Barack And Michelle Obama Build A Bridge To Kamala Harris

Barack and Michelle Obama's speeches played a critical role during the Democratic convention.

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The Obamas And The Vibe

One of the first things that occurred to me while watching the second night of the Democratic convention was how much the Democratic Party has changed in recent years. For example, 50% of the delegates at the 2024 convention, by estimate, are black or Hispanic. Compared to the Republican convention, where white people dominated, i it made for a visual contrast.

The Democratic Party is younger and more diverse, but there is something else. The current Democratic convention reminded me of how much Barack Obama built this party.

The wave of new people interested in and involved in politics due to Barack Obama’s 2008 campaign is now in their late 30s or 40s. For the generation after, Barack Obama was the president they watched as small children. For a person in their teens or 20s, Barack Obama might be the first president that they remember. As little kids, it was Obama who showed them how a president behaved.

The Obama/Biden ticket has made up the last three Democratic terms in the White House, and if Kamala Harris wins, she will be a new branch from that tree after having served as Biden’s vice president.

There was a certain vibe for night two of the convention, and it was there because Barack and Michelle Obama were in the building. The Obamas lived up to the expectations of the audience both in the United Center and at home.

Just as President Biden was in a unique position on Monday night at the convention, the Obamas could play a unique role for Kamala Harris, and they did not disappoint.

Building A Bridge To Kamala Harris

Former First Lady Michelle Obama spoke first and made it clear that the Obamas knew from firsthand experience what Kamala Harris is going to be up against.