Obama campaigns in Pennsylvania to support Harris before Election Day

Former President Barack Obama is embarking on a campaign blitz in Pennsylvania to garner support for Vice President Harris as she makes her final plea to voters with just under a month left before Election Day. Obama’s visit to Pittsburgh marks his debut as a battleground-state surrogate in the 2024 presidential election, with plans to visit other swing states as well.

In July, both Obama and former first lady Michelle Obama endorsed Harris, pledging their full support to help her secure the White House. Despite leaving office in 2017, the Obamas have retained their popularity and addressed the Democratic convention in August, expressing their confidence in Harris.

During his speech at the convention, Obama praised Harris, stating, “Kamala Harris won’t be focused on her problems, she’ll be focused on yours. As president, she won’t just cater to her own supporters and punish those who refuse to kiss the ring or bend the knee. She’ll work on behalf of every American. That’s who Kamala is.”

Obama has been a prominent figure in the Democratic party since his presidency ended, and although there were rumors of concerns about President Biden as the nominee, Obama ultimately supported Harris when Biden withdrew from the race in July.

Obama and Harris share a longstanding relationship, dating back to Obama’s Senate campaign twenty years ago when Harris supported his historic bid for the White House by campaigning in Iowa.

While Obama drums up support for Harris in Pennsylvania, the vice president will be in Nevada, another crucial battleground state, participating in a town hall event hosted by Televisa Univision before heading back to Pennsylvania for further campaigning. Harris is scheduled to hold a campaign rally in Erie, her first visit to the county since announcing her presidential bid.

Throughout 2024, Harris has visited Pennsylvania over a dozen times, with seven trips since entering the race. Additionally, her surrogates, including second gentleman Doug Emhoff, vice presidential nominee and Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz, and Minnesota first lady Gwen Walz, have been actively campaigning in the state.

Allison Novelo, a campaign reporter for CBS News, covers the 2024 campaign.