Michelle Obama Takes Aim at Trump, "US presidency is a Black job"

In a powerful address at the Democratic National Convention on Tuesday, Michelle Obama delivered a scathing critique of Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump, denouncing his character and the racist rhetoric that has often targeted her and her husband, former President Barack Obama. Speaking passionately, the former First Lady highlighted Trump's "limited and narrow view of the world," attributing his hostility towards the Obamas to their success as "hardworking, highly educated" Black individuals.

Former USA first lady Michelle 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 remarked, drawing applause from the crowd.

Obama didn't hold back as she took a swipe at Trump’s campaign rhetoric about “Black jobs” being taken by migrants. In a pointed rebuke, she quipped, "Who’s going to tell him that the job he’s currently seeking might just be one of those 'Black jobs?'" Her comment was met with resounding cheers from the audience.

The former First Lady’s speech was in support of Democratic candidate Kamala Harris, who is poised to become the first Black and South Asian president if elected. Obama contrasted Trump’s privileged upbringing with the struggles faced by most Americans, emphasizing that unlike Trump, who benefited from his father’s wealth, most people don’t have the luxury of "second, third, or fourth chances" when they face failures.

"We will never benefit from the affirmative action of generational wealth," she said, adding, "If we bankrupt a business or choke in a crisis, we don’t get a second, third, or fourth chance. If things don’t go our way, we don’t have the luxury of whining or cheating others to get further ahead."

Michelle Obama also condemned the racist and sexist attacks that have plagued Harris since her presidential bid began, noting that Trump has resorted to familiar tactics of "ugly, misogynistic, racist lies" rather than offering genuine solutions to the nation's problems.

"It’s his same old con," Obama said, addressing Trump's attempts to undermine Harris. "Doubling down on ugly, misogynistic, racist lies as a substitute for real ideas and solutions that will actually make people’s lives better."

Drawing a parallel between Harris' campaign and Barack Obama's historic 2008 run, Michelle Obama spoke of the "magical" energy surrounding the DNC and the nation. "Something wonderfully magical is in the air," she told the delegates and guests at Chicago's United Center. "A familiar feeling that's been buried too deep for far too long. It's the contagious power of hope."

Obama declared that "Hope is making a comeback," echoing the iconic slogan that propelled her husband to the White House as the first Black president. She urged Americans to see themselves in Kamala Harris, describing her story as "your story, my story, the story of the vast majority of Americans trying to build a better life."

However, Obama warned that the race between Harris and Trump would be a close one, emphasizing the need for continued effort and mobilization. "No matter how good we feel tonight or tomorrow or the next day, this is still going to be an uphill battle… so we cannot be our own worst enemies," she cautioned.

Before President Joe Biden exited the race in July, polls showed Michelle Obama as a strong contender, even outperforming Biden in a hypothetical matchup against Trump. Despite her popularity and the success of her memoir "Becoming," the former First Lady has consistently stated that she has no intention of running for president.