Former US First Lady Michelle Obama on Tuesday night launched a blistering attack on the Republican presidential candidate, Donald Trump at the ongoing Democratic National Convention.
She criticized his character and history of racist rhetoric, recounting personal experiences of his targeted attacks on her and her husband, former President Barack Obama.
"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 late Tuesday night.
Obama also ridiculed Trump for his comments about so-called "Black jobs," a reference he made during his campaign, implying that jobs meant for Black Americans were being taken by migrants. “Who’s going to tell him that the job he’s currently seeking might just be one of those ‘Black jobs?’” she quipped, receiving enthusiastic applause from the crowd.
Michelle Obama’s speech comes as she endorses Democratic candidate Kamala Harris, who is set to make history as the first Black woman and South Asian president if elected. Obama urged Americans to rally behind Harris, likening the enthusiasm for her candidacy to the energy felt during Barack Obama's groundbreaking 2008 campaign. “Hope is making a comeback,” she told the convention, drawing a connection to her husband's famous 2008 slogan.
Trump, who has denied accusations of racism, responded to the attacks during a campaign stop in North Carolina. "He was very nasty last night," Trump said, referring to Barack Obama's earlier criticism. "I try to be nice to people, but it's tough when they get personal."
Michelle Obama, however, did not back down, accusing Trump of doubling down on "ugly, misogynistic, racist lies" instead of offering real solutions for the country. She also highlighted the differences between Trump's privileged upbringing and the challenges faced by ordinary Americans. “We will never benefit from the affirmative action of generational wealth,” she said. “If we bankrupt a business or choke in a crisis, we don’t get a second, third, or fourth chance.”
Her speech also addressed the racist and sexist attacks that have intensified against Kamala Harris since her presidential bid began. Trump has questioned Harris' racial identity, echoing his past false claims about Barack Obama’s citizenship.
Despite the fierce attacks, Michelle Obama emphasized the need for hope and action. She called on Democrats to organize and mobilize voters, stressing that the race would be a tough battle. "No matter how good we feel tonight or tomorrow or the next day, this is still going to be an uphill battle," she warned, urging supporters to stay focused and not become complacent.
Obama also made it clear that while she remains a powerful voice in politics, she has no intention of running for president herself, despite polling that has shown her popularity among Democrats.
The former first lady concluded with a call to action, urging Americans to reclaim the hope that once carried her husband to the White House: “Hope is making a comeback.”
The upcoming election, she said, is not just about Harris’ story, but the story of the majority of Americans fighting to build a better life.
