Former First Lady Michelle Obama delivered a scathing critique of Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump during her speech at the Democratic National Convention on Tuesday. In her address, Obama confronted Trump’s recent comments on “Black jobs,” using the moment to draw sharp contrasts between Trump and Kamala Harris, the Democratic vice presidential nominee.
Obama began by expressing her full support for Harris, emphasizing her deep understanding of the hard work and commitment that contribute to America’s greatness. “Of the two major candidates in this race, only Kamala Harris truly understands the unseen labor and unwavering commitment that has always made America great,” Obama said. She warned that opponents would attempt to distort Harris’s record, a tactic she and her husband have experienced firsthand, as per reports NBC News.
Reflecting on the years of scrutiny and racially charged attacks they faced, Obama pointed directly at Trump. “For years, Donald Trump did everything in his power to try to make people fear us,” she noted. “See, his limited, narrow view of the world made him feel threatened by the existence of two hard-working, highly-educated, successful people who happen to be Black.”
In a moment that brought the crowd to its feet, Obama added, “Wait, I want to know, I want to know, who’s going to tell him that the job he’s currently seeking might just be one of those Black jobs?” The remark was met with thunderous applause from the Chicago arena, highlighting the powerful impact of her words.
Obama continued her takedown of Trump, accusing him of relying on divisive and harmful rhetoric instead of offering real solutions. “Look, it’s his same old con, his same old con, doubling down on ugly, misogynistic, racist lies as a substitute for real ideas and solutions that will actually make people’s lives better,” she said, condemning his approach.
She went on to describe Trump’s behavior as “small,” a stark contrast to the values she believes should be upheld by those in leadership. “Going small is the opposite of what we teach our kids,” Obama explained. “Going small is petty, it’s unhealthy, and quite frankly, it’s presidential.” Obama’s speech was a powerful call for unity and integrity in the face of divisive politics, and her pointed criticism of Trump served as a reminder of the stakes in the upcoming election.