Washington: Addressing the massive crowd during the second night of the Democratic National Convention (DNC), the Obamas set a strong tone by recapturing the energy of the 2008 campaign when the former US president, Barack, was running for office. Lending the same energy to Kamala Harris’ campaign, he said, “I’m feeling hopeful because this convention has always been pretty good to kids with funny names who believe in a country where anything is possible.”
The US’s first Black president endorsed Harris as the presidential candidate, with leading a chant of “Yes she can!”. He began his speech with a tone of self-deprecation but also said lines about him being an up-and-coming politician with a funny name.
“I am the only person stupid enough to speak after Michelle Obama,” he joked.
“I’m feeling hopeful because this convention has always been pretty good to kids with funny names who believe in a country where anything is possible,” he added.
He also praised President Joe Biden for being “selfless enough to do the rarest thing there is in politics: putting his own ambition aside for the sake of the country.”
“History will remember Joe Biden as an outstanding president who defended democracy at a moment of great danger. I am proud to call him my president, but even prouder to call him my friend.”
Further cautioning the crowd at the DNC that even though “the torch has been passed” to Harris, Barack asserted that the work for Democrats is not yet done.
“For all the incredible energy we’ve been able to generate over the last few weeks, this will still be a tight race in a closely divided country — a country where too many Americans are still struggling and don’t believe government can help,” he said.
“Make no mistake, it will be a fight,” he added.
The former US President also encouraged Democrats to listen to those who disagree with them and fight for their votes to those who have differences.
“We start thinking that the only way to win is to scold and shame and out yell the other side. That approach may work for the politicians who just want attention and thrive on division. But it won’t work for us.”
He also urged his party to not rush to pass judgement on those with values that are different from theirs, saying, “That’s how we can build a true Democratic majority.”
“Our fellow citizens deserve the same grace we hope they’ll extend to us.”
‘And Like All of Us, They Will Make Mistakes’: Michelle
Taking the stage in a sleeveless Navy dress to wild and raucous applause, Michelle began her speech by saying, “Hope is making a comeback.”
Tying the energy at the DNC to her husband’s campaign 16 years ago, the former First Lady said, “Something wonderfully magical is in the air, isn’t it. It’s the contagious power of hope.”
“American, hope is making a comeback.”
Furthermore, without clearly mentioning Donald Trump‘s name, Michelle called his “privilege” to “failing forward.”
“We will never benefit from the affirmative action of gender, race or wealth,” she added. “We don’t have the luxury of whining or cheating others to get ahead.”
She tweaked Trump for his history of attacking her and her husband, saying, His limited and narrow view of the world made him feel threatened by the existence of two hardworking, highly educated, successful people who also happened to be Black.”
Even as she attacked Trump, Michelle encouraged Democrats to take the high road against him: “When they go low, we go high.”
In closing her remarks, Michelle sought to warn Democrats not to become “their own worst enemies,” nitpicking qualities about Harris and Walz.
“Kamala and Tim have lived amazing lives. I am confident they will lead with compassion, inclusion and grace. But they are still only human. They’re not perfect. And like all of us, they will make mistakes.”
(Inputs from AP)
‘America, Hope is Making a Comeback’: Obamas Take Stage at DNC as They Endorse Harris world-news World News | Latest International News | Global World News | World News Today
