, optimism, and a boundless belief that we can do more to make sure every family in Georgia has the opportunity to thrive.”

In addition to supporting Abrams in the Georgia race for governor, Obama announced on social media a list of progressive candidates he’s supporting writing: “Today I’m proud to endorse such a wide and impressive array of Democratic candidates – leaders as diverse, patriotic, and big-hearted as the America they’re running to represent.”

Today I’m proud to endorse such a wide and impressive array of Democratic candidates – leaders as diverse, patriotic, and big-hearted as the America they’re running to represent: pic.twitter.com/gWzalQhFas

— Barack Obama (@BarackObama) August 1, 2018

Obama is endorsing 81 Democrats in 13 states around the country, with an emphasis on younger, diverse candidates. He tweeted: “Today I’m proud to endorse such a wide and impressive array of Democratic candidates – leaders as diverse, patriotic, and big-hearted as the America they’re running to represent.”

Today I’m proud to endorse such a wide and impressive array of Democratic candidates – leaders as diverse, patriotic, and big-hearted as the America they’re running to represent: pic.twitter.com/gWzalQhFas

— Barack Obama (@BarackObama) August 1, 2018

He continued: “I’m confident that, together, they’ll strengthen this country we love by restoring opportunity, repairing our alliances and standing in the world, and upholding our fundamental commitment to justice, fairness, responsibility, and the rule of law. But first, they need our votes.”

I’m confident that, together, they’ll strengthen this country we love by restoring opportunity, repairing our alliances and standing in the world, and upholding our fundamental commitment to justice, fairness, responsibility, and the rule of law. But first, they need our votes.

— Barack Obama (@BarackObama) August 1, 2018

The Stacey Abrams campaign is picking up steam as she shares her story of a humble beginning and message to bring prosperity and equality to all of Georgia.

Although my family worked hard and played by the rules, we often went without health care & struggled to get by. Our story is not unique.

As #GAGov, I’ll fight for every family to have the freedom & opportunity to thrive. Chip in to join the fight: https://t.co/QaOYRTM6gc #gapol pic.twitter.com/LLHHlcQhkM

— Stacey Abrams (@staceyabrams) July 26, 2018

Abrams earned a law degree at Yale and a master’s degree in public affairs from the University of Texas at Austin before ultimately returning to Atlanta. She practiced tax law before becoming deputy city attorney in 2002, and was first elected to the state House of Representatives in 2007, becoming the first woman party leader in state history in 2011.

She said her desire to provide the state’s families with more pathways to prosperity is what motivated her to run for governor.

“I watch politicians on both sides of the aisle, and a lot of our policies are geared toward survival―how do we keep people where they are,” Abrams said. “And particularly on our side of the aisle as Democrats, we have forgotten that we are supposed to be the party of prosperity for those who are disenfranchised and left behind.”

Facing off against Trump

Obama’s endorsement of Abrams comes at a critical time given that her Republican opponent Brian Kemp is being championed by Donald Trump.

Kemp, who bills himself as a “politically incorrect conservative,” made headlines for his campaign ads where he pointed a shotgun at a young man, who he said was interested in one of his daughters. In another ad, Kemp proudly boasted that he had a “big truck” in case he needed “to round up criminal illegals and take them home myself.”

Trump weighed in right before the Republican primary to throw his support behind Kemp writing on Twitter: “Brian Kemp is running for Governor of the great state of Georgia. The Primary is on Tuesday. Brian is tough on crime, strong on the border and illegal immigration. He loves our Military and our Vets and protects our Second Amendment. I give him my full and total endorsement.”

Brian Kemp is running for Governor of the great state of Georgia. The Primary is on Tuesday. Brian is tough on crime, strong on the border and illegal immigration. He loves our Military and our Vets and protects our Second Amendment. I give him my full and total endorsement.

— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) July 18, 2018

And the President repeated that endorsement right before primary began tweeting: “Today is the day to vote for Brian Kemp. Will be great for Georgia, full Endorsement!”

Vice President Mike Pence also visited Georgia to campaign for Kemp.

Obama’s endorsement of Abrams follows forever first lady Michelle Obama‘s launch of When We All Vote, a non-partisan, not-for-profit group working to help register new voters that was announced last week.