US Presidential election: Barack Obama on President Kamala Harris: 'Yes, she can' as US prepares for new chapter
PTC News Desk: Former President Barack Obama addressed the Democratic National Convention with a powerful message, urging the crowd to remember that while “the torch has been passed” to Vice President Kamala Harris, the journey for Democrats is far from over.
In his speech, Obama expressed deep admiration for President Joe Biden, calling him “my president, my friend.” He praised Biden for his selflessness in setting aside personal ambition for the country's greater good, and commended his leadership during a critical time for democracy. “History will remember Joe Biden as an outstanding president who defended democracy at a moment of great danger,” Obama stated. “I am proud to call him my president, but even prouder to call him my friend.”
#WATCH | Former US President Barack Obama says, "We have a chance to elect someone who has spent her entire life trying the give people the same chances, America gave her...The next President of the US Kamala Harris. It has been 16 years since I had the honour of accepting this… pic.twitter.com/wwP2RbkdRH — ANI (@ANI) August 21, 2024
As America’s first Black president, Obama is lending his significant political influence to support Harris, who is aiming to make history as the first woman, and the first Black and South Asian person, to be elected as President of the United States on November 5. Obama’s endorsement highlights the pivotal moment for Harris’s campaign as she seeks to build on the legacy of Biden.
Obama’s wife, Michelle, who is frequently mentioned as a future presidential candidate, is expected to follow him on stage. Her potential run remains a topic of interest among Democrats.
In a notable crossover from the Republican side, former Trump White House press secretary Stephanie Grisham and former Trump supporter Kyle Sweetser addressed the convention. Grisham recounted her transformation from a Trump loyalist to the first senior White House staffer to resign following the January 6, 2021, attack on the US Capitol. She criticised Trump, stating, “He has no empathy, no morals, and no fidelity to the truth. Kamala Harris tells the truth. She respects the American people. And she has my vote.”
The Democrats are keen to appeal to conservative voters disenchanted with Trump, aiming to drive them to the polls in November. Harris’s campaign, while still developing its policy platform, is buoyed by the enthusiasm of Democrats relieved by Biden’s departure, though he remains a beloved figure.
Obama will outline strategies he believes will boost Harris’s campaign while also warning Democrats about the challenging weeks ahead. The focus will be on uniting the country and overcoming fear and division.
The convention will also feature speeches from U.S. Senator Bernie Sanders, Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer, Illinois Governor JB Pritzker, and Douglas Emhoff, Harris’s husband.
Meanwhile, Trump and his vice presidential running mate, JD Vance, are actively campaigning in battleground states, attempting to shift attention away from the Chicago convention. Trump has continued to make controversial statements about Harris, including baseless claims about her handling of law enforcement issues.
Harris and her vice presidential choice, Minnesota Governor Tim Walz, are set to travel to Milwaukee for a rally at the same venue as last month’s Republican National Convention, where Trump received his party’s nomination. Her remarks will be livestreamed into Chicago’s United Center, the venue for the Democratic convention.
At 63, Barack Obama remains a towering figure during times of crisis, including the recent turbulent period that led President Joe Biden to withdraw from the race and endorse his vice president. Alongside former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, Obama is seen by many as a pivotal force behind the party's shift.
On Monday night, Biden took center stage at the assembly’s opening, receiving a prolonged standing ovation from party supporters. His speech extended well into the early hours, reflecting his continued prominence in Democratic politics.
Obama, who led the nation through two terms from 2007 to 2017, navigated a country deeply divided, much like today. However, the substantial electoral victories he secured in 2008 and 2012 now seem unattainable for Kamala Harris.
Trump's political ascent was marked by racially charged attacks on Obama's citizenship, and he ultimately succeeded him in the White House. This contentious history is a bitter legacy for many liberals, which Obama may contemplate in his upcoming remarks.
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- With inputs from agencies
