Michelle Obama delivered a forceful critique of former President Donald Trump at the 2024 Democratic National Convention in Chicago, Illinois, on Tuesday night, August 20, 2024, aiming for his use of racist and divisive rhetoric. The former First Lady stood before a packed audience and condemned Trump’s attempts to foster fear among Americans, particularly regarding race.
Obama remarked that, based on her own experiences, she expected Donald Trump to resort to “ugly, misogynistic, and racist lies” in his attacks against Kamala Harris.
Her words resonated with the crowd, which responded with enthusiastic applause. Obama directly addressed Trump’s previous claims about Black jobs being taken by immigrants, delivering a sharp retort: “Who’s going to tell him that the job he’s currently seeking might just be one of those Black jobs?”
This moment, both humorous and biting, highlighted her ability to turn Trump’s racially charged comments back on him. Her speech was filled with personal reflections as she spoke candidly about the years she and her family endured public attacks on their character and citizenship.
Beyond her critique of Trump, Michelle Obama also endorsed Vice President Kamala Harris, the Democratic presidential nominee. Obama praised Harris for her long career in public service and her steadfast dedication to the American people. She highlighted Harris’s commitment to advocating for others and her leadership, characterized by genuine compassion and integrity.
Former President Barack Obama followed his wife’s speech with his scathing critique of Trump, calling him a “78-year-old billionaire who hasn’t stopped whining about his own problems.”
His speech was notable for its humorous critique of Trump’s preoccupation with crowd sizes. The former president skillfully used this topic to highlight Trump’s insecurities, making a sly hand gesture that elicited laughter from the audience.
Both Obamas used their platform to emphasize the importance of unity and the preservation of democracy in the upcoming election. Michelle Obama, in particular, urged voters to reject the politics of fear and division.
The Democratic Party used the convention to promote a message of hope, unity, and leadership in the face of what they see as rising authoritarianism. As Election Day approaches, the Obamas’ speeches are expected to rally Democratic voters, galvanizing support for Kamala Harris and Minnesota Governor Tim Walz.
Critics from the Republican side, including former President Donald Trump, swiftly reacted to the Obamas’ comments. He characterized their remarks as personal attacks, implying that the Obamas were engaging in behavior that was more personal than political. Despite this, the response from the DNC audience showed substantial support for the former First Lady’s statements, which were seen by many as a significant highlight of the convention.
As the 2024 election draws near, Michelle Obama’s words will likely continue to echo in the hearts of many Democrats and progressives, serving as a rallying cry against the divisive politics that have characterized the Trump era.