CHICAGO — Eight years ago, Michelle Obama, then the first lady, encouraged Democrats to adopt a sophisticated strategy in their campaign against Republicans and Donald Trump. During the 2016 Democratic National Convention, she famously urged, “When they go low, we go high.”
Fast forward to this year’s Democratic convention, and in her hometown of Chicago, Michelle Obama adopted a more confrontational stance against the Republican nominee, resonating with Vice President Kamala Harris’ message: “When we fight, we win.”
Reflecting on Trump’s perspective, she stated, “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,” referring to the treatment her family received from Trump during his presidency.
She also took a jab at Trump regarding his use of the phrase “Black jobs,” hinting at his lack of understanding by saying, “Who’s going to tell him that the job he’s currently seeking might just be one of those Black jobs?”
As she criticized Trump’s approach, she described it as “going small,” labeling it “unpresidential” and challenged the acceptability of such behavior from anyone aspiring to the highest office in the land.
Her remarks reflect a shift in the Democratic Party towards a more combative strategy, particularly following a recent debate in which President Joe Biden’s performance was lacking, leading to Harris taking the lead on the ticket with Biden’s endorsement.
Jim Messina, who managed Barack Obama’s 2012 campaign, noted that Michelle Obama’s speech was intended to emphasize the proximity of the race between Harris and Trump.
If elected, Harris would make history as the first woman and first woman of color to hold the presidency. Michelle Obama predicted that Trump would resort to racially charged and misogynistic attacks against Harris, a tactic he has already exhibited.
“It’s his same old con: doubling down on ugly, misogynistic, racist lies as a substitute for real ideas and solutions that will actually make people’s lives better,” she remarked.
Additionally, in an interview, Rep. Ayanna Pressley, D-Mass., emphasized that engaging in tough exchanges does not conflict with taking the high road. She asserted, “I think we still go high; still, we’re not afraid to mix it up.”
Pressley noted that Democrats can respond to attacks while maintaining an aspirational agenda for the public.
Alongside her criticisms of Trump, Michelle Obama lauded Harris and her running mate, Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz, encouraging Democrats to energize their efforts leading up to the November 5 election.
“If we start feeling tired, if we start feeling that dread creeping back in,” she advised, “we’ve got to pick ourselves up, throw water on our faces, and do something!”
Sen. Amy Klobuchar, D-Minn., remarked that Michelle Obama has a unique ability to motivate Democrats to vote, stating, “When she tells people to go out and vote, they listen.”
In her opening comments, Michelle Obama drew a parallel between Harris’ campaign and her husband’s 2008 run, which was characterized by “hope and change.” Many Democrats have noted a similar excitement in the early weeks of Harris’ campaign.
“America, hope is making a comeback!” she declared. “Something wonderfully magical is in the air, isn’t it? Not just here in this arena, but spreading all across this country we love — a familiar feeling that’s been buried too deep for too long. You know what I’m talking about? It’s the contagious power of hope!”
Ultimately, Democrats are hoping this energy leads to victory in November.