Michelle Obama delivered a scathing rebuke of Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump during the Democratic National Convention, targeting his character and racist attacks that have been levied against her and her husband Barack Obama in the past. Speaking in support of Democratic candidate Kamala Harris, Obama criticized Trump’s limited and narrow view of the world, which she said made him feel threatened by the existence of black people who are hardworking, highly educated, and successful.
Obama specifically took issue with Trump’s reference to “black jobs,” which he claimed are being taken by migrants crossing into the US. She mocked Trump for this assertion, suggesting that he was likely unaware that the job he was seeking might be one of those black jobs. The crowd responded enthusiastically to her remarks, which were met with loud applause and cheers.
Obama also drew a contrast between Trump’s privileged upbringing and that of most Americans, who do not grow up with the same level of wealth and privilege. She noted that her husband and she have benefited from affirmative action policies, which have helped to level the playing field for people from diverse backgrounds. But she also emphasized that these policies are meant to help people overcome systemic barriers, not to guarantee success or provide a safety net.
Donald Trump (Image via Getty)
In a biting critique of Trump’s character, Obama suggested that he is not used to facing criticism or adversity without becoming defensive or aggressive. She noted that if things don’t go Trump’s way, he tends to whine or cheat others to get further ahead, rather than taking responsibility for his actions or working to find a solution. This type of behavior is unacceptable, Obama said, and it is exactly the type of behavior that Harris, as a black woman, would never tolerate.
Throughout her speech, Obama’s message was clear: Trump’s character and worldview are fundamentally at odds with the values of democracy and equality that Americans hold dear. By contrast, Harris represents a different kind of leadership – one that is grounded in empathy, compassion, and a deep understanding of the struggles that ordinary people face. Obama’s speech was a powerful endorsement of Harris’s candidacy, and a clear warning to Trump that his divisive rhetoric and hateful behavior will not be tolerated in the upcoming election.
