Former First Lady Michelle Obama addressed the 2024 Democratic National Convention in Chicago on Tuesday night with a powerful 20-minute speech, emphasizing that "hope is making a comeback" with Vice President Kamala Harris and Minnesota Governor Tim Walz leading the Democratic ticket. In her speech, Obama paid tribute to her late mother, Marian Robinson, and expressed her belief that Harris embodies the same values her mother held dear.
Obama sharply contrasted Harris with former President Donald Trump, criticizing him for fostering fear and making divisive remarks. She referenced Trump’s controversial "Black jobs" comment from his June debate with President Biden, questioning, "Who's going to tell him that the job he's currently seeking might just be one of those 'Black jobs'?"
The speech electrified the crowd and prompted a light-hearted moment from her husband, former President Barack Obama, who humorously remarked in his subsequent speech that he was "the only person stupid enough to speak after Michelle Obama."
Below is a full transcript of Michelle Obama's prepared remarks at the 2024 DNC:
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Hello, Chicago!
There’s something wonderfully magical in the air tonight, isn’t there?
Not just here in this arena, but spreading across this country we cherish. It’s a familiar feeling, one that has been buried too deep for too long.
What am I talking about?
It’s the contagious power of hope!
The excitement, the energy, the anticipation of being on the brink of a brighter future.
The chance to overcome the fear, division, and hate that have gripped us and to continue pursuing the unfinished promise of this nation—the dream our ancestors fought, sacrificed, and died for.
America, hope is making a comeback!
For a long time, I mourned the fading of that hope. Perhaps you’ve felt it too—a gnawing pit in your stomach, a sense of dread about the future.
My personal grief has compounded this sorrow. The last time I was in Chicago, it was to honor my mother—the woman who taught me the meaning of hard work, humility, and decency. She set my moral compass high and showed me the power of my voice.
Her absence is profoundly felt. I wasn’t sure if I’d be steady enough to speak before you tonight. But my heart urged me to be here to honor her memory and remind us not to squander the sacrifices made for a better future.
My mother, in her quiet, steadfast way, embodied that hope every day. She believed in the inherent value of all people and that anyone could succeed if given the chance.
She and my father didn’t seek wealth; in fact, they were wary of those who took more than needed. They understood that for their children to thrive, everyone around us needed the same chance.
My mother volunteered at the local school and looked out for the kids in our neighborhood. She embraced the thankless, unglamorous work that has, for generations, strengthened our nation.
The belief that if you treat others well, work hard, and sacrifice, it will pay off—if not for you, then for your children or grandchildren—these values have been passed down through farms, factory towns, suburbs, and tenements, through prayer groups, National Guard units, and social studies classrooms.
Those were the values my mother instilled in me until her last breath.
Kamala Harris and I built our lives on those same values. Though our mothers were continents apart, they shared a belief in the promise of this country. Harris’s mother moved from India at 19 and taught Kamala about justice, the obligation to uplift others, and the responsibility to give more than you take.
She often told Kamala, "Don’t sit around and complain—do something!"
Inspired by her mother’s words, Kamala worked hard in school, graduated from an HBCU, earned her law degree from a state school, and dedicated herself to serving the people. She fought to hold lawbreakers accountable, improve wages, lower prescription drug costs, and secure access to education, health care, and child care.
From a middle-class background, she rose to become Vice President of the United States. Kamala Harris is more than prepared for this moment. She is one of the most qualified and dignified candidates ever to seek the presidency—a testament to her mother, my mother, and likely to your mother too. Her story reflects the experiences of countless Americans striving for a better life.
Kamala understands that, regardless of where you come from, what you look like, who you love, how you worship, or what’s in your bank account, everyone deserves the chance to build a decent life. Our contributions deserve recognition and respect.
No one holds a monopoly on being American—no one!
Kamala has shown her commitment to this nation not through anger or bitterness but through a life of service and by opening doors of opportunity for others. She knows that most of us don’t get second chances and can’t afford to cheat or change the rules to succeed. Instead, we work hard and persevere.
Throughout her life, Kamala has demonstrated resilience, integrity, and joy. Of the two major candidates in this race, only Kamala Harris truly grasps the unseen labor and unwavering commitment that has always made America great.
Unfortunately, we know the opposition will distort her truth. My husband and I are familiar with this. For years, Donald Trump tried to instill fear by targeting us. His narrow view of the world made him feel threatened by successful, educated Black individuals.
Who's going to tell him that the job he’s seeking might just be one of those “Black jobs”?
It’s the same old tactic: doubling down on ugly, racist, misogynistic lies instead of offering real solutions. Gutting health care, restricting reproductive rights, and shutting down the Department of Education won’t improve anyone’s life or prepare our children for the future.
Demonizing our children for their identities or the love they give only makes us smaller. Going small is never the answer—it’s petty, unhealthy, and unpresidential.
Why accept this from anyone seeking our highest office? Why normalize such backward leadership? It degrades our politics and discourages good-hearted people from getting involved.
Our parents taught us better, and we deserve more. We must do everything we can to elect Kamala Harris and Tim Walz.
As we embrace renewed hope, we must remember the challenges ahead. Even if Kamala and Tim are energizing crowds and drawing enthusiasm, many are still desperate for a different outcome. They will question, criticize, and spread lies.
No matter how good we feel today or tomorrow, the fight will be tough. We cannot let ourselves falter or become complacent.
We must act on our convictions and work tirelessly to get Kamala and Tim elected. With just two and a half months left, we need to ensure everyone is registered and has a voting plan.
No time for waiting or complaints—there’s too much at stake.
Consider this your official call to action: Michelle Obama is asking you to do something!
This election is close. In some states, a few votes could determine the outcome. We need to vote in overwhelming numbers and combat any suppression efforts.
Our fate is in our hands. In 77 days, we have the power to steer our country away from fear and division and toward hope and action.
We can honor the love, sweat, and sacrifice of our parents and those before us. We did it before, and we can do it again.
Let’s work as if our lives depend on it. Let’s propel our country forward and reach new heights as we elect Kamala Harris and Tim Walz!
Now, it is my honor to introduce someone who truly understands hope and has spent his life strengthening our democracy—please welcome America’s 44th president and the love of my life, Barack Obama!
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