Chicago, United States (AFP) — On the second day of the Democratic National Convention at the United Center in Chicago, history seemed to echo through the venue as former US President Barack Obama and former first lady Michelle Obama received thunderous applause. Their entrance felt like a déjà vu to the fervent days of the 2008 campaign, but this time their mission was to pave the way for another potential trailblazer in American politics: Kamala Harris.
As Obama took the stage, he was greeted with a deafening cheer, a moment that many in the crowd described as electrifying. “I’ve got the same feeling as I did in 2008. I’m just excited and energized and just, I’m ready,” exclaimed Sherry McClain, a delegate from Alabama, encapsulating the infectious enthusiasm that permeated the gathering. “Obama just brought it home, and I think she is bringing it home, the first female black woman. And we know we’re going to win on November 5th.”
While outgoing President Joe Biden’s emotional farewell speech on Monday garnered heartfelt applause, it was the Obamas who truly ignited the crowd’s passion. Treated as returning heroes, their influence and legacy within the Democratic party were palpable. The atmosphere seemed almost euphoric as the former first lady, now 60, received an earsplitting ovation upon stepping onto the stage. This was particularly poignant given persistent calls from some Democrats over the past years urging her to consider a presidential run, especially as Biden’s age started to factor into political calculations.
Michelle Obama’s speech was succinct yet powerful, channeling both nostalgia and urgency. “America, hope is making a comeback,” she declared, evoking her husband’s iconic 2008 campaign slogan to enthusiastic cheers. Warning of the risks a second Trump presidency posed, she urged the Democrats to stay vigilant and proactive.
Barack Obama, taking the microphone afterward, was met with chants of “yes we can,” a phrase that had once symbolized his barrier-breaking journey to the presidency. He skillfully redirected the crowd’s energy towards Harris, encouraging chants of “yes she can,” in support of her historical bid to become the first female and South Asian commander-in-chief.
Reflecting on their speeches, there was a shared sense among Democrats of a revival of the idealism and optimism that characterized Obama’s presidency. “The Obamas brought the house down tonight,” remarked Richard Brown, a state representative from Missouri, proudly waving several “VOTE” placards. “Michelle Obama said it appropriately, and she said it right. Hope is alive again.”
Laurie Osher, a 64-year-old Democratic supporter from Maine, echoed this sentiment as she left the hall. “He married well,” she quipped, commenting on the former first lady’s powerful impact. “She really identified all the reasons why we can’t have Trump, and why Kamala Harris is the right person.”
With such endorsements, Kamala Harris’s campaign appears set to harness the momentum generated at the convention, bolstered by the Obamas’ dynamic advocacy. As Democrats look towards the November election, the hope ignited in Chicago promises to be a pivotal force in a highly anticipated and crucial race.
