CHICAGO (AP) — With a warning of a tough fight ahead, former President Barack Obama and former First Lady Michelle Obama called on the country to embrace Kamala Harris through urgent messages from the Democratic National Convention that were both hopeful and combative.
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"United States, hope is back," declared the former First Lady. She then criticized Republican Donald Trump in what marked a stark contrast compared to her speech at the 2016 convention, when she told the party, "When they go low, we go high."
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What did the Obamas say about Donald Trump?
“His limited and narrow vision of the world has made him feel threatened by the existence of two hardworking, highly educated, and successful individuals, who also happen to be black,” Michelle Obama said in reference to Trump.
The former president, for his part, referred to Trump as "a 78-year-old billionaire who has not stopped complaining about his problems since he descended from his golden staircase nine years ago."
"It has been a constant wave of complaints and reproaches that has actually worsened now that he is afraid of losing to Kamala," declared the first African American president of the United States.
The energetic messages of two of the main stars of the Democratic Party highlighted the urgency of the moment as Harris works to unite a diverse coalition in her attempt to defeat Trump next November. She has enlisted the biggest stars of the party, such as the Obamas, as well as other celebrities and officials ranging from the far left to centrist figures, and even some Republicans to boost her campaign.
And although the theme of the evening was "a bold vision for the future of the United States," the different factions of the Harris coalition made it clear, above all, that they are united by a deep desire to prevent a second term for Trump.
Before the Obamas at the United Center in Chicago, Senators Chuck Schumer, Democratic leader in the Senate, and Bernie Sanders, independent from Vermont who is respected by progressives, praised Harris. And in an appearance that possibly aimed to irritate Trump, his former press secretary Stephanie Grisham —who is now a sharp critic of her former boss— also took the stage at the convention.
Grisham emphasized that Trump "has no empathy, morals, or fidelity to the truth." "I love my country more than my party. Kamala Harris tells the truth. She respects the American people. And she has my vote."
Kamala Harris was in Milwaukee
Moments before the Obamas' statements, Harris appeared before about 15,000 people in the arena in Milwaukee where the Republicans held their convention last month in Wisconsin, a state without clear political preference, where she stated that her campaign was "driven by the people."
Anyway, Milwaukee is just about 80 miles north of Chicago.
“Together we will chart a new path forward,” said the vice president in statements that were partially broadcast to the headquarters of the Democratic National Convention. “A future for freedom, opportunity, optimism, and faith.”