“By choosing Senator Kamala Harris as America’s next vice president, he’s underscored his own judgment and character,” Mr Obama added.
Mr Obama called Ms Harris an ”ideal partner to help him tackle the very real challenges America faces right now and in the years ahead”.
Meanwhile, climate activist Al Gore also praised the choice as a “victory for those who care about combating the climate crisis”.
.@JoeBiden has selected an extraordinary running mate in @kamalaharris! Kamala has made climate and environmental justice a top priority in her career in public service, and I know she will continue to be a strong advocate in the White House. #BidenHarris2020
— Al Gore (@algore) August 11, 2020
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Mr Gore said in a tweet that Ms Harris “has made climate and environmental justice a top priority” in her political career, and he said she would be a “strong advocate in the White House”.
Mr Gore is a former vice president and 2000 Democratic presidential nominee who once served as a Tennessee senator alongside Mr Biden.
Mr Gore already has endorsed Mr Biden and has since worked with him on his climate plans.
Georgia voting rights advocate Stacey Abrams congratulated the Democratic vice presidential candidate after Mr Biden’s announcement.
Ms Abrams tweeted that she spoke “at length” with the 77-year-old over the weekend and again on Tuesday. The presumptive presidential nominee called several women he considered for the ticket to let them know they were not his final choice.
My full statement: pic.twitter.com/U9SiSiniag
— Stacey Abrams (@staceyabrams) August 11, 2020
Ms Abrams praised Mr Biden’s “focus on reaching out to every corner of our country” and pledged to work for “Team #BidenHarris” through November.
House Majority Whip Jim Clyburn said Mr Biden’s selection will energise voters ahead of the general election fight against President Donald Trump.
“This is everything that we need to get people to turn out the vote,” Mr Clyburn told MSNBC Tuesday.
Mr Clyburn’s backing helped boost Mr Biden across the South Carolina primary finish line, propelling him into victories in later nominating contests.
And Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti praised his “dear friend” and fellow Californian Ms for her selection as running mate.
Mr Garcetti is one of Mr Biden’s campaign co-chairs and a co-chair of the search committee that helped him navigate his options before making Ms Harris the first black woman to join a US major party national ticket.
The mayor notes in a statement that he and Ms Harris “have been friends for many years”, recalling their work together on then-Sen Barack Obama’s presidential campaign in 2008.
Garcetti called Ms Harris a “true ally” for people “who have needed a voice within the corridors of power”.
