Former US President Barack Obama addressed Democrats in the National Assembly on Tuesday, saying Vice President Kamala Harris is the right choice to challenge former President Donald Trump in the November election. As Voice of America correspondent Katherine Gypson reports, the former President and his wife Michelle were the main speakers of the second night of the Assembly in Chicago.
An enthusiastic reception at the Democratic National Convention for former President Barack Obama.
“America is ready for a new chapter. America is ready for a more inspiring story. We are ready for a President Kamala Harris,” said Mr. Obama.
He highlighted the contrast between Vice President Harris and her Republican rival, former President Donald Trump.
“Kamala Harris will not only think about herself. She will focus on you. As president, she will not only cater to her supporters and punish those who disagree with her. She will work on behalf of every American – that's Kamala.”
Mr. Obama was introduced by his wife Michelle, who in her speech said that in the short time until the election, Democrats should campaign intensively for Ms. Harris.
“We can't just wonder if this country is going to elect someone like Kamala. We have to make every effort to elect someone like Kamala,” Mrs. Obama said.
Although the process of nominating Ms. Harris as a candidate took place earlier this month, a ceremonial appeal of the states' votes showed the enthusiasm of the Democrats for her.
Vice President Harris thanked delegates remotely from an election rally in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
One of the evening's speakers was her husband, Doug Emhoff, who called his wife an optimistic fighter.
“She will lead with the conviction that regardless of our background or what group we belong to, we are stronger when we fight for what we believe in, not just against what we fear,” he said.
Several former members of Mr. Trump's administration and Republican officials who support Ms. Harris also spoke on the second night of the Democratic convention.
“Trump made big promises: for unlimited economic growth, for a renaissance of American manufacturing, a secure border. But it turned out that he only had words,” said John Giles, the Republican mayor of Mesa, Arizona.
On Wednesday, Minnesota Governor Tim Walz will address delegates in Chicago to formally accept the party's nomination for vice president.
