Michelle Obama's recent appearance at the Democratic National Convention in Chicago has left a lasting impression, not just for her powerful rhetoric but also for the strategic shift it represents in how the Democratic Party is approaching the 2024 election.
The former First Lady, known for her "when they go low, we go high" mantra, took a different approach this time, delivering a pointed and, at times, biting critique of former President Donald Trump. Her speech is being widely praised for its effectiveness in dismantling Trump's political persona while also energizing Democratic delegates and supporters.
Speaking to a packed audience in her hometown of Chicago, Michelle Obama did not mince words as she addressed the racial and social tensions that have been exacerbated during Trump's political career.
"For years, Donald Trump did everything in his power to try to make people fear us. His limited, narrow view of the world made him feel threatened by the existence of two hard-working, highly educated, successful people who happen to be Black," she stated, referencing Trump's long-standing antagonism toward her husband, former President Barack Obama.
Her remarks were met with enthusiastic applause, particularly when she addressed Trump's recent controversial statements. During a June debate with Joe Biden, Trump had referred to the economic threat posed to African Americans by illegal migrants as "Black jobs."
Obama's response was both sharp and humorous: "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?" The line drew prolonged cheers from the audience and quickly went viral on social media, where many lauded her for turning Trump's rhetoric against him.
Obama's speech also cleverly used humor and irony to belittle Trump's achievements and his persona. In a subtle jab at Trump's infamous descent down a golden escalator in 2015, which marked the beginning of his presidential campaign, Obama remarked, "If we see a mountain in front of us, we don't expect there to be an escalator waiting to take us to the top." The analogy drew laughter and underscored the stark contrast between Trump's privileged background and the everyday struggles faced by many Americans.
The former First Lady also tackled the concept of "affirmative action," typically used in the context of racial quota systems. She turned the term on its head by referring to Trump's inherited wealth as a form of affirmative action, suggesting that his success was not entirely self-made. "She understands that most of us will never be afforded the grace of failing forward. We will never benefit from the affirmative action of generational wealth," Obama said, praising Vice President Kamala Harris while taking a swipe at Trump's privileged upbringing.
Her speech was a clear departure from the more cautious tone she has taken in the past. The New York Times noted that Obama's shift from "When they go low, we go high" to "When they go low, we call it out" marks a significant change in her public persona. This new approach was well-received, with Rachel Maddow of MSNBC calling it "one of the best convention speeches I've ever seen by anybody in any circumstance."
Political commentators have pointed out that Obama's use of humor and mockery may be a deliberate strategy to demystify Trump and reduce his perceived power. This approach aligns with that of Democratic vice-presidential nominee Tim Walz, who has repeatedly branded Trump and his supporters as "weird." By making Trump seem less like a formidable adversary and more like a grievance-obsessed figure, the Democrats are attempting to shift the narrative from fear to ridicule.
Barack Obama, speaking after his wife, echoed this sentiment with his own series of putdowns aimed at Trump. He dismissed the former president as a "78-year-old billionaire who hasn't stopped whining about his problems since he rode down his golden escalator nine years ago." His remarks reinforced the idea that Trump is more of an irritant than a serious threat to democracy.
This new strategy represents a significant shift in the Democratic Party's approach to the 2024 election. Where Joe Biden's campaign has often focused on the existential threat Trump poses to democratic institutions, the Obamas are offering a different perspective-one that seeks to diminish Trump's stature through humor and disdain rather than fear.
By criticizing Trump while also appealing to the humanity of his supporters, the Obamas may have found a more effective way to connect with undecided voters. Barack Obama urged Democrats not to demonize Trump's base, likening them to a relative who occasionally says something cringe-worthy but isn't inherently bad. This more nuanced approach could prove crucial in a highly polarized election.
