Michelle Obama's star power could help Biden unite Democrats

Seeking to unite Democrats, Joe Biden has raced to line up supporters ranging from progressive icon Bernie Sanders to former President Barack Obama, whose ministration sometimes irked liberals. But person with most influence maybe Michelle Obama.

former first ly is a unique figure in a deeply polarizing political environment, exceedingly popular with party faithful while also having some appeal with Republicans and independents.

She left White House with a 68% approval rating, according to Gallup polling.

And her memoir,

That of energy could be critical for Biden, who is

“She brings to table t just her own experience of being an active and well-respected first ly but, at a time when country is looking for leership and looking for role models, she fills so many gaps,” said Democratic strategist Donna Brazile. “I can only imagine what her endorsement would mean to former vice president.”

Like most Americans, Michelle Obama is staying at home, along with her husband and daughters Malia and Sasha, who are back from college. She has t yet weighed in on 2020 campaign, though a person close to her said re's little doubt she supports Biden. person spoke on condition of anymity to discuss Michelle Obama's thinking.

An endorsement does t appear imminent. Biden campaign aides who spoke on condition of anymity to discuss possible scenarios said y want to ensure that any anuncement lands with biggest impact possible.

Biden’s team sees Michelle Obama as a major endorser in her own right, with an appeal distinct from Barack Obama that would justify her own spotlight when, and if, she chooses to anunce an endorsement, according to a Democrat with kwledge of dynamics but t authorized to speak publicly.

That's partly why Barack Obama’s endorsement stood alone last week amid similar anuncements from Sanders and Elizabeth Warren, two of Biden’s former top rivals.

Obama and Biden families grew close during ir White House years, and Biden's visers say Michelle Obama is someone who can speak credibly about Biden's personal traits, furr connect him to Obama legacy and highlight differences with Trump.

Even so, Michelle Obama does t see herself as a political figure and has repeatedly said she has desire to run for office. She has campaigned for candidates, including 2016 presidential minee Hillary Clinton, but only during final weeks before an election.

She has never anunced an endorsement of her own. In 2018, she and ex-president jointly endorsed nearly 100 Democratic candidates in federal and state races.

“ general election really hasn't even gotten going yet,” said Valerie Jarrett, a longtime friend and viser to Mrs. Obama, suggesting that it's too early for talk about her possible endorsement.

Jarrett said her friend's focus right w is on

After Wisconsin voters h to choose between staying at home or risking ir health to vote in this month's primary, When We All Vote

“Putting people in that position is unacceptable, especially when leers like us don’t have to do that,” Michelle Obama told more than 21,000 supporters who joined a virtual When We All Vote event Monday night. She and Barack Obama have voted by mail in every election in past dece, she said.

Over weekend, she appeared with former first ly Laura Bush during a concert organized to support health care workers and World Health Organization. And this week, she launched

Michelle Obama continues to work on her education initiatives for girls in developing countries and for U.S. high school seniors.

Karen Finney, who vised Clinton's 2016 campaign, said Michelle Obama's voice “could be very powerful and carry tremendous weight” as Biden considers a running mate.

Biden

“re's question that her endorsement would carry a lot of weight with voters,” said Finney.

Biden took speculation a step furr during

Asked if he'd ask Mrs. Obama to be his running mate if she signaled interest in joining ticket, Biden said Monday that he'd take her in a “heartbeat.”

“She's brilliant. She kws way around. She is a really fine woman,” Biden said.