As Democrats unite around Vice President Kamala Harris as the party’s presumptive nominee in the aftermath of Joe Biden’s withdraw from the presidential race, Barack Obama steered clear of endorsing Harris on Sunday, instead alluding to the possibility of an open primary.

The former president, who retains considerable influence in the party he once led, began by praising Biden’s decision to withdraw from the race as an act of public service.

“It’s a testament to Joe Biden’s love of country — and a historic example of a genuine public servant once again putting the interests of the American people ahead of his own that future generations of leaders will do well to follow,” Obama said.

Obama expressed confidence in Democratic leaders’ ability to “create a process from which an outstanding nominee emerges” but pointedly declined to endorse Harris.

“I believe that Joe Biden’s vision of a generous, prosperous, and united America that provides opportunity for everyone will be on full display at the Democratic Convention in August,” Obama said. “And I expect that every single one of us are prepared to carry that message of hope and progress forward into November and beyond.”

Biden quickly endorsed Harris for president when he withdrew from the race on Sunday and lent her his “full support.”

Former President Bill Clinton and former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton also endorsed Harris in a joint statement posted to X, saying that “we are honored to join the President in endorsing Vice President Harris and will do whatever we can to support her.”

Democratic National Convention chairman Jamie Harrison said in a statement that “in the coming days, the Party will undertake a transparent and orderly process to move forward as a united Democratic Party with a candidate who can defeat Donald Trump in November.”

“This process will be governed by established rules and procedures of the Party. Our delegates are prepared to take seriously their responsibility in swiftly delivering a candidate to the American people,” he added.

Former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and California governor Gavin Newsom have also refrained from offering endorsements yet, instead lauding Biden as a “history-making president.”