As the 2024 Democratic National Convention unfolded tonight, two of the party’s most beloved figures, Michelle and Barack Obama, took the stage to deliver speeches that echoed through the halls of American history. Their words were not merely a call to vote but a clarion call to action, empathy, integrity, and the promise of a better future for all Americans, embodied in the candidacy of Kamala Harris.
Michelle Obama: “Do Something”
Michelle Obama’s speech was a masterclass in blending personal experience with a broader call to action. She urged Americans to “Do something,” a phrase that reverberated with the urgency of the moment. She spoke of the struggles faced by everyday Americans, the challenges of making ends meet, and the feeling of being unseen by those in power.
Her message was clear: Kamala Harris, with her background as a prosecutor and public servant, is uniquely positioned to address these issues. Harris’s policies on healthcare, education, and economic equity were highlighted as solutions that could uplift the average American. Michelle Obama’s words were a reminder that change doesn’t come from the top down but from the grassroots level, where people must engage, participate, and, most importantly, vote.
Barack Obama: “Yes She Can, Again”
Barack Obama’s speech was a nostalgic reminder of the hope and change he once promised. But this time, the message was infused with a sense of continuity and legacy. “Yes we can” became “Yes we can, again,” as he threw his full support behind Kamala Harris. He emphasized the importance of empathy in leadership, pointing out how Harris’s lived experiences—both as a woman of color and as a public servant—make her uniquely qualified to lead with compassion and integrity.
Obama drew a stark contrast between Harris’s vision and the fearmongering tactics of Donald Trump. He warned against the dangers of a bully in the White House, framing the 2024 election as a battle between hope and fear, progress and regression, a felon and a prosecutor. In doing so, he painted a vivid picture of what is at stake: the soul of America.
The Road to Kamala Harris’s Presidency
The road to a Kamala Harris presidency will not be easy. The race is expected to be one of the closest in recent history, with the electorate deeply divided. However, the Obamas’ speeches laid out a blueprint for victory—a strategy rooted in energizing the Democratic base while reaching out to undecided voters across the political spectrum.
The key lies in articulating a clear, forward-looking agenda that addresses the needs of all Americans, regardless of race, gender, or economic status. Harris must present herself not just as the anti-Trump candidate but as a leader with a vision for America’s future. Her policies on immigration, healthcare, and economic equity must resonate with voters, particularly African Americans, who have historically been the backbone of the Democratic Party.
For African Americans, a Harris administration offers the promise of renewed focus on civil rights, criminal justice reform, and economic empowerment. Her stance on immigration and abortion rights also positions her as a defender of freedom and justice for all, a message that could galvanize voters who feel their rights are under siege.
Challenging Trump: Beyond Fear and Bullying
Donald Trump’s strategy has always been rooted in fear—fear of the other, fear of change, fear of loss. The Obamas challenged this head-on, urging voters to reject the politics of division and instead embrace the politics of hope. They reminded Americans that what’s on the ballot isn’t just the presidency but the very ideals that define the nation: democracy, freedom, and the rule of law.
Kamala Harris must continue this narrative, framing Trump not just as a political opponent but as a threat to American democracy. She must challenge his record, his rhetoric, and his very character, all while presenting herself as the antidote to his divisiveness.
Energizing the Base and Reaching Across the Aisle
The Obamas also emphasized the need to energize the Democratic base, particularly young voters and communities of color. Michelle’s call to “Do something” was more than just a plea to vote; it was a rallying cry for activism and engagement.
At the same time, Barack Obama urged the party to reach out to those disillusioned by the current political climate, including independents and moderate Republicans. He argued that Kamala Harris’s leadership, marked by empathy and integrity, could appeal to those who are tired of the chaos and corruption that have characterized the Trump administration.
The Stakes for African Americans and Immigrants
For African Americans and immigrants, the stakes in this election couldn’t be higher. A Kamala Harris administration would likely bring a renewed focus on policies that promote equality and justice. Her commitment to criminal justice reform, coupled with her personal understanding of the immigrant experience, positions her as a candidate who can truly represent the diverse fabric of America.
Harris’s policies on immigration reform, coupled with her support for abortion rights and LGBTQ+ rights, offer a vision of an inclusive America where everyone’s rights are protected. Her administration would likely prioritize creating pathways to citizenship for undocumented immigrants, protecting DACA recipients, and ensuring that women’s rights are not rolled back.
A Vote of Thanks to Joe Biden
Finally, both Obamas paid tribute to Joe Biden, thanking him for his service and for stepping aside to allow a new generation of leadership to emerge. They praised his commitment to the American people, his integrity, and his willingness to do what is best for the country, even if that meant not seeking re-election. Their words underscored the importance of leadership that puts the nation’s needs above personal ambition, a quality they argued is embodied in Kamala Harris.
The Fight for America’s Future
The 2024 election is more than just a choice between two candidates; it is a choice between two very different visions for America’s future. The Obamas made it clear that Kamala Harris is the candidate who can lead the nation toward a future of empathy, integrity, and progress. But they also emphasized that this future is not guaranteed—it must be fought for, with every vote, every action, and every voice.
As the race heats up, it will be up to Kamala Harris to carry forward the legacy of hope and change, to challenge fear and bullying, and to offer a vision of America that includes everyone. The stakes are high, but with the support of leaders like Michelle and Barack Obama, and with a united Democratic base, Kamala Harris just might make history.
By: Jide Adesina
