At the Chicago convention,
Barack and Michelle Obama eager the Democratic representatives with their
compelling speeches. The previous president & first lady, both highly common
figures inside the party, recommended strong emotional responses as they spoke.
Barack Obama, referencing his own rise to fame at the 2004 convention, conveyed
hope for the future, linking the enthusiasm surrounding Kamala Harris to the
optimism that fueled his own journey to the White House.
“I’m confident because this agreement
has always been good to people with unusual names who trust in a country where
anything is possible,” Barack Obama commented. He emphasized the importance of
the upcoming election, framing it as a crucial choice for the nation. “We don’t
need four more years of chaos and bluster. We’ve seen that movie & the sequel is generally poorer. America
is ready for an advanced chapter, a better story, with Kamala Harris as
president.”
Michelle Obama reverberated
her husband’s sentiments, stating, “Hope is making a comeback in America.” Her entrance
was met with a particularly emotional response, with some delegates moved to
tears. She defended Harris against critics who questioned her qualifications,
asserting that Harris is “one of the most qualified individuals ever to run for
president.” Michelle also addressed Donald Trump’s comments on undocumented
immigrants allegedly taking “Black jobs,” with a pointed rebuttal: “Who’s going
to tell him that the job he’s seeking might just be one of those Black jobs?”
The Obamas served as
inspirational figures, aiming to rally support for Harris in the final months
before the election. The convention featured a tribute to outgoing President
Joe Biden on Monday, with Vice-Presidential nominee Tim Walz headlining
Wednesday, and Kamala Harris delivering her acceptance speech on Thursday.
Before the Obamas took the stage, the delegates held a roll-call vote for
Harris, reaffirming her nomination. Harris addressed the convention via live
stream from Milwaukee, expressing her gratitude and commitment to the campaign.
“I thank everyone here and in
Chicago,” Harris said. “This is a people-powered campaign & together we
will chart a new way forward. I’ll see you in two days, Chicago.”
In his speech, Obama also acclaimed
Joe Biden’s presidency, emphasizing their complex relationship, which grown
from a considered partnership to a deep friendship shaped by political
victories and personal loss. Obama applauded Biden for defending democracy
during a critical time, stating, “History will recall Joe Biden as a president
who stood up for equality at a moment of great threat. I’m proud to call him my
president, but even pleased to call him my friend.”
The agreement also contained
other notable speakers, counting Doug Emhoff, the second gentleman, who communal
personal stories about his life with Harris, portraying a more close side of
the vice-presidential candidate. He spoke affectionately of their blended
family, the shared civilizations & the solid bond between them,
highlighting the love and provision Harris brings to his life and the lives of
his children.
