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USA TODAY
What Barack and Michelle Obama will say Tuesday night at the Democratic National Convention
By Phillip M. Bailey, USA TODAY,
1 day ago
One of the most anticipated nights of the 2024 Democratic convention will be Tuesday evening when Barack and Michelle Obama take the stage in their political backyard.
Two decades ago, Obama, a barely 40-something Illinois Senate candidate, launched himself into America's history books with a speech that's still talked about.
The 44th president said he looks forward to joining party faithful to "share what's at stake in this election," and why Vice President Kamala Harris and Minnesota Gov. Walz, her running mate, should be elected.
"President Obama believes this is an all-hands-on-deck moment, and is committed to doing all he can to elect Vice President Harris and Democrats across the country," Eric Schultz, a senior adviser to Obama said in a statement.
"His strategy this fall will be driven by where he can move the needle with Democrats and persuadable voters, especially in states with key races. That is why he will continue to engage in traditional and creative tactics to reach voters where they are and mobilizing the electorate in advance of Nov. 5."
Aug 28, 2023; Flushing, NY, USA; Former President Barack Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama take in the tennis on day one of the 2023 U.S. Open tennis tournament at USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center. Mandatory Credit: Robert Deutsch-USA TODAY Sports Robert Deutsch, Robert Deutsch-USA TODAY Sports
A source familiar with both speeches told USA Today Obama plans to lay out the task in front of Democrats in the final 11-week sprint until November.
The former president also plans to "bring into focus the values at stake" this year and at the heart of U.S. politics, the source said.
Michelle Obama's remarks are equally anticipated given her high marks among Democrats, who have begged her to run for president since leaving the White House in 2017. She has shown little interest in seeking public office.
The former first lady plans to outline how Harris is ready to lead, but also "turn the page on fear and division," according to a source.
It's expected that Michelle Obama will spotlight the renewed enthusiasm Harris has tapped into, those familiar with her remarks say, and lean into how the VP's experience and values makes her one of the most qualified presidential candidates to run.
"This is going to be historic," Michelle Obama told Harris in a July 23 phone call. "And the energy out there, I mean, it's really changed the game in a major way, and that's because of you."
The Obamas have an enlarged role in Democratic politics, and it showed after their phone call endorsing Harris. That conversation reached 117 million combined views across various online platforms, making it one of his most viewed social posts of the year.
The accompanying email authored for the campaign by the pair, for instance, raked in more than $380,000.
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