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 on the 20th (local time) to declare himself the strongest ally of presidential candidate Vice President Kamala Harris. Locally, attention is being drawn to the long-standing friendship between the two, as Harris was one of the few supporters of then-candidate Obama during the 2008 Democratic primary. This convention speech is being regarded as a gesture of gratitude from an old friend.
Obama Visits Chicago: "The Torch Has Been Passed... Harris Is a Ready President"
At the Democratic National Convention held at the United Center in Chicago, former President Obama appeared as the final speaker during prime time, urging support by saying, "America is ready to turn a new page," and "(Presidential candidate) Kamala Harris is also ready to do that."
Appearing on stage to the applause of delegates, he expressed affection for his political hometown by saying, "Chicago! It’s good to be home." He first paid tribute to President Joe Biden, who made the courageous decision not to seek re-election. He also emphasized that "the torch has been passed. Now we all must fight for the America we believe in," highlighting Vice President Harris as the "right person to lead America." He declared ‘Again 2008,’ emphasizing that Harris, who is running in the upcoming November election to become the first female president, the first Black female president, and the first Indian-American president in U.S. history, will break historic barriers just like he did in the past.
Obama posed a "simple question," asking, "Who will fight for us?" He raised his voice, asking, "Who thinks about my future, my children’s future, our shared future?" He added, "(Republican presidential candidate) Donald Trump does not lose sleep over those questions."
Obama said, "We do not want four more years of bluster, foolishness, and chaos," adding, "We have 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 prepared a better story," putting Harris forward 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," and described her as "a neighbor who runs to help when help is needed."
On the same day, Michelle Obama, former President Obama’s wife and a renowned ‘great orator,’ also took the stage at the Democratic National Convention in her hometown of Chicago. 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, saying, "Let us not forget the despair we felt," and "It is up to us to remember Harris’s mother’s words: ‘Don’t just sit there and complain. Do something.’"
Will Obama’s Full Support Bring a Halo Effect? "20 Years of Friendship" Draws Attention
Former President Obama, who came out to support Harris, is regarded as the most star-powered figure among all current and former U.S. presidents. Illinois Lieutenant Governor Juliana Stratton told the Associated Press, "Obama is still the North Star within the party," emphasizing his influence by saying, "There is no more important voice than Obama to energize Democrats, reach independent voters, and persuade moderate Republicans."
This is not the first time Obama has spoken at the Democratic National Convention for the party’s presidential candidate. However, this speech is considered more special because it is based on the close friendship between Harris and Obama that dates back to 2004. CNN highlighted the significance by saying, "Tonight, Obama stood on the podium for ‘his friend’ Harris." The New York Times (NYT) also focused on their friendship in an article titled "Behind the Obama-Harris Friendship: Important Support and Kindred Spirits."
According to the NYT, Vice President Harris supported then-candidate Obama from the early stages of the 2008 Democratic primary, despite the overwhelming influence of former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton within the party. The NYT reported, "There were few in the entire Democratic Party who supported Obama. It was a political risk," adding, "Harris’s early investment eventually paid off, and Obama never forgot that." A close aide told the NYT that Obama promised to "repay" Harris during his convention speech, emphasizing that the two have walked the same political path for over 20 years.
Vice President Harris and former President Obama share the commonality of being Americans with African immigrant fathers. Beyond race and cultural background, they are also said to share similar political ideologies, emphasizing diversity and hope.
Obama’s full support for Vice President Harris is also evident in the recent moves of her aides. Stephanie Cutter, who joined Harris’s team a year ago, previously worked in the Obama administration. Moreover, after Harris became the Democratic presidential candidate, key campaign personnel were newly filled with veterans from the Obama camp. Their joining is known to be the result of Obama’s active encouragement. The NYT noted, "The Harris campaign’s recent focus on joy and freedom is not unrelated to the Obama campaign’s promise of hope and a new beginning 16 years ago." It was also reported that Harris called Obama as the third or fourth person after her family immediately after learning of President Biden’s decision not to seek re-election last month.
CNN reported that former President Obama and Michelle Obama promised to actively support Vice President Harris in the 11 weeks remaining until the presidential election. According to aides, Obama had already recorded a video for the Harris campaign in Chicago the day before. He is also expected to campaign in person just before the election. The Harris campaign said they plan to use Michelle Obama’s messages in the campaign over the coming weeks.
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