Former US president Barack Obama will campaign for Democratic presidential candidate and his former vice president Joe Biden, on Wednesday, Biden’s campaign said on Friday, as per PTI report.

“On Wednesday, October 21, (former) president Obama will travel to Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, to campaign on behalf of Joe Biden and Kamala Harris,” the statement read.

Although Obama has endorsed Biden and is running online campaigns for him, this would be the first time that the 59-year-old former president would be campaigning in person.

How will it help Biden’s campaign?

Four years after he left the presidency, Obama because of his oratory skills, still remains the biggest crowd-puller for the opposition Democratic party.

Him jumping into the campaign just a fortnight ahead of the election day is likely to motivate and encourage African Americans and fence-sitters to come out and vote, Biden strategists believe, PTI reported.

Also read: Barack Obama calls on Republicans to delay filing vacant US Supreme Court post

A day earlier, the Democratic National Committee released a new ad featuring Obama, “The 2020 Election Is Already Here.” It highlights the stakes of this election, the importance of Americans voting now to make their voices heard and how they can find all the information they need to make their plan to vote.

“Millions of Americans are already voting, make sure you stand up and join them,” Obama said in the ad.

“There will always be reasons to think your vote doesn’t matter — that’s not new. What is new is a growing movement for justice, equality and progress on so many issues. This really is a tipping point, and that momentum only continues if we win this election. But it’s gonna be close. It could come down to a handful of voters just like you. So I’m asking you to bring this thing home. Leave no doubt. Vote early,” he said, PTI reported.

The ad is being run in all the battleground States through digital platforms including Facebook, Instagram, Hulu, and YouTube.

Obama hits out at his successor

During the Democratic National Convention this summer, Obama had launched a blistering attack against his successor, President Donald Trump. 

“Donald Trump hasn’t grown into the job because he can’t,” he said in August.

“And the consequences of that failure are severe. 170,000 Americans dead. Millions of jobs gone while those at the top take in more than ever. Our worst impulses unleashed, our proud reputation around the world badly diminished, and our democratic institutions threatened like never before,” Obama added.