Barack Obama energized the Democratic National Convention on Tuesday with a powerful endorsement of Kamala Harris and a sharp critique of former President Donald Trump. Addressing a cheering crowd, Obama asserted that America is ready for a new chapter under President Harris, dismissing Trump’s approach as stale and ineffective.

Obama’s call for a new chapter
Barack Obama, America’s first Black president, urged delegates to back Harris as she seeks to make history on November 5 as the first woman and the first Black and South Asian US president.
“I don’t know about you, but I’m feeling fired up!” Obama said, rallying the crowd with his characteristic enthusiasm.
He praised Kamala Harris, declaring, “America is ready for a new chapter. America’s ready for a better story. We are ready for a President Kamala Harris.” Obama highlighted Harris’s dedication and hard-fought journey to success, contrasting her with Trump’s divisive rhetoric.

Obama took a moment to reflect on the international stakes of the election. “By the way, that doesn’t just matter to people in this country. The rest of the world is watching to see if we can actually pull it off,” he said. “We shouldn’t be the world’s policeman, and we can’t eradicate every cruelty and injustice in the world. But America can be, must be, a force for good – discouraging conflict, fighting disease, promoting human rights, protecting the planet from climate change, defending freedom. That’s what Kamala Harris believes – and so do most Americans.”

As the crowd erupted into chants of “Yes, she can!” Obama championed Harris and her running mate, Minnesota Governor Tim Walz, as leaders dedicated to the working class. “In this new economy, we need a president who actually cares about the millions of people all across this country who wake up every day to do the essential, often thankless work to care for our sick and clean our streets and deliver our packages,” he said. “Kamala will be that president.”
A swipe at Trump’s ‘Stale act’
Obama did not hold back in his critique of Trump. “It’s one of the oldest tricks in politics – from a guy whose act has gotten pretty stale. We don’t need four more years of bluster and chaos. We’ve seen that movie – and we all know that the sequel’s usually worse,” Obama said.
He dismissed Trump’s tenure as a series of grievances and conspiracies, referencing Trump’s fixation on crowd sizes and nicknames. “Here’s a 78-year-old billionaire who has not stopped whining about his problems since he rode down his golden escalator,” Obama quipped.

Praise for Joe Biden and Tim Walz
Turning to Joe Biden, Obama expressed pride in his former vice president’s tenure and character. “This country will remember him as an outstanding president who defended democracy at a moment of great danger,” Obama said, adding that he was “even prouder to call him my friend.”
Obama also extolled Minnesota Governor Tim Walz, Biden’s running mate, for his genuine character and commitment to service. “Tim’s the kind of person who should be in politics – somebody who was born in a small town, served his country, taught kids, coached football, and took care of his neighbors,” Obama said, noting Walz’s authentic style.

At 63, Barack Obama played a significant role in persuading Biden to step aside and endorse Harris. Harris, 59, has gained momentum with record-breaking fundraising and enthusiastic support.
Speaking virtually from a rally in Milwaukee, Harris criticized Trump for his lack of remorse over the Supreme Court’s 2022 decision overturning Roe v. Wade. “I do believe, you know, bad behavior should result in a consequence. Well, we will make sure he does face a consequence and that will be at the ballot box in November,” Harris asserted.
A convention highlight
The former president’s speech, following Michelle Obama’s heartfelt introduction, was a highlight of the convention. As the jumbotron displayed images of Tim Walz and his supportive wife Gwen, the crowd responded with enthusiasm.
Michelle Obama, introduced by her husband, echoed the call for change. “America, hope is making a comeback,” she said, referencing her husband’s first campaign in 2008. She warned that Trump would attempt to distort Harris’ truth, likening his attempts to previous efforts to discredit the Obamas. “His limited and narrow view of the world made him feel threatened by the existence of two hardworking, highly educated, successful people who also happened to be Black,” Michelle Obama said, prompting a strong response from the crowd.
The convention also saw Republicans who have distanced themselves from Trump address the delegates. Former White House press secretary Stephanie Grisham and former Trump supporter Kyle Sweetser shared their experiences, with Grisham recounting her resignation after the January 6 Capitol attack. Republican Mayor John Giles of Mesa, Arizona, called for a return to the principles of the late Senator John McCain, emphasizing the need to move beyond Trump’s influence.
Outside the convention, a protest near Chicago’s Israeli consulate turned briefly violent, with a smaller group clashing with police. Most convention speakers avoided the topic of US support for Israel in the Gaza conflict, although Senator Bernie Sanders called for an end to the war and an immediate ceasefire.