In this AFP file photo taken on December 13, 2016, US Vice President Joe Biden (R) speaks, watched by US President Barack Obama, during the signing ceremony for the 21st Century Cures Act in the South Court Auditorium, next to the White House in Washington, DC.

Former US President Barrack Obama has endorsed Joe Biden, his former running mate, to run against President Donald Trump in the upcoming 2020 presidential election.

The top Democrat’s endorsement in a video message, taped on Monday and posted on Tuesday, followed Vermont Senator Bernie Sanders’ earlier endorsement.

If there’s one thing we’ve learned as a country from moments of great crisis, it’s that the spirit of looking out for one another can’t be restricted to our homes, or our workplaces, or our neighborhoods, or our houses of worship, he said. It also has to be reflected in our national government.

His over 11-minute endorsement video message is expected to unite the Democratic Party in a historically divisive campaign against Trump, former reality star and populist leader, vying for another four years in the White House.

The kind of leadership that’s guided by knowledge and experience, honesty and humility, empathy and grace -- that kind of leadership doesn’t just belong in our state capitols and mayors offices. It belongs in the White House, said the former president. And that’s why I’m so proud to endorse Joe Biden for President of the United States.

Biden thanked Obama for the endorsement shortly afterwards.

Barack - This endorsement means the world to Jill and me, he wrote. We’re going to build on the progress we made together, and there’s no one I’d rather have standing by my side.

‘GOP loves power not progress’

There were, meanwhile, concerns particularly among more progressive Democrats about Biden’s competence to take on Trump.

Bernie’s an American original -- a man who has devoted his life to giving voice to working people’s hopes, dreams, and frustrations. He and I haven’t always agreed on everything, but we’ve always shared a conviction that we have to make America a fairer, more just, more equitable society, Obama said.

The first African American president further decried the Republicans, whom he argued have no interest in progress.

One thing everybody has learned by now is that the Republicans occupying the White House and running the US Senate are not interested in progress, Obama said. They’re interested in power.

SOURCE: PRESS TV