The Obamas accused Donald Trump of divisive policies.
New Delhi:
Former U.S. President Barack Obama and former First Lady Michelle Obama delivered powerful speeches today at the Democratic National Convention in Chicago, mobilizing the country behind the candidacy of Kamala Harris, who will become the first Black and South Asian woman to win a major party’s nomination for president.
Barack Obama took the stage to a boisterous welcome, beginning his speech with, “Chicago, it's good to be home.” He was greeted by thunderous applause from the audience. The former president quickly rekindled the spirit of his successful 2008 campaign, declaring, “I don't know about you, but I'm feeling excited and ready to go!”
“This Congress has always been good for kids with funny names who believe in this country that anything is possible,” he said.
Sixteen years after he first accepted the Democratic nomination, Obama looked back with pride on his decision to choose Joe Biden as his vice president. “My first big decision was my best decision — it was to ask Joe Biden to serve as my vice president,” he said. “Apart from some common Irish blood, we come from different worlds, but we became brothers.”
Obama praised Biden for his empathy and decency, qualities he considers essential in a leader. “I admired Joe's empathy and decency. His belief that everyone in this country deserves a chance,” he said.
Obamas criticize Donald Trump
After praising Biden, Obama turned his attention to Donald Trump, who is running for re-election and is Kamala Harris' main opponent in the presidential race.
“Here's a 78-year-old billionaire who hasn't stopped whining about his problems since he got into his golden elevator nine years ago,” Obama said. “It's a constant gripe, conspiracy theories and grievances that have gotten worse since he's afraid of losing to Kamala.”
“Someone compared Trump to a neighbor who keeps using his leaf blower outside your window. For a neighbor it's tiring, for a president it's dangerous,” Obama added.
Obama accused Trump of divisive policies. The former president said the United States doesn't need four more years of chaos.
“Trump wants us to think that this country is divided between 'us' and 'them.' Between 'real' Americans who support him and the 'outsiders.' It's the oldest trick in politics. His act has become stale. We don't need four more years of chaos because we've seen that movie before and we know the sequel is usually worse,” he said.
Michelle Obama's speech was also a fierce critique of the current state of American politics. The former First Lady did not mince her words as she took Trump to task, accusing him of divisive rhetoric and policies.
“For years, Donald Trump has done everything he can to make people afraid of us,” she began. “His narrow, narrow-minded view of the world made him feel threatened by two highly successful, highly educated people who happened to be black. It’s the same old scam, clinging to ugly, misogynistic, racist lies instead of real ideas and solutions.”
Big praise for Kamala Harris
Speaking of Kamala Harris, Obama went back in time to tweak his “Yes We Can” campaign slogan from the 2008 election, declaring, “Yes, she can.”
“America is ready for a new chapter and a new story. We are ready for Kamala Harris. She is ready for the job,” he said. “Kamala Harris will not focus on her problems, she will focus on yours. She will not punish those who refuse to kiss the ring and bend the knee.”
“We need a president who actually cares about the millions of people in this country. We need a president who will stand up for them and negotiate better wages. Kamala will be that president. Yes, she can,” the former president added.
Michelle Obama also spoke passionately about Kamala Harris, whom she described as more than ready to lead. “Kamala Harris and I are building our lives on the same foundation of values,” she said, drawing parallels between their upbringings and shared beliefs in America's promise.
“Her mother moved here from India when she was 19, so she taught Kamala about justice,” Michelle Obama said. “She would often tell her daughter, 'Don't sit around complaining, do something.' So with that voice in her head, Kamala went out and worked hard, fighting for people, for better wages.”
