Former First Lady Michelle Obama delivered a powerful speech at the Democratic National Convention in Chicago on Tuesday, using her platform to sharply criticize former President Donald Trump while rallying Democrats around the candidacy of Kamala Harris. In a speech that marked her third consecutive DNC appearance targeting Trump, Obama did not hold back, labeling his rhetoric as rooted in "misogynistic, racist lies" and urging voters to take decisive action in the upcoming election.
"Donald Trump did everything in his power to try to make people fear us," Obama asserted, referencing the former president's efforts to undermine her husband's presidency. She described Trump's behavior as driven by a "limited, narrow view of the world" that made him feel threatened by successful Black individuals. This theme of racial and social division ran throughout her address, highlighting the stark contrasts between Trump's worldview and the inclusive vision she associates with the Democratic Party.
In one of the most striking moments of her speech, Obama directly addressed Trump's recent comments about "Black jobs." With a pointed quip that brought the audience to laughter, she said, "I want to know who's going to tell him that the job he's currently seeking might just be one of those Black jobs?" This line was not just a humorous jab but a critical commentary on Trump's attempt to divide Americans along racial lines.
Obama's speech also focused on the privileges Trump has enjoyed throughout his life, contrasting his generational wealth with the struggles of everyday Americans. "We will never benefit from the affirmative action of generational wealth," she remarked. "If we bankrupt a business or choke in a crisis, we don't get a second, third, or fourth chance. We don't get to change the rules so we always win." By juxtaposing Trump's life experiences with those of ordinary citizens, Obama sought to underscore the disconnect between the former president and the people he claims to represent.
The former first lady also praised Vice President Kamala Harris, emphasizing her resilience and dedication. "Throughout her entire life, that's what we've seen from Kamala Harris. The steel of her spine, the steadiness of her upbringing, the honesty of her example," Obama said. Her words were not just an endorsement but a call to arms for Democrats to support Harris as a leader who understands and embodies the struggles of many Americans.
Obama's speech was not just about denouncing Trump but also about motivating Democratic voters to take action. "So consider this to be your official ask," she told the audience, urging them to vote in numbers that would leave no doubt about the outcome. "We need to overwhelm any effort to suppress us. Our fate is in our hands."
This passionate plea for voter mobilization was a central theme of Obama's address. She warned that the upcoming election could be decided by just a handful of votes in key precincts and that Democrats must be prepared to fight for every single one. "In 77 days, we have the power to turn our country away from the fear, division, and smallness of the past," she declared.
Michelle Obama's speech also marked a shift in her public approach. Known for her reluctance to engage directly in partisan politics, Obama took a more aggressive stance this time, directly challenging Trump and his record. Her speech at the 2016 DNC introduced the famous line, "When they go low, we go high," which contrasted sharply with her more pointed remarks on Tuesday.
The response from the Trump campaign was notably absent, as a request for comment was not immediately answered. However, the message from Obama was clear: the stakes in this election are incredibly high, and Democrats must unite and act decisively to ensure victory.
