In a powerful speech at the Democratic National Convention in Chicago, former First Lady Michelle Obama highlighted the importance of hope and resilience in American politics while taking veiled swipes at Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump. Speaking on Tuesday, August 20, 2024, Obama called on the nation to uphold values of hard work, sacrifice, and humility—qualities she emphasized were central to the American spirit.
Reflecting on her personal loss, Obama paid tribute to her late mother, Marian Robinson, who passed away in May at the age of 86. Robinson, whom Obama described as a woman of "hard work, humility, and decency," was remembered for her unglamorous but essential contributions to the nation’s fabric.
Obama also praised Democratic presidential nominee Kamala Harris, noting the sacrifices Harris’s mother made as an immigrant from India. She emphasized Harris's readiness for the presidency, stating, "No one has a monopoly on what it means to be an American. Only Kamala Harris truly understands the unseen labor and unwavering commitment that has always made America great."
The former First Lady’s speech also included pointed remarks directed at Trump, who has a history of antagonizing the Obamas, particularly during Barack Obama's 2008 presidential campaign when Trump promoted the racist "birther" conspiracy. Michelle Obama highlighted the challenges faced by those who, unlike Trump, do not have the privilege of failing forward or relying on generational wealth to recover from setbacks.
In a particularly sharp critique, Obama remarked, "Who is going to tell him [Trump] that the job he is seeking might be one of those Black jobs," a line that was met with thunderous applause from the audience. She condemned the politics of spite, book banning, and misogyny, advocating instead for a broader, more inclusive vision for the country.
Before introducing her husband, Barack Obama, Michelle Obama concluded with a call to reject pettiness and to embrace hope and unity in the nation's political discourse. "Going small is never the answer," she said, urging the Democratic Party and the nation to rise above division and focus on the values that truly define America.
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