‘So proud of you’: Barack Obama and Kamala Harris bump fists in ‘remarkable’ Inauguration Day photo
First Black president’s special moment with the first Black vice president quickly goes viral during inaugural ceremonies
Your support helps us to tell the story
This election is still a dead heat, according to most polls. In a fight with such wafer-thin margins, we need reporters on the ground talking to the people Trump and Harris are courting. Your support allows us to keep sending journalists to the story.
The Independent is trusted by 27 million Americans from across the entire political spectrum every month. Unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock you out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. But quality journalism must still be paid for.
Help us keep bring these critical stories to light. Your support makes all the difference.
Former President Barack Obama was seen congratulating Vice President Kamala Harris at her inaugural ceremony on Wednesday in a moment that quickly went viral, as the first Black president fist bumped the first Black vice president at the US Capitol.
It was a historic sight, and one celebrated by Americans tuning in from across the country: the former president looked on as Ms Harris made her way to the inaugural dais and was sworn in as the first woman and Black and South Asian person to become vice president.
“So proud of you,” he could be heard saying to Ms Harris, as she smiled from behind her face mask.
Follow The Independent’s live coverage on Inauguration Day 2021
Mr Obama then gave Ms Harris a double fist bump, along with former First Lady Michelle Obama, who also gave a fist bump to the new vice president.
Photos of the fist bump moment were called “remarkable” by viewers, with many celebrating a shot captured by Reuters photographer Jonathan Ernst.
Ms Harris’ oath on Wednesday was administered by Supreme Court Justice Sonia Sotomayor, the first Latina woman to serve on the nation’s highest court.
Before she was sworn in, Minnesota Senator Amy Klobuchar said Ms Harris’ inauguration would be monumental for young people across the country.
“When she takes the oath of office, little girls and boys across the world will know that anything and everything is possible,” she said. “And in the end, that is America."
Read more: Who’s who in Vice President-elect Kamala Harris’ family?
In a message posted to her social media accounts ahead of the inaugural ceremonies, Ms Harris noted the historic nature of her role.
“I’m here today because of the women who came before me,” she wrote in a caption.
The vice president often shares a quote from her mother, Shyamala Hopalan Harris, who said: “You may be the first to do many things, but make sure you are not the last."
Subscribe to Independent Premium to bookmark this article
Want to bookmark your favourite articles and stories to read or reference later? Start your Independent Premium subscription today.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments