Will Obama, Seeking His Political Hometown with "Harris Support," Deliver Another Great Speech?

Barack Obama, the first Black president of the United States, is visiting his political hometown of Chicago to support Vice President Kamala Harris, the Democratic presidential candidate. Since his first appearance on the Democratic National Convention stage 20 years ago, where he overshadowed then-candidate John Kerry and delivered numerous memorable speeches, all eyes are on what message he will deliver this time.

[Image source=Getty Images Yonhap News]

According to AP News and others, former President Obama is scheduled to speak at the United Center in Chicago on the second day of the Democratic National Convention, the 20th (local time). At this event, he is expected to urge support for Vice President Harris, who is running to become the first female president, the first Black female president, and the first Indian-American president in the upcoming November election, while also emphasizing the legacy of President Biden, who made the courageous decision not to seek re-election.

Illinois Lieutenant Governor Juliana Stratton highlighted Obama's influence, saying, "Former President Obama remains the North Star within the party," and stressed that no voice is more important than his in energizing Democrats, reaching out to independent voters, and persuading moderate Republicans. AP News predicted that through this convention, Obama will present a vision of what could unfold under Harris’s administration and focus on elevating her as the Democratic successor. The theme of the second day of the Democratic National Convention is "A Bold Vision for America's Future."

This speech is particularly notable as it marks exactly 20 years since Obama’s first Democratic National Convention speech in 2004, which helped him emerge from obscurity and introduce "Politician Obama." At that time, his speech emphasizing "One America" and "Bold Hope" captivated Democrats and laid the foundation for his 2008 presidential bid. The question he posed then, "Will we participate in politics of cynicism or politics of hope?" was reaffirmed two and a half years later during his presidential campaign with the motto "Hope and Change."

AP News noted, "While he was lacking in policy details, his critique of political division resonated deeply," and reported that "Obama, who first took the convention stage in Boston 20 years ago, now returns as a former president and senior Democratic politician to support Harris." The outlet also pointed out that, as Obama warned two decades ago, this year’s election is also taking place amid cultural and ideological divides.

Previously, in the 2016 convention, Obama spoke as the sitting president to support then-candidate Hillary Clinton. In 2020, when Biden ran, the convention was held virtually due to the COVID-19 pandemic, and Obama’s speech was also delivered virtually.

On the same day, Michelle Obama, former President Obama’s wife and renowned "great orator," will take the stage at the Democratic National Convention held in their hometown of Chicago. Attention is also focused on what message Michelle, who was previously mentioned among Democrats as an alternative to President Biden, will deliver in support of Vice President Harris, who is making history as the first Black female presidential candidate. JB Pritzker, Governor of Illinois and previously mentioned as a potential running mate for Harris, as well as Harris’s husband Doug Emhoff, are also scheduled to speak.

Locally, attention is drawn to the fact that Chicago, where the convention is held, has only produced Democratic mayors since 1931, demonstrating strong Democratic support. Chicago is also Obama’s political hometown, where he served as a U.S. Senator from Illinois, delivered his presidential victory speech, and where the 1996 Democratic National Convention was held when Bill Clinton won re-election. Considering these factors, Chicago is regarded as the optimal location to emphasize Vice President Harris’s political legitimacy and consolidate her support base ahead of the November election. Moreover, nearby Michigan and Wisconsin are key battleground states in the upcoming election.

However, President Biden, who spoke on the first day of the convention on the 19th to pass the torch to Vice President Harris, will not remain in Chicago. Immediately after his speech, President Biden will head to California for a six-day vacation. This means President Biden will not attend former President Obama’s convention speech. Earlier, some Republicans claimed internal Democratic discord, suggesting that President Biden would not attend Obama’s speech and that Obama would not be present at Harris’s acceptance speech.