Obamas Pass Hope And Change Messaging Mantle To Harris
Dominic Calabrese is reporting on and sharing his observations with CommPRO from the DNC 2024 in Chicago.
In engrossing back to back speeches at last night's DNC, former first couple Barack and Michelle Obama made a compelling argument for the election this fall of Vice President Kamala Harris.
The Obamas along with Second Gentleman Doug Emhoff, Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) and Vermont Senator Bernie Sanders showcased the roster of speakers on the second day of the convention, which continued the overall theme of joy set on Monday.
The ex president and first lady maintained that Harris is the legitimate heir to the hope and change message they made a hallmark of their winning campaigns in 2008 and 2012.
"America, hope is making a comeback!" Ms. Obama told excited delegates. "Something magical is in the air, isn't it? Not just here in this arena, but spreading all across this country we love: a familiar feeling that's been buried too deep for too long."
She lauded both Harris and her running mate, Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz, as accomplished public servants who genuinely care about middle and working class Americans.
"Kamala and Tim have lived amazing lives. I am confident they will lead with compassion, inclusion and grace," the former first lady said.
At the same time, she drew a dramatic contrast with the dark and grievance based campaign being waged by former President Donald Trump.
In what will be remembered as one of the most potent lines of her speech, Ms. Obama called attention to Trump's penchant for making racist stereotypes.
"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. "Who's going to tell him that the job he's currently seeking might be just one of those "Black jobs"?
Ms. Obama was followed by her husband, the 44th president, who joked, "I'm feeling ready to go even if I'm the only person stupid enough to speak right after Michelle Obama!"
Mr. Obama praised President Joe Biden for enacting progressive legislation that helped ordinary Americans while at the same time, defending democracy at a "moment of great danger."
He applauded Biden for passing the torch to Harris and urged Democrats to fight hard for the America they all believe in and get her elected.
"And make no mistake, it will be a fight," he noted. "For all the incredible energy we've been able to generate over the last few weeks, this will be a tight race in a closely divided country."
The former president saved his harshest comments for Trump, painting the GOP nominee as an out-of-touch billionaire who cares only about himself and will be a grave threat to the nation's democratic institutions should he be re-elected this fall.
in a novel switch, several prominent Republicans also addressed the DNC Tuesday and picked up on Mr. Obama's warning.
Among them was Trump's former press secretary, Stephanie Grisham.
"Here I am behind a podium, advocating for a Democrat because I love my country more than my party," she said. Kamala Harris tells the truth and respects the American people. She has my vote.
Another highlight of Day #2 was the roll call of the states, cementing Harris' selection as the 2024 Democratic nominee. This time, the procedural event was transformed into a musical celebration led by DJ Cassidy and rapper Lil Jon with popular songs introducing each state's delegation as they announced their votes for Harris.
