Short version
- Barack and Michelle Obama wowed their supporters at the Democratic National Convention in Chicago.
- Michelle praised Kamala Harris as the most qualified presidential candidate and described her as a woman with a “spine of steel.”
- Barack Obama has said he believes Harris is ready to become America's first black female president.
-There's something magical in the air. It's spreading all over the country. You know what I'm talking about?
Michelle Obama, 60, asks the crowded room in Chicago.
– It's the contagious energy of hope. Being on the road to a brighter day. Hope is back in the United States!
The Democratic Party meets in Chicago for a four-day national convention, which is effectively a massive political festival.
Monday was President Joe Biden's farewell party. On Tuesday, former President Barack Obama, 63, and his wife Michelle were all waiting.
“solid spine”
The applause and cheers when Michelle Obama took the stage must have been the loudest at the Democratic National Convention so far.
– Kamala Harris is more than ready for the job. The former first lady said she is the most qualified person ever.
Obama described Harris as a woman with a “spine of steel” and an “infectious laugh.”
Read also: Anders Gaver: Obama's Return
Right after Michelle Obama, Barack Obama took the stage.
– I don't know about you, but I'm feeling “excited and ready to go.” I'm starting to feel hopeful.
The entire room stands at attention during Obama's speech. He goes on to thank President Biden.
– He put his ambitions aside – which is one of the biggest things you can do in politics. Obama says history will remember Biden as an outstanding president.
- Obama made history when he became the first black president of the United States when he won the election in 2008. He remained in power for eight years.
- Then came Donald Trump and what the Democratic Party portrays as one of the darkest chapters in American political history.
- Now he and his wife are in Chicago to tell the party, the country and the world that they believe the United States should have its first black woman president: Kamala Harris, 59.
“Get to work!”
The former president spoke about the tailwinds Harris experienced after suddenly becoming a presidential candidate.
– There have been a lot of election memes and rallies in recent weeks. But this will still be a close race.
The former president discussed why he believes Harris is the right choice for the party, highlighting her efforts as attorney general and vice president.
– Kamala Harris is ready. She was born to fight.
At one point, the entire room shouted, “Yes, you can!”
Barack Obama barely mentioned Donald Trump by name, but he spoke of his policies in a cautionary tone.
– Most of us don't want to live in a divided and bitter country. We want something better. To be glued together. We want joy.
“We have 77 days left,” Obama concluded, clapping his hands on the podium.
Declare love: – I love you
Kamala Harris' husband, Doug Emhoff, 59, also spoke Tuesday evening. He was introduced by his son, who called Harris' stepmother “Mamala.”
“I love you so much,” Emhoff said of his wife. “I’m so proud of the way she takes responsibility for all of us.”
-But that's who she is. She's ready to lead. She'll be a great president that we'll all be proud of.
Emhoff recounted how he met Harris as an adult on a blind date, and how he left messages on her answering machine in the early hours of the next morning — to great laughter from the audience.
Read the story: Harris met the man on a blind date.
If Harris wins the election, Emhoff will become America's “first man.”
party atmosphere
The national meeting in the USA is not exactly like the national meeting in Norway:
The lights flash in the crowded basketball arena, a DJ in a blue silk suit plays the best party tunes, and whoever gets on the microphone shouts “KA-MA-LA HARRIS.” T-shirts, hats and buttons are sold.
Every crawling, walking, and prominent Democrat in the country is here: the Clintons, Nancy Pelosi, Gavin Newsom, Bernie Sanders, Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, Josh Safiro.
Newsom to VG: – We take a deep breath
When Biden dropped out of the presidential race a month ago, California Gov. Newsom was one of those many pointed to. There is now speculation that he is preparing to become a presidential candidate in 2028.
VG asked him directly as we had a few words with him on the arena floor.
“My plan is to help her get re-elected as president of the United States,” Newsom replied.
– But you yourself, you don't have any presidential ambitions?
– I think I want to be in one. alternate role.But I hope I can continue working for the public.
Newsom says he considers the Harris family and close friends of 30 years. They are both from California, where Harris was state's attorney.
– I can’t imagine anyone other than Kim Jong Un and Putin who isn’t excited about Kamala Harris. The damage Trump can do to the world stage and to democracy has reached a new level. The whole world is taking a deep breath right now. But we’re not done yet, we have a lot of work to do in the next few weeks.
Is Beyonce coming?
On Thursday, Harris herself will deliver what many believe will be her most important speech ever.
At the national meeting in Chicago, there are rumors—as yet unconfirmed—that Beyoncé will perform. This may be wishful thinking, but it could happen: Harris has Beyoncé’s permission to use her song “Freedom” in his campaign.
VG at the election meeting with Harris: The Battle for Swing States
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