'We've seen that movie...': Obama warns against Trump 'sequel'
Former United States President Barack Obama delivered a powerful speech at the 2024 Democratic National Convention (DNC), criticizing Donald Trump's leadership style and endorsing Kamala Harris for presidency. The convention is taking place in Chicago, Obama's hometown. His speech was marked by humor and direct jabs at Trump, particularly his fixation with crowd sizes. This drew laughter and applause from the audience as he contrasted Trump's divisive tactics with the unity promised by Harris and Tim Walz.
Obama's critique of Trump's presidency
Obama expressed his disapproval of the idea of another four years under Trump's leadership. He said, "We do not need four more years of bluster and bumbling and chaos, we have seen that movie before, and we all know that the sequel is usually worse." He further criticized Trump's behavior as worsening due to his fear of losing to Harris. Obama highlighted Trump's "childish nicknames," "crazy conspiracy theories," and "weird obsession with crowd sizes."
Obama's endorsement of Harris
Obama endorsed Harris for presidency, saying that he is "feeling hopeful" about her readiness to take on the role. He declared, "America is ready for a new chapter. America is ready for a better story. We are ready for a President Kamala Harris." His endorsement came on the second day of the DNC in Chicago, where he and his delegates had been rallying support throughout the week.
Watch: Barack Obama endorses Kamala Harris
Michelle Obama hits out at Trump
Former first lady Michelle Obama also spoke at the convention warning that Trump would attempt to undermine Harris in the upcoming election—a tactic she and her husband have previously experienced. "For years Donald Trump did everything...to try to make people fear us," she said adding that his "limited worldview" made him feel threatened by two successful Black people. She also accused him of resorting to "ugly, misogynist, racist lies as a substitute for real...solutions that will make people's lives better."
Harris's unconventional campaign
Separately, Harris made an unconventional move by holding a large rally in Milwaukee, coinciding with her own convention. This strategy mirrored Obama's decision to break with convention protocol and hold his 2008 acceptance speech at a football stadium in Denver. The second night of the DNC also featured grandsons of former US Presidents Jimmy Carter and John F Kennedy, who portrayed Harris as the natural successor to past Democratic leaders.
