Former President Barack Obama and former First Lady Michelle Obama closed the second night of the Democratic National Convention in Chicago, hoping to continue the momentum Vice President Kamala Harris currently holds for the November elections.
The Obamas made the case to Democrats and American voters as to why they should elect Harris as the next President of the United States, with the former President emphasizing the task that lay ahead for Democrats and highlighting the values at stake in November and at the heart of U.S. politics.
"The vast majority of us don't want to live in a country that is bitter and divided," the former President said, pointing out that so many Americans don't trust one another.
The former President spent some time in his speech trying to paint a picture of Donald Trump as a person who keeps whining about his own personal grievances and advocating for his political ambitions, rather than actually fighting for voters.
He said Trump is a "78-year-old billionaire who hasn't stopped whining about his problems since he rode down his golden escalator nine years ago," while also comparing him to an annoying neighbor who blows their leaf blower in your own window at every minute of every day.
Meanwhile, the former First Lady shed a light on Harris' close relationship with her mother, comparing to that of her own. She mentioned that while both of their mothers grew an ocean apart, the two were raised with similar values— empathy.
She also referenced her husband's presidency, asking the audience "who's going to tell [Donald Trump] that the job he's currently seeking might just be one of those 'Black jobs'?", turning to one of his infamous lines during the June presidential debate that has come under scrutiny.
At the same time, the former First Lady acknowledged the seeming optimism and enthusiasm in the room, hinting that there's "something magical in the air" and "it's spreading all across this country."
"The contagious power of hope, the anticipation, the energy, the exhilaration of once again being on the cusp of a brighter day, the chance to vanquish the demons of fear, division and hate that have consumed us and continue pursuing the unfinished promise of this great nation," she said.
But despite the different approaches in their messages, they both underscored the urgency at rallying behind Vice President Harris and voting in the November elections.
Harris and the Obamas share a long-standing relationship. The Vice President backed Obama's long-shot campaign for president in 2007, when it was considered a political risk. In fact, she was on the ground in Iowa in December 2007 knocking on doors to advocate for him to caucus voters.
Similarly, Obama endorsed Harris in 2010 when she ran for California attorney general and appeared at a rally in Los Angeles where he called her "a dear, dear friend."
The former president and former first lady have also been in regular touch with Harris over the years, providing counsel and being a sounding board, too, according to ABC News.
The Windy City was a familiar crowd for the powerhouse couple, as their roots originate in Chicago and they still own a house on the city's South Side. Obama's presidential library is also going up at the edge of the University of Chicago's campus.
The Obamas' speech was preceded by Second Gentleman Doug Emhoff, who was also received with excitement from the crowd. He shared personal details about his relationship with Harris— their cooking habits, their first date and her laugh, which is often mocked by Republican detractors.
"You know that laugh. I love that laugh!" Emhoff said as the crowd cheered. Later he added, "her empathy is her strength."
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