Former first lady Michelle Obama spoke at the Democratic convention in support of Kamala Harris’ presidential candidacy, drawing comparisons to her husband Barack Obama’s campaign in 2008. She emphasized the return of hope in America and highlighted Harris’ readiness for the office of the presidency. Obama contrasted Harris with President Trump, highlighting Harris’ commitment to service and opportunity. She expressed the importance of electing Harris and her running mate, Governor Tim Walz, urging Americans to vote in numbers that erase any doubt and overcome efforts to suppress votes. Obama called on the country to keep moving forward and working for progress.
Michelle Obama has a long history of speaking at Democratic conventions, dating back to 2008 when her husband was first nominated. She is known for her impactful speeches, such as her memorable line, “When they go low, we go high.” In her 2020 speech, she criticized President Trump, stating that he is not capable of meeting the challenges of the current moment. Obama shared personal stories about her mother, whose values she sees reflected in Harris. She emphasized the importance of honoring her mother’s memory and the sense of hope she lived by every day.
During her speech, Michelle Obama praised Kamala Harris as one of the most qualified individuals ever to seek the presidency. She highlighted Harris’ commitment to opening doors of opportunity for others and her understanding of the unseen labor that has made America great. Obama contrasted Harris with Trump, criticizing his divisive rhetoric and limited worldview. She also made a reference to IVF, which she used to conceive her daughters, in the context of reproductive rights and healthcare under a Trump presidency. Obama urged Americans to take action to ensure Harris’s victory in the election.
Despite speculation about her own potential candidacy, Michelle Obama has consistently distanced herself from politics. A poll conducted after Joe Biden’s debate performance found that she was the only Democrat who defeated Trump in a hypothetical matchup, indicating her popularity among voters. In her speech, she called on Americans to vote in numbers that overwhelm any efforts to suppress votes and continue working towards progress. Michelle Obama’s support for Kamala Harris and her message of hope and unity resonated with the audience at the Democratic convention.
