Obama ignites DNC with iconic 2016 plea as he warns a sequel to Trump presidency would be 'worse'
CHICAGO, ILLINOIS: In a powerful reprise of his 2016 Democratic National Convention (DNC) moment, former President Barack Obama ignited the crowd at the 2024 DNC with his iconic plea, “Do not boo, vote.”
Addressing the delegates and guests at the United Center in Chicago, Obama not only praised Kamala Harris but also delivered a scathing critique of Donald Trump, warning that a potential second term would be a "usually worse."
Obama advocates for Harris-Walz ticket
Following Kamala Harris’s ceremonial nomination as the Democratic candidate, Barack Obama took to stage to commend the VP's unwavering commitment to public service.
“Kamala Harris has spent her life fighting for people who need a voice,” Obama declared, emphasizing her extensive record as a prosecutor and attorney general. He highlighted her efforts to advocate for victims of sexual abuse, champion consumer protection, and tackle high insulin costs by holding drug companies accountable.
“She is not the neighbor running the leaf blower; she is the neighbor rushing over to help when you need a hand,” Obama asserted, adding that Harris’s achievements include securing billions for defrauded homeowners and advocating for lower healthcare costs and reproductive rights.
Obama also spotlighted Tim Walz, Governor of Minnesota, as a crucial ally in the ticket. He described running mate Walz as a man of true character, praising his background in teaching, coaching, and community service.
“Tim is the kind of person who should be in politics,” Obama remarked, commending his dedication to public service.
Obama takes a swipe at Trump saying sequel is 'usually worse' than the first movie
However, the former president’s remarks took a sharp turn as he contrasted Kamala Harris and Tim Walz with Donald Trump. Obama slammed Trump for his focus on personal grievances and his record of chaotic governance.
“Donald Trump sees power as nothing more than a means to his own ends,” Obama said, accusing Trump of prioritizing his own interests over those of the American people. He condemned Trump’s divisive approach and his failure to address key issues like tax reform and immigration.
In a stark warning, Obama likened Trump’s potential return to a sequel that “is usually worse.” The former president expressed the country does not need another four years of "bluster" and "chaos".
"We have seen that movie before - and we all know that the sequel is usually worse." He criticized Trump’s tenure as a period marked by “constant stream of gripes and grievances that's actually been getting worse now that he's afraid of losing to Kamala,” per Skynews.
Expressing concern over the “childish nicknames, crazy conspiracy theories, this weird obsession with crowd sizes” that have defined Trump’s recent rhetoric. “It just goes on and on and on,” Obama added, urging the crowd to channel their frustrations into action rather than boos.
Obama echoes his 'do not boo, vote' line confirming Harris-Walz ticket
Baracl Obama’s call to action was underscored by his unscripted plea, “Do not boo - vote.”
"We have a chance to elect someone who has spent her entire life trying to give people the same chances America gave her," he told the crowd confirming Harris-Walz's ticket for November's election.
In a tribute to outgoing President Joe Biden, Obama lauded him for having “defended democracy at a moment of great danger” and invoked the slogan from his own 2008 campaign, declaring, “Kamala will be that president. Yes she can.”
While Harris did not address the convention, she spoke at a rally in Milwaukee, acknowledging the “tight race until the very end.” "We have some hard work ahead of us, but we like hard work - hard work is good work," she noted.
Meanwhile, Trump continued to make unsupported claims about Harris’s approach to law enforcement at a campaign stop in Howell, Michigan, further fueling the partisan divide.
"You can't walk across the street to get a loaf of bread," the former president said. "You get shot, you get mugged, you get raped."
