Barack Obama told Chicago Democrats on Tuesday that the leadership baton has been passed to Kamala Harris, expressing confidence that the U.S. is ready for her presidency.
Former President Obama, who received a warm welcome with loud applause at the party’s nominating convention, praised Vice President Harris as a fighter for the American people and labeled her November opponent, Donald Trump, as “dangerous.”
He described Harris as a leader who has devoted her life to advocating for those who lack representation.
Obama characterized Harris as someone who listens and fights for people daily, urging the crowd to chant “Yes she can,” echoing his campaign slogan from 2008.
Michelle Obama, before her husband’s appearance, inspired convention-goers by describing the atmosphere as filled with “the contagious power of hope,” calling Harris “my girl” and suggesting that hope, a central theme of the 2008 campaign, is making a strong return.
The vibrant mood in Chicago was further heightened by President Joe Biden’s emotional speech on Monday, delivered shortly after he ended his reelection campaign.
Attendee Tomara Hall from California reflected on the transition of leadership, noting that Kamala Harris represents the next chapter in the Democratic narrative, following Michelle Obama’s potential candidacy and Biden’s departure.
Second Gentleman Doug Emhoff, in heartfelt remarks, asserted Harris’s readiness and her blend of joy and resilience, which he believes makes her the perfect choice for the presidency at this time.
With Harris polling favorably and the party unified, Democrats are confident in their ability to challenge Trump, who seemed poised to regain power until Biden’s exit and endorsement of Harris reshaped the race.
Democrats are drawing parallels between Harris’s candidacy and Obama’s groundbreaking 2008 campaign, marked by enthusiastic support and symbolic nominations.
Harris, who was enthusiastically received in Chicago, spoke to delegates via video from Milwaukee, where she was scheduled for an event at the same basketball arena Trump used for the Republican convention.
The choice of the 18,000-seat arena is a strategic move to challenge Trump, who has been unsettled by Harris’s ability to attract large crowds similar to those he draws.
Trump, aiming to divert attention from the Democratic convention, has been holding events all week and criticized Harris’s alleged “anti-police” stance, falsely claiming an increase in violent crime.
Despite calls from allies to focus on policy rather than personal attacks, Trump has continued his rhetoric.
On Monday, the Democratic National Convention spotlight was on Biden, who turned a challenging moment into a narrative of sacrifice, passing the baton to Harris.
Biden, who faced concerns about his age and ability to win against Trump, spoke emotionally about his presidency and his love for the country, receiving a standing ovation as he handed over the leadership to Harris.
Obama praised Biden as an “outstanding president” who safeguarded democracy during a perilous time.
Hillary Clinton, the first female major party presidential nominee in 2016, spoke about Harris’s potential to shatter the “highest, hardest glass ceiling.”
The DNC’s opening night drew 20 million viewers, surpassing the 18.1 million who tuned in for the Republican convention’s first night, according to Nielsen ratings.
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