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A triumphant Michelle Obama returned to her hometown of Chicago on Tuesday night, where she delivered a powerful endorsement of Vice President Kamala Harris during the second night of the Democratic National Convention. Speaking at the United Center, the former first lady passionately addressed the pressing issues facing the country, offering a sharp critique of former President Donald Trump and the threats she believes he poses to both democracy and the nation’s future.
A Forceful Critique of Donald Trump
In her speech, Obama did not hold back in her assessment of Trump’s divisive rhetoric and actions. She highlighted the deep concern she feels about his influence, emphasizing the damage she believes his leadership has caused. “For years, Donald Trump did everything in his power to try to make people fear us,” she said, referring to herself and former President Barack Obama. “His limited, narrow view of the world made him feel threatened by the existence of two hard-working, highly educated, successful people – who happen to be Black.”
In one of the most memorable moments of her speech, Obama referenced a remark Trump made during a CNN presidential debate, turning it into a pointed rebuke. “Wait, I want to know – who’s going to tell him that the job he’s currently seeking might just be one of those ‘Black jobs’?” she quipped, drawing loud cheers from the convention delegates. Obama went on to accuse Trump of relying on “the same old con, doubling down on ugly misogynistic, racist lies as a substitute for real ideas and solutions that will actually make people’s lives better.”
Speaking Out on Racism and Shared Values
Michelle Obama’s speech also touched on a deeply personal topic: the racism she and her husband endured during their time in the White House, much of it fueled by Trump’s promotion of the so-called “birtherism” conspiracy. For the former first lady, this moment of candor marked one of her most direct public acknowledgments of the racism they faced
. It was clear that her remarks resonated deeply with the audience, as Democratic strategist and CNN commentator Keith Boykin observed. “The implication was clear that he traffics in racism and division, and we’re tired of that,” Boykin said. “It’s like he’s a schoolyard bully who never grew up, and she’s America’s mom telling this kid, ‘Look, this act is over and played out.’”
Obama also spoke about the impact of her mother, Marian Robinson, who passed away in June. She drew parallels between the lessons she and Harris learned from their mothers, both of whom believed in the promise of America. Reflecting on her mother’s legacy, Obama expressed her determination to honor her memory by continuing to fight for a better future. “I wasn’t even sure if I would be steady enough to stand before you tonight,” she admitted. “But my heart compelled me to be here because of the sense of duty that I feel to honor her memory.”
A Call to Action for 2024
In her closing remarks, Michelle Obama’return shifted from the inspirational tone she had often used in the past, most notably when she coined the slogan “When they go low, we go high” during the 2016 DNC. This time, she issued a direct challenge to Americans who are feeling overwhelmed by the current political climate. “Do something,” she urged, addressing the anxiety surrounding the 2024 presidential campaign.
The impact of Obama’s speech was immediate, with reactions pouring in on social media. Many noted the shift in her tone, recognizing the urgency in her message. Latonya Reeves, a delegate from Minnesota, shared her emotional response with CNN’s Kaitlin Collins. “Our ancestors fought for us to be here. We don’t have the opportunity to sit on the sidelines and not vote,” Reeves said, her voice hoarse from cheering.
Michelle Obama returned to Chicago and her passionate defense of Kamala Harris underscored the high stakes of the upcoming election, as well as her commitment to the values she holds dear. Her words served as both a rallying cry and a reminder of the ongoing fight for justice and equality in America.
Also Read: Biden Passes the Torch to Harris in Emotional Opening Night of Democratic Convention
