Barack Obama says DNC 'has always been good to kids with funny names' while backing Harris for president
CHICAGO, ILLINOIS: Former President Barack Obama subtly criticized his successor and GOP nominee Donald Trump for targeting Vice President Kamala Harris and himself with derogatory comments about their names, during his speech at the Democratic National Convention on Tuesday, August 20.
"I am feeling hopeful," said Obama at the United Center in Chicago on the second night of the DNC. "Because this convention has always been pretty good to kids with funny names who believe in a country where anything is possible."
With this comment, Obama threw shade at Trump for frequently mispronouncing Harris' first name and even claiming he couldn’t be bothered to learn the correct pronunciation.
Obama's remark may also be seen as an offhand response to MAGA supporters, who have often attacked him over his middle name, Hussein, and falsely accused him of being an outsider in the United States.
.@KamalaHarris and @Tim_Walz believe in an America where "We the People" includes everyone. Because that's the only way this American experiment works. And despite what our politics might suggest, I think most Americans understand that. pic.twitter.com/hGZnK7A0ys
— Barack Obama (@BarackObama) August 21, 2024
"Because we have a chance to elect someone who has spent her entire life trying to give people the same chances America gave her," he continued. "Someone who sees you and hears you and will get up every single day and fight for you. The next President of the United States of America, Kamala Harris."
Barack Obama slams the 'chaos' of Donald Trump's presidency
"We do not need four more years of bluster and bumbling and chaos. We’ve seen that movie before, and we all know that the sequel is usually worse," Barack Obama said in his speech.
"America is ready for a new chapter. America is ready for a better story. We are ready for a President Kamala Harris." As the crowd erupted in cheers, he added, "And Kamala Harris is ready for the job."
Former President Barack Obama
— MSNBC (@MSNBC) August 21, 2024
“We don’t need four more years of bluster and bumbling and chaos. We’ve seen that movie – and we all know that the sequel is usually worse…We are ready for a President Kamala Harris.” pic.twitter.com/i3RyvQ7ccN
Internet hails Barack Obama's speech
Reacting to Barack Obama's speech on the social media platform X (formerly Twitter), netizens praised his remarks and described the vibe as "absolutely electrifying." The following tweets capture the prevailing mood.
"Oh, absolutely electrifying! It's like watching a rainbow throw up on a unicorn, and everyone's just loving the mess. Truly, what a time to be alive in this dazzling spectacle of democracy!" exclaimed a person.
Oh, absolutely electrifying! It's like watching a rainbow throw up on a unicorn, and everyone's just loving the mess. Truly, what a time to be alive in this dazzling spectacle of democracy!
— Wartiharu (@injectedvoice) August 21, 2024
"This is the America I believe in. Thanks for leading with empathy and understanding," shared another.
This is the America I believe in. Thanks for leading with empathy and understanding 🙂
— вℓσσ∂у мαѕѕ (@sriramsuryafc) August 21, 2024
"Brilliant speech imo, not just bcz of his delivery and public speaking skills. It was the intention and meaning behind his words. Very purposeful👌" commented a user. [sic]
brilliant speech imo, not just bcz of his delivery and public speaking skills. It was the intention and meaning behind his words. Very purposeful👌
— 𝐻𝒶𝓂𝓏𝒶 (@hustlemind2) August 21, 2024
"Man I tear every time he speaks. Doesn’t need teleprompter just from his heart. One of the great speaker of our time," wrote another. [sic]
Man I tear every time he speaks. Doesn’t need teleprompter just from his heart. One of the great speaker of our time.
— tony (@tony1445o) August 21, 2024
"This has been a night of rock stars at the DNC. Trump must be losing his mind," quipped a user.
This has been a night of rock stars at the DNC. Trump must be losing his mind.
— Truthful Manatee (@FlavorfulTruth) August 21, 2024
This article contains remarks made on the Internet by individual people and organizations. MEAWW cannot confirm them independently and does not support claims or opinions being made online.