Barack and Michelle Obama took the stage on the second night of the Democratic National Convention in Chicago, urging Democrats to rally behind Vice President Kamala Harris and emphasizing the importance of defeating Donald Trump in the upcoming election. Their speeches were marked by a blend of hope and urgency, as they encouraged the party to unite and take action to ensure a victory in November.
Barack Obama, the 44th president, delivered a stirring 34-minute address where he made a compelling case for Harris as the next president of the United States. He urged voters to leave behind the “bluster and bumbling and chaos” of Trump’s administration, stating, “America’s ready for a new chapter. We are ready for a President Kamala Harris.” Obama, known for his oratory skills, didn’t shy away from directly criticizing Trump, calling him “a 78-year-old billionaire who has not stopped whining about his problems since he rode down that golden escalator nine years ago.”
However, Obama also highlighted the importance of moving beyond just criticizing Trump. He reminded Democrats that they must present a clear and compelling vision for the future, one that addresses the current challenges facing the country. “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 need to chart a new way forward to meet the challenges of today. And Kamala understands this,” he added, underscoring Harris’s commitment to policies on housing, health care, the economy, and immigration.
Michelle Obama echoed her husband’s sentiments, focusing on the theme of hope and action. She emphasized that “hope is making a comeback” with Harris’s candidacy but warned against complacency. “It’s up to us to remember what Kamala’s mother told her: Don’t just sit around and complain — do something,” Michelle said, rallying Democrats to actively participate in the campaign and counter any negative narratives that may arise. “If they lie about her, and they will, we’ve got to do something. If we see a bad poll, and we will, we’ve got to put down that phone and do something,” she urged, reinforcing the need for continuous effort.
The former first lady, known for her ability to connect with the public, received a warm reception from the convention audience. She contrasted Harris’s record of public service with Trump’s, highlighting that Harris “has shown her allegiance to this nation, not by spewing anger and bitterness, but by living a life of service and always pushing the doors of opportunity open to others.” Michelle described Harris as “more than ready for this moment,” and one of the most qualified individuals ever to seek the presidency.
The convention also saw Illinois Governor JB Pritzker, whose state hosted the event, take the stage with pointed remarks aimed at Trump. Pritzker, himself a billionaire, mocked Trump by saying, “Take it from an actual billionaire, Trump is rich in only one thing — stupidity.” He praised the Democratic achievements in Illinois, contrasting them with Trump’s “embarrassing” record.
As the night concluded, the mood in the convention was one of determination and resolve. The Obamas had set the tone for the final stretch of the campaign, reminding Democrats that while the challenges ahead are significant, so too is the opportunity to bring about meaningful change. Their speeches left little doubt that they believe Kamala Harris is the right person to lead the nation forward, but they also made it clear that it will require the collective effort of every Democrat to make that a reality in November.
