Amid enthusiastic chants of "Yes, she can!", former President Barack Obama made a powerful return to the political stage on Tuesday night, this time to endorse Kamala Harris as the next President of the United States. Speaking in his hometown of Chicago during the second night of the Democratic National Convention, Obama delivered a blistering critique of Donald Trump, while passing the torch to Harris, who could become the first woman and the first woman of color to lead the nation.
Obama, known for his oratory skills, energized the crowd with his sharp takedown of Trump’s presidency, urging Americans to turn the page on what he described as "four more years of bluster and bumbling and chaos." Drawing from his own political journey, Obama reflected on how the Democratic Convention had been a springboard for his career, and how Harris is now poised to continue that legacy.
The former president’s speech was a mix of pointed criticism and hopeful vision. He highlighted Harris’s lifelong commitment to justice and her readiness to take on the challenges facing the country. "We are ready for a President Kamala Harris," Obama declared, prompting the crowd to erupt in cheers.
Obama’s appearance marked a significant moment in the convention, not just for his endorsement, but for his symbolic passing of the mantle. He recalled his own breakthrough at the 2004 convention, where he famously spoke of a united America. Now, 20 years later, he sees Harris as the embodiment of that vision—a leader who will fight for all Americans.
The evening also featured a tribute to outgoing President Joe Biden, with Obama praising him as a defender of democracy during a critical period. Yet, Obama did not shy away from contrasting Biden’s tenure with Trump’s, emphasizing the need for fresh leadership to steer the country forward.
In his speech, Obama didn’t hold back from addressing Trump’s tactics, describing him as a "78-year-old billionaire who hasn’t stopped whining about his problems" since his infamous escalator ride nine years ago. The crowd roared as Obama criticized Trump’s divisive rhetoric and obsession with crowd sizes, comparing him to "the neighbor who keeps running his leaf blower outside your window every minute of every day."
Obama’s message was clear: the upcoming election is about choosing a leader who will genuinely care about the American people. He urged Democrats to rise above the negativity and focus on building a better future under Harris’s leadership.
Michelle Obama, who introduced her husband, also delivered a powerful speech, echoing her famous line from 2016: "When they go low, we go high." This time, she didn’t hold back in criticizing Trump, particularly for his attempts to stoke fear and division. She cleverly jabbed at Trump’s campaign rhetoric, suggesting that the job he’s vying for might be one of the "Black jobs" he claims are under threat.
The night culminated with the official nomination of Kamala Harris and her running mate, Tim Walz, with a rally held in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Harris’s husband, Doug Emhoff, and Senator Bernie Sanders also spoke, outlining a bold policy agenda and expressing their support for the Democratic ticket.
As the convention rolled on, it was clear that Obama’s speech had set the tone for the final stretch of the campaign, with Democrats rallying around Harris as the leader they believe can unite the country and restore its promise.
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