"Not Like President Trump... Harris Is Qualified"
"President Is Also a Black Job" Fierce Attack on Racist Remarks
Michelle Obama, wife of former U.S. President Barack Obama, appealed for support on the 20th (local time) for Democratic presidential candidate Vice President Kamala Harris, urging to "do something."
Mrs. Obama began her speech at the Democratic National Convention held at the United Center in Chicago, saying, "Hope is returning to America."
Michelle Obama is giving a speech at the Democratic National Convention held at the United Center in Chicago on the 20th. [Image source=EPA Yonhap News]
She said, "A magical and wonderful thing is spreading across the country we love," adding, "It's a familiar feeling we've known for a long time. It's the contagious power of hope." She credited Vice President Kamala Harris as the main force behind this hope. Drawing a parallel to when Barack Obama was elected the first Black president in 2008, she lent her support to Harris, who is challenging to become the first female president.
She continued, "My friend Harris is more than ready for this moment. She is one of the most qualified people running for president," emphasizing her qualifications.
Mrs. Obama is highly popular, having been mentioned as a strong Democratic presidential candidate following President Biden's announcement that he would not seek re-election. She is also known for her powerful speeches. In the 2016 presidential election, she supported former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton and famously said, "When they go low, we go high," targeting then-Republican candidate Donald Trump, which resonated widely. This time, she criticized Trump by saying, "Going small is not the answer. It's petty and, frankly, unpresidential," questioning his qualifications as president.
Mrs. Obama continued her offensive against former President Trump's racially discriminatory remarks. She said Trump would try to attack Vice President Harris in this election, and that both she and former President Obama had experienced similar attacks. She stated, "Because of Trump’s narrow view of the world, he felt threatened by two hardworking, highly educated, and successful Black people."
She also referred to Trump's statement that "illegal immigrants stole Black jobs," pointing out, "Who will tell President Trump that the job he is currently trying for might be one of those Black jobs?" This highlighted the racial discrimination implied in the notion that there are separate jobs for Black people, especially given that former President Obama was the first Black president and Vice President Harris is challenging to become the first Black female president.
She added, "They are spreading ugly, misogynistic, and racist lies instead of concrete ideas and solutions that would improve people's lives."
Referring to Trump's attacks on Vice President Harris's background as a child of immigrants, she said, "No one has a monopoly on what it means to be American." Vice President Harris was born to an Indian immigrant mother and a Jamaican immigrant father.
Quoting Vice President Harris's mother, she urged the audience, "Don't just sit and complain, do something," encouraging support. Party members responded to Mrs. Obama's speech by repeatedly shouting, "Do something."
Mrs. Obama said this election would be a close race and encouraged voting. She stressed, "We must overwhelm every effort to suppress us," and said firmly, "Our destiny is in our hands."
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