Former 1st Lady Michelle Obama hits spotlight at DNC backing Kamala Harris, Blasting Trump: Report

Former first lady Michelle Obama took centre stage at the Democratic National Convention on Tuesday night, 20th August 2024, along with her husband former President Barack Obama, to back Democratic Party Presidential Candidate Kamala Harris who is up against former US President and Republican Presidential candidate Donald Trump. 

“Something wonderfully magical is in the air, isn’t it?”, she said after a long standing ovation that followed her entrance at the United Center in Chicago, where she grew up and her husband Barack Obama began his political career.

“You know, we are feeling it here in this arena, but it’s spreading all over this country”, she continued. “We love a familiar feeling that’s been buried too deep for far too long. You know what I’m talking about. It’s the contagious power of hope.”

The opening message was a reminder of the campaign slogan that defined Barack Obama’s White House seat run in 2008 when he was elected president.

Kamala Harris is the second Black woman to receive a major party’s nomination for president and is in the battle to reach the Oval office in the White House. If she wins the election, she would be the first woman to serve as president of the USA.

Michelle Obama is one of the most popular figures in the Democratic Party despite her aversion to partisan politics. She is so revered that when President Joe Biden struggled in his campaign last year, her name was floated as a possible alternative but she refused to run for office.

Yet, the star power was on display as she addressed the crowd in the convention for 20 minutes supporting Harris. She stated, “My girl, Kamala Harris is more than ready for this moment. She is one of the most qualified and dignified persons to seek the office for presidency.” 

She sought to contrast Harris’s background and record with that of Donald Trump who she expected to launch similar personal attacks against Harris that he did to the Obamas.

“For years, Donald Trump did everything in his power to try and make people fear us. His limited and narrow view of the world makes him feel threatened by the existence of two hardworking, highly educated, successful people who also happened to be Black”, she said.

The former first lady advised that while Harris’ candidacy has re-energised the Democratic Party, Trump shouldn’t be taken lightly, a warning similar to former secretary Hilary Clinton’s speech on Monday.