Former First Lady Michelle Obama delivered a passionate appeal to voters on Saturday, criticizing former President Donald Trump and rallying support for Vice President Kamala Harris in the critical swing state of Michigan. Speaking to a packed crowd at the Wings Event Center, Obama accused critics of nitpicking Harris's interview responses to distract from Trump's record.
"I hope you'll forgive me if I'm a little frustrated that some of us are choosing to ignore Donald Trump's gross incompetence while asking Kamala to dazzle us at every turn," Obama told thousands of enthusiastic supporters. "All of this while we pick apart countless answers from interviews that he doesn't even have the courage to do."
The rally comes as recent polls indicate a neck-and-neck race in Michigan, a state that could play a decisive role in the 2024 presidential election. According to FiveThirtyEight, Harris holds a narrow lead over Trump, with 47.6% to his 47.1%. Nationally, a Reuters/Ipsos poll shows Harris leading 46% to 43%.
"Right now, as you know, this race is close. It's too close for my liking," Obama acknowledged. "And I came out here to Michigan because I am someone who takes her own advice to heart."
Obama praised Harris for "building a remarkable campaign in record time" and highlighted key issues central to the vice president's platform, including reproductive rights and healthcare. She also took aim at Trump's character and track record, stating that his "amoral character" would be disqualifying in any other profession.
That speech Michelle Obama just gave was one of the best of this entire cycle. She is unbelievable. Here’s how she brought it home. pic.twitter.com/KZ5J2ZhmFy — Aaron Rupar (@atrupar) October 26, 2024
"I am praying that those of us contemplating voting for Trump or not voting at all will snap out of whatever fog we are in," she said. "We have to ask ourselves, 'Is a vote for Trump, or no vote at all, the way we honor their lives?'"
In response to Obama's remarks, Trump campaign communications director Steven Cheung told Newsweek, "Sounds like Obama and Kamala are projecting that spooky season is upon them and they are going to lose this election to the dominant President Trump."
Earlier that day, Trump held a rally in Novi, a suburb of Detroit, where he claimed to have met with local imams and appealed to Muslim voters by promising to end conflicts in the Middle East. "That's all they want," Trump declared. He also pledged to reverse what he described as economic decline, stating, "I think Detroit and some of our areas makes us a developing nation."
The contrast between the two campaigns was further highlighted when Harris met with women medical providers in Portage, Michigan, to discuss what she called a healthcare crisis following the 2022 Supreme Court ruling that ended federal protection for abortion rights. The Harris campaign, along with Michelle Obama, emphasized the stark differences between the candidates on issues such as abortion rights, taxes, unions, and tariffs.
Michigan, with its 8.4 million registered voters and 15 electoral votes, is part of the so-called "Blue Wall" alongside Pennsylvania and Wisconsin-states crucial to the Democrats' path to victory. The state's large Arab American and Muslim population has expressed concerns over international issues, adding another layer of complexity to the candidates' campaigns.
Obama's involvement underscores the importance the Democratic Party places on securing Michigan. Both she and former President Barack Obama endorsed Harris in July after President Joe Biden announced he would not seek reelection. "In this final stretch, we have to give it everything we've got," Michelle Obama said in an Instagram video posted earlier Saturday. "We need to vote like our lives depend on it and show up in numbers that cannot be denied."
Meanwhile, Harris has faced criticism for not holding an official press conference in 98 days since becoming the Democratic nominee. In contrast, Trump has held six news conferences since August. Additionally, Harris has been under scrutiny from some Catholic groups after skipping the Al Smith Dinner and allegedly making controversial remarks about religious practices.
"I know that if we want to help this country finally turn the page on the politics of hatred and division, we can't just sit around and complain. No, we've got to do something," Obama urged the crowd. "We need to vote like our lives depend on it."
