"The torch has been passed. Now, all of us must fight for the America we believe in."
Barack Obama, the first Black president of the United States, visited his political hometown of Chicago on the second day of the Democratic National Convention (DNC) on the 20th (local time), urging support by saying, "America is ready to turn a new page," and "(Presidential candidate) Kamala Harris is also ready to do that."
Delivers Convention Speech in Political Hometown Chicago
On the evening of the same day, former President Obama appeared as the final speaker during prime time at the Democratic National Convention held at the United Center in Chicago. Introduced by his wife Michelle Obama as "someone who wakes up every morning thinking about what is best for this country," he took the stage to the applause of party members and expressed affection for his political hometown, saying, "Chicago! It’s good to be home."
First, Obama praised President Joe Biden, who made the courageous decision to withdraw from the Democratic presidential nomination amid concerns about his age, saying, "History will remember Biden as an outstanding president who defended democracy in a moment of danger." He said that his decision to ask Biden to be his vice president was the best decision he made as a presidential candidate, adding, "We come from different backgrounds, but we became brothers. I am proud to call him president, but even prouder to call him my friend."
Regarding Vice President Kamala Harris, who inherited the torch as the Democratic presidential candidate following Biden’s withdrawal, Obama emphasized that she is "the right person to lead America." He posed a "simple question," asking, "Who will fight for us?" He raised his voice, saying, "Who thinks about my future, my children’s future, and our shared future?" He also added, "Trump doesn’t lose sleep over that question."
Obama said, "The torch has been passed (from Biden to Harris)," forecasting a fierce presidential race until November. He assessed the current situation by saying, "Despite the incredible energy we have generated in recent weeks, the country remains divided and the competition is intense." This pointed to recent polls showing a tight race between Vice President Harris and former President Donald Trump.
Criticizes Trump’s 'Obsession with Crowd Size'... "We Don’t Want Four More Years of Chaos"
He also unleashed criticism toward Republican presidential candidate former President Trump. Obama sarcastically described him as "a 78-year-old billionaire who has ridden down the golden escalator nine years ago and has not stopped complaining about his problems," adding, "Because he fears losing to Harris, his complaints and grievances are endlessly worsening." He also accused Trump of being "someone with a strange obsession with crowd size" and "spreading crazy conspiracy theories." When the crowd booed Trump, Obama encouraged them by saying, "Don’t boo, vote," which drew cheers.
Obama said, "We don’t want four more years of bluster, foolishness, and chaos," adding, "We’ve already seen the movie (Trump’s presidency), and we know sequels are usually worse." He also said, "America is ready to turn a new page. We have a better story prepared," positioning Vice President Kamala Harris as the protagonist. He emphasized, "Harris is ready to do that. She has spent her life fighting for those whose voices need to be heard. She is a neighbor who runs to help when help is needed."
Regarding Tim Walz, governor of Minnesota and the Democratic vice presidential candidate, Obama said, "I love this man. He is someone who should be in politics." He explained that Governor Walz "was born in a small town, served the country, taught children, coached football, and cared for neighbors," adding, "He knows who he is and what matters." Furthermore, he argued that the Harris-Walz team would be the kind of leaders who "truly care about the millions of essential workers across the country who wake up every morning to care for patients, clean streets, and deliver packages?work that is essential but often feels unrewarding."
Obama also spoke about America’s role in the international community. He said, "We cannot be the world’s police, nor can we eliminate all cruelty and injustice in the world," but added, "America can be a force for good that restrains conflict, fights disease, promotes human rights, protects the planet from climate change, and defends freedom. And it must be so." He emphasized, "This is what Harris believes, and most Americans think so too."
He concluded his speech by saying, "We will elect leaders who fight for the hopeful and forward-looking America we believe in. We will build a safer, more just, more equal, and freer country. So let’s get to work."
Former President Obama, who came out to support Vice President Harris, is regarded as the most star-powered figure among all current and former U.S. presidents. Especially, this convention speech was analyzed as a kind of "repayment" for a long friendship, given that Harris was one of the few supporters of Obama during the 2008 Democratic primary. If Vice President Harris wins the November election, she will become the first female president, the first Black female president, and the first president of Indian descent in U.S. history.
"Do Something, Not Complain" Michelle Obama Also Speaks
On the same day, Michelle Obama, former President Obama’s wife and a renowned orator, also visited their hometown Chicago and took the stage at the Democratic National Convention. Michelle said, "Hope is returning," and praised Vice President Harris as "fully prepared for this moment and one of the most qualified people to be president." She also urged voting by saying, "Let’s not forget the despair we felt," and "It’s up to us to remember what Harris’s mother said: ‘Don’t just sit there and complain. Do something.’"
Doug Emhoff, Vice President Harris’s husband, also spoke that day, saying that Harris is now ready to serve the country just as she has always stood up for her family. He mentioned that Harris’s acceptance speech is scheduled for the 22nd, which is their 10th wedding anniversary, and said, "America must decide who to entrust your family’s future to in this election. I entrusted my family’s future to Kamala. It was the best decision I ever made."
U.S. Democratic presidential candidate Vice President Kamala Harris and vice presidential candidate Minnesota Governor Tim Walz [Photo by AP Yonhap News]
The Democratic National Convention will continue until the 22nd. On the following day, the 21st, former President Bill Clinton, former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, and Governor Walz are scheduled to give speeches, including Walz’s vice presidential acceptance speech.
Meanwhile, Vice President Harris did not attend the convention site on this day, unlike the previous day when she made a surprise appearance to attend President Biden’s speech. Instead, she campaigned in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, a battleground state, together with Vice Presidential candidate Governor Walz. Their appearance was briefly shown via video connection at the convention site. Ahead of her acceptance speech on the final day of the convention, Harris completed the delegate roll call vote and said in the connected video, "It is an honor to be your candidate," emphasizing, "Together, we will chart a new path forward."
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