The USA's former presidential couple Barack and Michelle Obama are backing Kamala Harris as the Democratic presidential candidate, they write in a statement.
Kamala Harris has "the vision, qualities, and strength required in this critical moment", write the Obama couple and describe Harris as a friend they have known for over 20 years.
"We have no doubt that Kamala Harris has exactly what it takes to win the election and deliver for the American people", it says.
"We are very happy for her sake and are eager to back Kamala Harris as the Democratic presidential candidate".
In the statement, they highlight the California Democrat's background as a prosecutor, her climate work, and her fight to defend abortion rights. They also point out that as a senator, she sought to hold Donald Trump's administration accountable for its actions. They also agree with President Joe Biden that the choice of Kamala Harris as vice president was his best.
Barack and Michelle Obama were the country's presidential couple between 2009 and 2017. They are considered to have great influence over Democratic voters.