The DNC Speech by Barack Obama: A Call for Unity and Change

Former President Barack Obama joined forces with the DNC to present a powerful case as to why Vice President Kamala Harris should be America's next president case as to why Vice President Kamala Harris should be America's next president. Indeed, what Obama penned onto the screen was an indictment of former President Donald Trump—but it was shrouded within a hopeful vision of a unified America.

Obama opened with the expression of elation and optimism about the election that was to come. He focused on what this convention really meant for those who were holding on to the American Dream and the promise of opportunity. Obama then mentions Harris as the particular candidate who can do all this for them, touting her commitment to giving others those chances America gave her. He pointed out her readiness to be the next President and to fight for every American.

He looked back on the trajectory of his path: how, 16 years ago, he had been first nominated to be President by the Democrats. He spoke of choosing Joe Biden to be his Vice President—one of the best decisions he ever made. He spoke of Biden's empathy, the strength he showed, his sense of fairness—qualities that helped him stand tall over the last four years. He went on to refer to him as an exceptional President who kept treading on the path of democracy and steered the country through grave crises—from the global pandemic to the recovery of the economy.

Now, addressing directly the election process underway, Obama contrasted Trump with Biden. He lambasted Trump for his incessant complaining, juvenile name-calling, and fixation on small things like the size of crowds. He branded Trump's presidency as one of chaos and divisiveness and went ahead to say that nobody needs four more years of this. On the other hand, Harris was a leader who would bring real change and attend to the needs of all Americans, he said, and not just the interests or agenda of a chosen few.

He also spoke about Trump's failed policies and how he had disregarded problems relevant to the ordinary man. He slammed Trump on immigration, healthcare, and reproductive rights, further pressing that he was more interested in political gain than effective solutions. On the other hand, Harris received praise for her history of fighting for the most vulnerable: from prosecutor to Attorney General. He reminded them of how she fought to lessen relief for homeowners in the wake of the mortgage crisis, her fight over insulin, and the large cost of health care.

He didn't spare a single word in his praise for the running mate of Harris, Governor Tim Walz. Obama talked of Walz's years of experience, dedication to service, which underpinned his qualities as a serious and honest leader seized by the values of hard work and duty. Obama said Kamala Harris and Tim Walz presented a strong team that would build an America that is just and inclusive.

He concluded with statements on actions people need to get involved in the process of the elections. It's not about mouthing rhetoric that was quite familiar with ordinary people, but it is the readiness for communicating with others and fighting for what one believes in. He simply termed the election as the opportunity where one would be able to hold fast again on that which holds America together. Obama used another powerful rhetorical devise by referring to his deceased mother-in-law and grandmother and equated their values with the greater ideal of aspirations for America.

He made sure to stress that the choice is not for a president or leader alone but for a vision of an America, giving everybody a chance at the good life. What Obama was bringing home was that it's time for the country to get beyond these polarized and ineffective politics of the past and toward one where leaders such as Kamala Harris and Tim Walz will work for a more secure, just, and fair nation. At once, it was a tribute to the values by which he had guided his own career and an impassioned plea for a hopeful, inclusive future.