Former First Lady Michelle Obama and former President Barack Obama spoke at the Democratic National Convention on Tuesday, laying out their vision for new leadership under Vice President Kamala Harris.
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“Hope returns”
Former First Lady Michelle Obama delivered a message of hope at the Democratic National Convention on Tuesday evening.
She remembered her mother admonishing her “not to waste the sacrifices our ancestors made to give us a better future.”
And she said Kamala Harris’ mother instilled in her the same values: to study and work hard and to pursue a career in public service.
“Kamala came from a middle-class home and worked her way up to become Vice President of the United States of America,” Obama said. “Kamala Harris is more than ready for this moment.”
“Of the two major candidates in this race, only Kamala Harris truly understands the invisible work and unwavering commitment that has always made America great,” Obama said.
But “it’s going to be a tough fight,” Obama warned ahead of the upcoming elections. “We must not get caught up in a Goldilocks complex when it comes to whether everything is right.”
“It is up to all of us to be the antidote to darkness and division,” she said.
“I am full of hope”
Sixteen years after accepting the Democratic nomination in his first presidential campaign, former President Barack Obama returned to Chicago to address the DNC.
“This convention has always been very good for kids with funny names who believe in a country where anything is possible,” Obama said.
Obama opened his speech by remembering the achievements of President Joe Biden.
“We needed a leader who was selfless enough to do the rarest thing in politics: put his own ambitions aside for the good of the country,” Obama said. “History will remember Joe Biden.”
“The torch has now been passed. Now it’s up to all of us to fight for the America we believe in,” Obama said. “This will still be a close race in a country that is deeply divided.”
A distinction from Trump
Obama recalled former President Donald Trump’s actions during his time in office, including his efforts to obstruct immigration policies and suppress reproductive rights.
“We don’t need four more years of bluster, stumbling and chaos,” he said. “America is ready for a new chapter.”
In contrast, Obama said, Kamala Harris wants to support the middle class, reduce drug costs and protect women’s right to decide for themselves about their health care.
“In other words, Kamala Harris will not focus on her problems. She will focus on yours,” he said.
“A new way forward”
“Our job is to convince people that democracy can actually deliver,” Obama said. “We can’t just rely on the ideas of the past. We have to find a new way forward to meet the challenges of today. And Kamala understands that.”
Former President Obama outlined policy priorities for the incoming Harris administration, including building new housing, further reducing health care costs and making college tuition more affordable.
“We need a president who will stand up for workers who want to negotiate for better working conditions and wages,” he said.
“Kamala and Tim know that we are all better off when everyone gets a fair chance,” Obama said.
“We, the people, include everyone”
“Democracy is not just a set of abstract principles and dusty laws written in a book somewhere,” Obama said. “It’s the values we live by. It’s the way we treat each other, even those who look different than we do, pray differently than we do, or see the world differently than we do.”
“To make progress on the issues we care about and that really affect people’s lives, we must remember that we all have our blind spots, contradictions and biases. And if we want to win over those who are not yet ready to support our candidate, we must listen to their concerns – and maybe learn something in the process,” he said.
Obama took this idea to the world, demanding that America and a Harris administration lead by example in combating climate change, fighting disease and protecting human rights.
“The vast majority of us do not want to live in a country where there is bitterness and division,” Obama said. “We want something better.”
“I believe that this is what we long for more than any policy or any program – a return to an America where we work together and look after each other,” he said.
“If each of us does our part over the next 77 days, we will elect Kamala Harris as the next president of the United States and Tim Walz as the next vice president of the United States,” Obama said. “Let’s get to work.”
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Years of support
Harris has known the Obamas since Barack Obama ran for the U.S. Senate in Illinois. She also supported his 2008 presidential campaign.
The Obamas have supported Harris’ campaign through public relations and fundraising, their social media influence and their political engagement.
Mrs. Obama leads We All Vote, a bipartisan group that works to increase voter registration and turnout nationwide.
In a phone call with Vice President Harris in July, shortly after she received President Biden’s endorsement, the Obamas congratulated Harris and pledged their support.
“We will do everything we can to get you into the presidency and continue the amazing legacy that Joe Biden and you have created,” former President Obama said in the call. “Michelle and I couldn’t be prouder to support you and do everything we can to get you through this election and into the Oval Office.”
