It’s no secret that the Obamas’ impact on politics remains strong, even though they choose to stay out of the spotlight most of the time.
When Michelle Obama walked across the stage, rapturous applause ensued before she began her address to state delegates and millions watching the Democratic National Convention.
The DNC, which wrapped up Thursday, is a reminder of how influential the Obamas are on national politics and pop culture. YouGov’s 2019 global survey ranked Michelle Obama as the world’s most admired woman, replacing famed actress Angelina Jolie, who fell to third place at the time.
As for politics, the former first lady’s name was floated as a potential 2024 presidential candidate before Harris clinched the Democratic nomination. However, Obama quickly made it clear that she would not run.
A July poll conducted by YouGov showed Vice President Kamala Harris and Michelle Obama tied as the top choices among Democrats for a presidential nominee to face Donald Trump.
The survey asked respondents who they would approve of if Biden stepped down, with 66 percent choosing both Harris and Mrs. Obama.
Her husband, Barack, has had a strong impact on politics even after his two-term presidency. Obama is rumored to be the driving force behind Biden’s choice to end his re-election campaign.
After Obama’s public endorsement of Harris, Democrats across the nation and former Obama campaign officials added their stamps of approval for her.
Former campaign manager David Plouffe and 2012 deputy campaign manager Stephanie Cutter quickly joined Harris’ campaign, underscoring Obama’s continued influence within the party.
Obama now reaches out to Harris with advice, a former Obama aide told Reuters. “He has offered to support her campaign in any way that he can – including policy or strategic advice, fundraising, and of course campaign travel to help get-out-the-vote,” another Obama aide told the news outlet.
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Trump reacts to jabs by the Obamas
At the DNC, Mrs. Obama delivered a passionate speech Tuesday night, making the case for Harris.
“The steadiness of her upbringing, the honesty of her example. And yes, the joy of her 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 unwavering commitment that has always made America great.”
She then pivoted to calling out Donald Trump for his past comments made against her family.
“Now unfortunately we know what comes next. We know folks are going to do everything they can to distort her truth. My husband and I sadly know a little something about this. For years, Donald Trump did everything in his power to try to make people fear us. His limited narrow view of the world made him feel threatened by the existence of two hard-working, and highly educated successful people who happen to be Black.
“Who’s gonna tell him that the job he’s currently seeking might just be one of those Black jobs?”
Barack Obama took the podium immediately after his wife’s speech, closing out the night. Obama commended President Joe Biden for his selflessness in deciding to pass the torch to Harris.
Obama also slammed Trump during his address. And the former president’s classic phrase resurfaced after the crowd directed boos at Trump. “Do not boo, vote,” Obama said.
Trump responded to the Obamas’ sharp criticism, framing their “personal” attacks as justification for his own actions.
“Did you see Barack Hussein Obama last night taking little shots? He was taking shots at your president and so was Michelle,” Trump said at a campaign rally in North Carolina. “You know, they always say, ‘Sir, please stick to policy, don’t get personal,’ and yet they’re getting personal all night, these people.”
Kamala accepts the nomination on the final night
Meanwhile, on the convention’s fourth and final night, Kamala Harris formally accepted the Democratic presidential nomination. In her speech, Harris called for unity and to move past partisanship.
“With this election, our nation has a precious, fleeting opportunity to move past the bitterness, cynicism, and divisive battles of the past, a chance to chart a new way forward,” Harris said.
“Not as members of any one party or faction but as Americans,” she continued. “And let me say, I know there are people of various political views watching tonight, and I want you to know, I promise to be a president for all Americans. You can always trust me to put country above party and self.”
Trump rejects connection to Project 2025
Harris also warned of a threat to women’s reproductive rights under a Trump presidency, claiming he’d implement a policy to “force states to report on women’s miscarriages and abortions” and create a “national anti-abortion coordinator” role.
Harris, who would become the first woman president if elected, was describing policies from Project 2025, according to PolitiFact, an organization that fact-checks politicians and others. However, Trump and his campaign have repeatedly debunked claims that he is connected to the project.
Conservative organization Heritage Foundation is responsible for the 900-page policy recommendations; Trump is not listed as a contributor or author. Still, Trump’s allies were instrumental in the conservative proposals.
A month ago, Trump commented on Project 2025 during a campaign rally in Grand Rapids, Michigan, where he dismissed the conservative manual.
“And you know the other side’s going around trying to make me sound extreme, like I’m an extremist,” he said. “I’m not an extremist at all. … like some on the right, severe right, came up with this project 25. I mean some of them I know who they are, but they’re very, very conservative.”
“I don’t know what the hell it is,” Trump added. “And then they read some of the things and they are extreme. I mean, they’re seriously extreme. But I don’t know anything about it. I don’t want to know anything about it. But what they do is spread misinformation and disinformation.”