In a highly anticipated move, former President Barack Obama is set to return to the Democratic National Convention stage in his hometown of Chicago to deliver the keynote address on Tuesday. This appearance comes 20 years after his convention debut, which catapulted him into the national spotlight.

Obama's speech is expected to touch on the historic nature of Kamala Harris's candidacy as the first woman of color to lead the Democratic ticket, highlighting it as a continuation of his own legacy. However, he must also pay tribute to his former vice-president and the man responsible for Harris's rise to prominence, President Joe Biden.

The relationship between Obama and Harris goes back over two decades, as they have crossed paths in their respective political careers. Their first meeting took place at a California fundraiser in 2004, when Obama was an Illinois state senator running for the US Senate. Harris became an early supporter of Obama's presidential campaign and played a vital role in his first victory in 2008.

Now, buoyed by the enthusiasm surrounding Harris's campaign, Obama and his wife Michelle Obama are eager to support her in her bid for the Oval Office. David Plouffe, Obama's 2008 campaign manager and current Harris campaign adviser, believes that Obama's speech will not only excite people about Harris but also emphasize the importance of this election.

Throughout their relationship, Obama has shown support for Harris's political endeavors. He endorsed her bid for attorney general in California, praising her as a "dear, dear friend" during a 2010 rally. In 2012, Obama gave Harris a speaking role at the Democratic National Convention, further solidifying her rising star in the political arena.

Their relationship has not been without its missteps, however. In 2013, Obama caused controversy by referring to Harris as "the best looking attorney general in the country" during a fundraiser. He later apologized for the comment, emphasizing that he did not intend to diminish her accomplishments.

In 2016, as he finished his second term as president, Obama endorsed Harris in her campaign for the US Senate. He highlighted her experience as a prosecutor and her commitment to serving the people of California. Harris went on to win the election, becoming the second black woman to serve in the Senate.

While Harris's own presidential bid did not pan out, she found a new opportunity when she was selected as Joe Biden's running mate. Obama reportedly supported Biden's decision, despite early disagreements between Harris and Biden during the primary debates.

As Obama takes the stage at the Democratic National Convention, his speech is expected to strike a balance between celebrating Harris's historic candidacy and recognizing the pivotal role that Biden played in her political journey. This powerful endorsement from Obama may have a significant impact on energizing voters and boosting support for Harris's campaign.

The convention will provide a platform for Obama to remind the American people of his own achievements and to convey the importance of electing leaders who will continue his work. With Harris as the vice-presidential candidate, Obama hopes to solidify a Democratic victory in the upcoming election and propel Harris towards becoming the first female vice president in American history.