First Lady Michelle Obama speaks at then 2024 Democratic National Convention
Summary
TLDRMichelle Obama delivers a powerful, emotional speech filled with hope and unity. She reflects on the values instilled by her late mother, the shared struggles of Americans, and the importance of community. Highlighting Kamala Harris's achievements, Obama advocates for her presidential candidacy, emphasizing resilience, inclusion, and the necessity of active participation in democracy. She encourages the audience to fight against fear, division, and injustice, and to vote in overwhelming numbers to ensure a future rooted in hope and equality. The speech concludes with a heartfelt introduction of Barack Obama.
Takeaways
- 🌟 Michelle Obama's speech is filled with enthusiasm and hope for the future of America.
- 🎉 She acknowledges the contagious hope and anticipation that has been rekindled in the country.
- 😔 Michelle admits to having mourned the dimming of hope until recent positive changes.
- 👩👧👦 She speaks about the personal grief of losing her mother, who embodied hard work, humility, and decency.
- 🏡 Michelle's parents believed in giving back to the community and the importance of opportunities for all.
- 🌱 She emphasizes the foundational values of hard work, love for thy neighbor, and the American dream.
- 👩⚖️ Praises Kamala Harris's dedication to justice, education, and public service, drawing parallels to her own family's values.
- 💪 Michelle encourages the audience to actively participate in the political process and not just complain about issues.
- 🗳️ Stresses the importance of voting and the impact that each vote can have in close elections.
- 🙅♀️ Critiques the opposition's tactics of fear, division, and hate, and calls for a higher standard in political discourse.
- 🤝 Ends with a call to action, urging everyone to do something to support Kamala Harris and Tim Walz's campaign.
Q & A
Who is being welcomed at the start of the transcript?
-Former First Lady Michelle Obama is being welcomed.
What is the general feeling described in the arena?
-The general feeling described is one of contagious hope and anticipation.
What is the significance of the phrase 'the demons of fear, division, and hate'?
-The phrase 'the demons of fear, division, and hate' signifies the negative forces that Michelle Obama suggests have been holding America back.
What does Michelle Obama say about her mother's influence on her life?
-Michelle Obama says her mother instilled in her a strong sense of hard work, humility, and decency, and was a profound influence on her moral compass.
What does Michelle Obama believe about the American dream?
-Michelle Obama believes in the American dream that if you work hard and sacrifice, it will pay off for your children and grandchildren.
How does Michelle Obama describe Kamala Harris's upbringing and values?
-Michelle Obama describes Kamala Harris as having been raised with a strong sense of justice, the importance of lifting others up, and the responsibility to give more than you take.
What is the significance of Kamala Harris's educational background according to the speech?
-Kamala Harris's educational background is significant because it includes attending an HBCU and a state school, which Michelle Obama emphasizes as part of her commitment to public service.
What are the key issues that Kamala Harris is said to have worked on?
-Kamala Harris is said to have worked on issues such as holding lawbreakers accountable, strengthening the legal system, fighting for better wages, cheaper prescription drugs, education, and decent healthcare.
What is the message Michelle Obama conveys about the importance of voting?
-Michelle Obama conveys that voting is crucial and that every vote counts, emphasizing the need to vote in numbers that overwhelm any effort to suppress voters.
How does Michelle Obama encourage the audience to take action?
-Michelle Obama encourages the audience to take action by not just sitting around and complaining, but to actively participate in the political process, such as making phone calls and encouraging others to vote.
Who does Michelle Obama introduce at the end of the transcript?
-At the end of the transcript, Michelle Obama introduces America's 44th President, Barack Obama.
Outlines
🎉 Michelle Obama's Inspiring Welcome and Message of Hope
Michelle Obama opens with a warm welcome, expressing the magical energy in the air and spreading a message of hope across the nation. She reflects on how hope has been buried for too long, but now it’s resurging, as people are ready to face the challenges of fear and division. Michelle recalls her personal grief over her mother's passing, a woman who taught her values of hard work and humility. Through these reflections, Michelle emphasizes the importance of hope and determination to overcome adversity in America.
👩👧 Kamala Harris' Journey and Values Passed Down from Generations
Michelle Obama shares the story of Kamala Harris, highlighting her upbringing and the values instilled in her by her mother, who immigrated from India. Kamala’s journey—from her education at an HBCU to earning her law degree and becoming a prominent figure in law and politics—demonstrates her commitment to justice and public service. Michelle emphasizes how Kamala’s story represents the promise of America, where hard work and dedication can lead to success, regardless of one’s background. She praises Kamala as more than ready for the presidency, embodying the values of service, strength, and leadership.
💪 The Resilience and Strength of Kamala Harris
Michelle underscores Kamala Harris' resilience and determination, built through her upbringing and dedication to public service. Kamala’s understanding of the unseen labor and struggles that define America makes her the ideal candidate for the presidency. Michelle contrasts Kamala's commitment to truth with the divisive rhetoric and fearmongering of her opponent. She addresses the misogynistic and racist challenges Kamala faces but affirms that Kamala is equipped with the strength, joy, and integrity needed to lead the country.
🚨 Facing an Uphill Battle: The Importance of Resilience
Michelle warns that, despite the energy and excitement surrounding Kamala's campaign, the road ahead will be tough. Many will criticize Kamala’s every move, and there will be resistance to electing a woman who threatens the status quo. She urges voters to stay vigilant, not to be swayed by lies, and to continue working hard to ensure Kamala and Tim Walz's victory. Michelle emphasizes that this fight is not just about Kamala but about standing up for basic rights, dignity, and the future of democracy.
🗳️ A Call to Action for All Americans
Michelle delivers a powerful call to action, reminding the audience that every vote counts. With only 77 days left until the election, she stresses the importance of overwhelming voter turnout to ensure that the results cannot be suppressed or questioned. This moment is about carrying forward the hopes and sacrifices of past generations and creating a better future. Michelle finishes by introducing former President Barack Obama, praising his commitment to strengthening democracy and calling him the 'love of her life,' as the audience erupts into applause.
Mindmap
Keywords
💡Hope
💡Division
💡Service
💡Opportunity
💡Fear
💡Anticipation
💡Exhilaration
💡Mourning
💡Decency
💡Striving
💡Democracy
Highlights
Michelle Obama is welcomed to the stage with overwhelming cheers and applause.
Michelle addresses the audience, thanking them and acknowledging the magical atmosphere in Chicago.
She reflects on the contagious hope spreading across the country, symbolizing a positive shift in the national mood.
Michelle shares her personal mourning over the dimming of hope in America, and how it has been intertwined with personal grief, especially after the loss of her mother.
She highlights the values her mother taught her, such as hard work, humility, and decency, which helped shape her own sense of hope.
Michelle connects her story with Kamala Harris's upbringing, emphasizing shared values like justice, lifting others up, and responsibility.
She praises Kamala Harris's journey, from her education to her public service work, which has prepared her for the vice presidency.
Michelle calls Kamala Harris 'more than ready' to serve as vice president and speaks highly of her character and leadership.
She criticizes those who are threatened by strong, hardworking, highly educated Black women in positions of power.
Michelle addresses the backwardness of certain political ideologies that focus on division, fear, and control, rather than progress.
She asserts that policies attacking women's rights, education, and diversity are regressive and harmful to society.
Michelle emphasizes that going small and indulging in divisiveness is unhealthy, unpresidential, and un-American.
She urges the audience to vote for leaders like Kamala Harris and Tim Walz, who represent hope and inclusion.
Michelle calls on the audience to act, not to sit around and complain, and to ensure everyone they know is registered and ready to vote.
In her final remarks, Michelle introduces Barack Obama, the 44th president of the United States, with great admiration and love.
Transcripts
>> PLEASE WELCOME FORMER FIRST
LADY MICHELLE OBAMA.
[ CHEERS AND APPLAUSE ]
[ CHEERS AND APPLAUSE ]
>> THANK YOU, GUYS.
[ CHEERS AND APPLAUSE ]
OKAY.
WE'VE GOT A BIG NIGHT AHEAD.
THANK YOU ALL SO MUCH.
THANK YOU
[ CHEERS AND APPLAUSE ]
OKAY.
OKAY.
HELLO, CHICAGO!
[ CHEERS AND APPLAUSE ]
YEAH.
ALL
SOMETHING --
WONDERFULLY MAGICAL IS IN THE
AIR, ISN'T IT?
YEAH.
YOU KNOW, WE'RE FEELING IT
IN THIS ARENA, BUT IT'S
SPREADING
COUNTRY WE LOVE, A FAMILIAR
FEELING THAT'S BEEN BURIED TOO
DEEP FOR FAR
YOU KNOW WHAT I'M
IT'S THE CONTAGIOUS
HOPE.
THE ANTICIPATION, THE
THE EXHILARATION OF ONCE AGAIN
BEING ON THE
DAY, THE CHANCE TO
DEMONS OF FEAR, DIVISION, AND
HATE THAT
CONTINUE
PROMISE OF THIS GREAT
THE DREAM THAT OUR PARENTS AND
GRANDPARENTS FOUGHT AND DIED
SACRIFICED
AMERICA, HOPE IS MAKING A
COMEBACK.
[ CHEERS A
BUT TO BE HONEST, I AM REALIZING
THAT UNTIL RECENTLY, I HAVE
MOURNED THE DIMMING
HOPE.
AND MAYBE YOU'VE EXPERIENCED
SAME FEELINGS, THAT DEEP
MY STOMACH, A PALPABLE SENSE OF
DREAD ABOUT THE
AND FOR ME, THAT MOURNING HAS
ALSO BEEN MIXE
PERSONAL GRIEF.
THE LAST
HOMETOWN WAS
MOTHER,
THE MEANING OF HARD WORK AND
HUMILITY AND DECENCY, THE WOMAN
WHO SET MY MORAL
AND SHOWED ME THE
OWN
FOLKS,
PROFOUNDLY.
I WASN'T EVEN SURE IF I'D BE
STEADY
YOU
COMPELLED ME TO BE HERE BECAUSE
OF
TO HONOR
REMIND
THE SACRIFICES OUR ELDERS MADE
TO GIVE US A BETTER FUTURE.
YOU SEE, MY MOM, IN HER STEADY,
QUIET
STRIVING SENSE OF HOPE EVERY
SINGLE DAY OF
SHE BELIEVED THAT ALL CHILDREN,
ALL
ANYONE CAN SUCCEED IF GIVEN THE
OPPORTUNITIES.
SHE AND MY FATHER DIDN'T
TO BE WEALTHY.
IN FACT, THEY WERE SUSPICIOUS OF
FOLKS WHO TOOK MORE THAN THEY
NEEDED.
THEY UNDERSTOOD THAT IT WASN'T
ENOUGH FOR THEIR
IF EVERYONE
DROWNING.
SO,
LOCAL SCHOOL.
SHE ALWAYS LOOKED OUT FOR THE
OTHER KIDS ON THE BLOCK.
SHE WAS GLAD TO DO
THANKL
FOR GENERATIONS HAS STRENGTHENED
THE FABRIC OF THIS NATION, THE
BELIEF THAT IF YOU
OTHERS, IF YOU LOVE THY
NEIGHBOR, IF YOU WORK AND SCRAPE
AND SACRIFICE, IT WILL PAY OFF,
IF
YOUR CHILDREN OR YOUR
GRANDCHILDREN.
YOU SEE,
PASSED ON THROUGH FAMILY FARMS
AND FACTORY TOWNS, THROUGH
TREE-LINED STREETS AND CROWDED
TENEMENTS, THROUGH PRAYER
AND NATIONAL GUARD
SOCIAL STUDIES CLASSROOMS.
THOSE WERE THE
POURED
LAST BREATH.
KAMALA HARRIS AND I BUILT OUR
LIVES ON THOSE FOUNDATIONAL
VALUES.
EVEN THOUGH OUR MOTHERS GREW UP
AN
SAME BELIEF IN THE PROMISE
THIS COUNTRY.
THAT'S WHY
FROM INDIA AT 19.
IT'S WHY SHE TAUGHT KAMALA ABOUT
JUSTICE, ABOUT
LIFT OTHERS UP, ABOUT
RESPONSIBILITY TO GIVE MORE THAN
WE TAKE.
SHE'D OFTEN TELL HER
DON'T SIT AROUND
ABOUT
SO, WITH THAT VOICE
KAMALA WENT OUT AND SHE WORKED
HARD IN SCHOOL,
AN HBCU --
[ CHEERS AND APPLAUSE ]
-- EARNING HER LAW DEGREE AT
STATE SCHOOL.
AND THEN SHE WENT ON TO WORK FOR
THE
LAWBREAKERS ACCOUNTABLE,
STRENGTHENING THE
FIGHTING TO GET FOLKS BETTER
WAGES, CHEAPER PRESCRIPTION
DRUGS, A GOOD EDUCATION, DECENT
HEALTH CARE, CHILD
CARE.
FROM A MIDDLE CLASS HOUSEHOLD,
KAMALA WORKED HER
BECOME VICE PRESIDENT OF THE
UNITED STATES OF AMERICA.
MY GIRL.
KAMALA HARRIS IS MORE THAN READY
FOR THIS
SHE IS ONE OF THE MOST
PEOPLE EVER TO SEEK THE OFFICE
OF THE PRESIDENCY.
AND SHE IS ONE
DIGNIFIED, A TRIBUTE TO HER
MOTHER, TO MY MOTHER,
YOUR MOTHER TOO, THE
OF THE STORIES WE TELL OURSELVES
ABOUT THIS COUNTRY.
HER STORY IS YOUR
IT'S MY STORY.
IT'S THE STORY OF THE
MAJORITY OF AMERICANS TRYING TO
BUILD A
LOOK, KAMALA
THAT
COME FROM, WHAT YOU LOOK LIKE,
WHO YOU LOVE, HOW YOU WORSHIP,
OR WHAT'S
WE ALL DESERVE THE OPPORTUNITY
TO BUILD A
ALL OF OUR
TO BE ACCEPTED AND VALUED.
BECAUSE
WHAT IT MEANS TO BE AN AMERICAN,
NO ONE.
KAMAL
TO THIS
BITTERNESS
BUT BY LIVING A LIFE OF SERVICE
AND PUSHING
OPPORTUNITY FOR HER AND OTHERS.
SHE
NEVER BE AFFORDED THE
FAILING FORWARD.
WE WILL
AFFIRMATIVE ACTION OF
GENERATIONAL WEALTH.
IF WE
CHOKE IN A CRISIS, WE DON'T GET
A SECOND OR THIRD
CHANCE.
IF
DON'T GET THE LUXURY OF WHINING
TO OTHERS.
WE
SO WE WIN.
IF WE SEE
US, WE DON'T EXPECT THERE TO BE
AN ESCALATOR
TO THE TOP.
NO.
WE PUT OUR HEAD
WORK.
IN AMERICA, WE DO SOMETHING.
AND THROUGHOUT HER
THAT'S WHAT WE'VE SEEN FROM
KAMALA HARRIS, THE STEEL OF HER
SPINE, THE
UPBRINGING, THE HONESTY OF HER
EXAMPLE, AND YES, THE JOY
LAUGHTER AND HER LIGHT.
IT COULDN'T BE MORE OBVIOUS.
OF THE TWO MAJOR CANDIDATES IN
THIS RACE, ONLY KAMALA HARRIS
TRULY UNDERSTANDS THE UNSEEN
LABOR AND
THAT HAS ALWAYS MADE AMERICA
GREAT.
NOW,
COMES NEXT.
WE KNOW FOLKS
EVERYTHING THEY CAN
HER TRUTH.
MY
LITTLE SOMETHING
FOR
EVERYTHING IN HIS POWER TO TRY
TO
SEE, HIS LIMITED NARROW VIEW OF
THE
THREATENED BY THE EXISTENCE OF
TWO HARD-WORKING, HIGHLY
EDUCATED,
HAPPENED TO BE BLACK.
[ CHEERS AND APPLAUSE ]
WAIT.
I -- I WANT
I WANT TO KNOW.
WHO'S GOING
GOING TO TELL HIM THAT THE JOB
HE'S CURRENTLY SEEKING MIGHT
JUST
[ CHEERS AND APPLAUSE ]
IT'S HIS
OLD CON, DOUBLING DOWN ON UGLY,
MISOGYNISTIC,
SUBSTITUTE FOR REAL IDEAS AND
SOLUTIONS THAT WILL ACTUALLY
MAKE PEOPLE'S LIVES BETTER.
LOOK, BECAUSE
CARE, TALKIKING
CONTROL OUR BODIES, THE FREEDOM
TO BECOME A MOTHER THROUGH
LIKE I DID, THOSE THINGS ARE NOT
GOING TO IMPROVE THE
OUTCOMES OF OUR WIVES, MOTHERS,
AND DAUGHTERS.
SHUTTING DOWN THE
EDUCATION, BANNING OUR
NONE OF THAT WILL PREPARE OUR
KIDS FOR THE FUTURE.
DEMONIZING OUR CHILDREN FOR
BEING WHO THEY ARE AND LOVING
WHO THEY LOVE, LOOK, THAT
DOESN'T MAKE ANYBODY'S
BETTER.
INSTEAD -- INSTEAD, IT ONLY
MAKES US SMALL.
AND LET ME TELL YOU THIS.
GOING SMALL IS NEVER
GOING SMALL IS THE OPPOSITE OF
WHAT WE TEACH OUR
GOING SMALL IS
UNHEALTHY, AND QUITE
IT'S UNPRESIDENTIAL.
SO, WHY WOULD ANY OF US ACCEPT
THIS FROM
HIGHEST
WHY WOULD WE NORMALIZE THAT TYPE
OF BACKWARD
DOING SO ONLY DEMEANS AND
CHEAPENS OUR POLITICS.
IT ONLY SERVES TO
DISCOURAGE GOOD, BIG-HEARTED
PEOPLE
INVOLVED AT ALL.
AMERICA, OUR PARENTS TAUGHT
BETTER THAN THAT.
AND WE DESERVE SO MUCH BETTER
THAN
THAT'S WHY WE MUST DO
IN OUR POWER TO ELECT
THOSE GOOD,
THERE IS NO OTHER CHOICE THAN
KAMALA HARRIS AND TIM WALZ, NO
OTHER CHOICE.
[ CHEERS AND APPLAUSE ]
BUT AS WE EMBRACE THIS RENEWED
SENSE OF HOPE, LET US NOT
THE DESPAIR WE HAVE FELT.
LET US NOT FORGET
AGAINST.
YES, KAMALA
GREAT NOW.
THEY'RE PACKING ARENAS ACROSS
THE COUNTRY.
FOLKS ARE ENERGIZED.
WE ARE
BUT
MANY
FOR A DIFFERENT OUTCOME, WHO ARE
READY TO QUESTION AND CRITICIZE
EVERY MOVE
EAGER
DON'T WANT TO VOTE FOR A WOMAN,
WHO WILL CONTINUE
BUILDING THEIR WEALTH OVER
INSURING THAT
ENOUGH.
TONIGHT OR TOMORROW OR THE NEXT
DAY, THIS IS GOING TO BE AN
UPHILL
SO, FOLKS,
WORST
NO.
SEE, BECAUSE THE MINUTE
SOMETHING
A LIE TAKES HOLD, FOLKS, WE
CANNOT START WRINGING OUR HANDS.
WE
COMPLEX
IS
AND WE CANNOT INDULGE OUR
ANXIETIES ABOU
COUNTRY WILL
KAMALA INSTEAD OF DOING
EVERYTHING
LIKE KAMALA ELECTED.
KAMALA AND TIM,
AMAZING LIVES.
AND I AM
WILL LEAD
INCLUSION, AND
BUT THEY ARE STILL ONLY
THEY ARE NOT PERFECT.
AND LIKE
MAKE
BUT LUCKILY, Y'ALL, THIS IS NOT
JUST
NO, HUH-UH.
THIS IS UP TO US, ALL
BE THE SOLUTION THAT
IT'S UP TO
ANECDOTE TO THE
DIVISION.
LOOK, I DON'T CARE
IDENTIFY POLITICALLY, WHETHER
YOU'RE A
INDEPENDENT, OR NONE OF THE
ABOVE, THIS IS OUR TIME TO STAND
UP FOR
HEARTS IS
TO STAND UP NOT JUST FOR OUR
BASIC
AND
DIGNITY,
VALUES AT THE VERY
THIS DEMOCRACY.
IT'S UP TO US
KAMALA'S MOTHER TOLD
DON'T JUST SIT AROUND AND
COMPLAIN,
SO, IF THEY LIE ABOUT HER, AND
THEY WILL, WE'VE GOT
SOMETHING.
IF WE SEE A BAD POLL, AND WE
WILL, WE'VE GOT TO PUT
PHONE AND DO SOMETHING.
IF WE START
START
CREEPING BACK IN, WE'VE GOT TO
PICK
ON OUR FACE, AND
>> DO SOMETHING!
>>
MONTHS, Y'ALL, TO GET THIS DONE,
ONLY 11 WEEKS TO
SINGLE PERSON WE KNOW IS
REGISTERED
PLAN.
SO, WE CANNOT AFFORD FOR
ANYONE --
AMERICA -- TO SIT ON THEIR HANDS
AND WAIT TO BE CALLED.
DON'T COMPLAIN
THE CAMPAIGN HAS SPECIFICALLY
REACHED OUT TO YOU TO ASK YOU
FOR
THERE IS SIMPLY NO TIME FOR THAT
KIND OF FOOLISHNESS.
YOU KNOW WHAT YOU NEED TO DO.
SO, CONSIDER THIS TO BE
OFFICIAL ASK.
MICHELLE OBAMA IS ASKING YOU --
NO, I'M
SOMETHING.
BECAUSE --
>> [ CROWD CHANTING ] DO
SOMETHING!
>> YOU ALL, THIS ELECTION IS
GOING TO BE CLOSE.
IN SOME
HANDFUL -- LISTEN TO ME, A
HANDFUL OF VOTES IN EVERY
PRECINCT COULD DECIDE
WINNER.
SO, WE NEED TO VOTE IN NUMBERS
THAT ERASE ANY
WE NEED TO OVERWHELM ANY EFFORT
TO SUPPRESS US.
OUR FATE IS IN OUR
IN 77 DAYS, WE HAVE THE
TURN OUR COUNTRY
FEAR, DIVISION, AND SMALLNESS
THE PAST.
WE HAVE THE
HOPE WITH OUR ACTION.
WE HAVE THE
THE LOVE, SWEAT, AND
OF OUR MOTHERS AND FATHERS AND
ALL THOSE WHO CAME BEFORE US.
WE DID IT BEFORE
SURE CAN DO IT AGAIN.
LET
DEPEND ON IT.
AND LET
COUNTRY FORWARD
YES, ALWAYS
EVER GONE BEFORE, AS WE ELECT
THE NEXT
PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES
KAMALA HARRIS AND TIM WALZ.
THANK YOU ALL.
GOD BLESS.
[ CHEERS AND APPLAUSE ]
NOW, BEFORE I GO, I
MORE JOB TONIGHT.
[ CHEERS AND APPLAUSE ]
YEAH.
ONE MORE JOB.
YOU ALL, THANK YOU FOR ALL THE
LOVE, BUT IT IS NOW MY HONOR
INTRODUCE SOMEBODY WHO KNOWS A
WHOLE LOT ABOUT HOPE, SOMEONE
WHO HAS
STRENGTHENING OUR DEMOCRACY.
AND LET
WHO LIVES WITH HIM, HE WAKES UP
EVERY DAY
THINKING ABOUT
THIS COUNTRY.
PLEASE WELCOME AMERICA'S 44th
PRESIDENT AND THE LOVE OF
LIFE, BARACK OBAMA.
[ CHEERS AND APPLAUSE ]
[ CHEERS AND APPLAUSE ]
[ CHEERS AND APPLAUSE
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