Former US President Barack Obama kicked off his speech by cautioning the crowd at the Democratic National Convention that even though “the torch has been passed” to Vice President Kamala Harris, the work for Democrats is not done yet.
KAMALA WILL BE THAT PRESIDENT — YES SHE CAN: OBAMA
Barack Obama electrified the audience by stating that Kamala Harris and Tim Walz are leaders who are deeply committed to the well-being of blue-collar workers.
“In this new economy, we need a president who actually cares about the millions of people all across this country who wake up every day to do the essential, often thankless work to care for our sick, clean our streets, and deliver our packages — and stand up for their right to bargain for better wages and working conditions,” he said, as he drew a standing ovation. “Kamala will be that president.”
“Yes, she can,” he continued, and the crowd joined in, briefly chanting, “Yes, she can!”
Telling the crowd that the elections in the US are going to be a "tight race," Obama stated, “For all the incredible energy we’ve been able to generate over the last few weeks, for all the rallies and the memes, this will still be a tight race in a closely divided country."
Obama spoke about Harris's history as a prosecutor, stating that she used to go after big banks and child sexual abusers.
"After the home mortgage crisis, she pushed me and my administration too hard to make sure homeowners got a fair settlement."
In a veiled dig at former US President Donald Trump, Obama promised Democrats that Harris would be "focused on your problems" and "won't just cater to her own voters and punish those who refuse to bend the knee."
HE KNOWS WHO HE IS AND WHAT'S IMPORTANT: OBAMA ON TIM WALZ
Obama praised Democratic vice presidential nominee Tim Walz, and said that he is "the kind of person who should be in politics - somebody who was born in a small town, served his country, taught kids, coached football, and took care of his neighbours."
"He knows who he is and what's important," Obama stated.
Obama went on to say that electing Harris and Walz "won't be easy."
AFRAID OF LOSING TO KAMALA: OBAMA HITS OUT AT TRUMP
Asking Americans to vote for their future, Obama took a potshot at Republican nominee Donald Trump, stating that he “is not losing sleep over that question.”
“Here’s a 78-year-old billionaire who has not stopped whining about his problems since he rode down his golden escalator nine years ago. It has been a constant stream of gripes and grievances that’s actually been getting worse now that he’s afraid of losing to Kamala,” Obama stated.
PROUD TO CALL HIM MY PRESIDENT: OBAMA PRAISES JOE BIDEN
Obama also praised US President Joe Biden and stated that he is "proud to call him my president, my friend."
He also lauded Biden for being “selfless enough to do the rarest thing there is in politics: putting his own ambition aside for the sake of the country.”
“History will remember Joe Biden as an outstanding president who defended democracy at a moment of great danger,” Obama said. “I am proud to call him my president, but even prouder to call him my friend.”
OBAMA WARNS AMERICANS OF PUBLIC AND ONLINE DISCOURSE
In a compelling appeal for civility, former President Obama urged Americans to confront the coarseness of public and online discourse that increasingly defines our society. He highlighted the paradox of our times, and stated, “We chase the approval of strangers on our phones; we build all manner of walls and fences around ourselves and then wonder why we feel so alone.”
Urging Americans to make meaningful connections, he said, “We don’t trust each other as much because we don’t take the time to know each other — and in that space between us, politicians and algorithms teach us to caricature each other and troll each other and fear each other.”
LET'S GET TO WORK: OBAMA TO DEMOCRATS
As he concluded his address, Obama emphasised that regardless of being a "Democrat, Republican, or anywhere in between," all Americans share a common desire for a nation that is more united and compassionate. He urged Democrats to play a crucial role in guiding both the party and the country back to an era where collaboration and mutual care were the cornerstones of the American spirit.
“That’s what this election is about,” Obama said. “And I believe that’s why, if we each do our part over the next 77 days — if we knock on doors and make phone calls and talk to our friends and listen to our neighbours — if we work like we’ve never worked before, we will elect Kamala Harris as the next President of the United States and Tim Walz as the next Vice President of the United States.”
“So let’s get to work,” he declared.
