Former President Barack Obama Endorses Kamala Harris in Passionate DNC Speech: ‘America Is Ready for a New Chapter’ – Essence

CHICAGO, Ill. — Former President Barack Obama thrilled the audience on the second night of the Democratic National Convention with a speech that mixed admiration for Vice President Kamala Harris with an unyielding critique of Donald Trump.

In considered one of his most passionate speeches in nearly a decade, Obama not only endorsed Harris as the longer term of the Democratic Party, but in addition championed a vision of the longer term that centers the strength, resilience, and leadership of Black women.

Obama, alongside former First Lady Michelle Obama, took center stage as he closed the second night of the convention with a resounding call to motion.

“The torch has been passed,” he declared firstly of his speech, signaling a transformational shift in the leadership of the Democratic Party and the longer term of the country. He praised President Joe Biden for his leadership and his humility in stepping down after five a long time of public service. “We needed a leader who was level-headed, who could bring people together, and who was selfless enough to do that rarest thing in politics: put aside his own ambitions for the good of the country,” Obama said.

The former president’s speech served as a bridge to Biden’s farewell speech the night before, which focused on his administration’s accomplishments and a coming agenda centered around a revamped Democratic ticket. It also reaffirmed his unique role in the party — as a leader who can rally the bottom along with his words, even after years away from the political stage.

Before a packed arena of delegates who remained on their feet for most of his 35-minute speech, Obama delivered a withering critique of Trump, introducing him as “a 78-year-old billionaire who hasn’t stopped complaining about his problems since he came down his golden escalator nine years ago.” With his trademark wit, Obama added: “It’s a constant stream of complaints and grievances, and it’s actually gotten worse now that he’s afraid of losing to Kamala.”

The former president’s rebukes didn’t stop there. In a stinging critique of Trump’s tactics, Obama noted, “The childish nicknames, the crazy conspiracy theories, and the weird obsession with crowd size,” jokingly dismissing Trump’s infamous deal with numbers. “It just goes on and on.”

Obama minced words in his speech, addressing the profound challenges facing the country, speaking with a mixture of urgency and frustration, contrasting Harris’s inclusive vision with Trump’s divisive tactics.

“America is ready for a new chapter. America is ready for a better story,” Obama declared. “We are ready for President Kamala Harris.” He criticized Trump’s obsession with conspiracy theories and petty insults, comparing him to “your neighbor who uses his leaf blower outside your window every minute of every day.” The crowd erupted in laughter and applause, the previous president’s sharp wit resonating with delegates who had been waiting for this moment.

Obama’s admiration for Harris was palpable. He spoke of their two-decade relationship, highlighting her trailblazing profession as a prosecutor, senator and vice chairman. To him, Harris shouldn’t be just one other politician; she is a beacon of hope and a reflection of the perfect of America.

It is the second time the primary black US president has urged Americans to elect a woman to the very best office — a reflection of his confidence in Harris’ leadership.

Obama concluded his speech by invoking his late mother-in-law, Marian Robinson, as Michelle had done before him, and his own mother, whom he described as “strong, smart, resourceful women.” He portrayed Harris as cut from the identical cloth — a leader who offers stability and hope to a nation in need of healing. “As with any policy or program, I believe that’s what we want — to return to an America where we work together and take care of each other,” Obama concluded. “That’s what this election is all about.”