DNC 2024 Day 2: 'Yes, she can': Obama endorses Harris, blasts Trump

Second Gentleman Doug Emhoff re-introduced himself to America in his Tuesday night's speech.

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Last updated: Wednesday, August 21, 2024 4:54AM GMT
Barack and Michelle Obama speak at DNC: Hope is making a comeback
Barack and Michelle Obama speak at DNC: Hope is making a comebackThe 2024 DNC Day 2 speaker schedule culminated with Democratic political royalty: former President Barack Obama and former First Lady Michelle Obama.

CHICAGO -- In a presidential campaign like no other -- and just four weeks after President Joe Biden bowed out of the race -- Democrats are gathering in Chicago this week to nominate Vice President Kamala Harris as their candidate to take on former President Donald Trump.

ABC News will have special coverage of the DNC -- including primetime coverage from 10 p.m. until 11 p.m. ET on ABC every day of the conventions, and on ABC News Live from 7 p.m. until 12 a.m. ET.

See DNC Day 1 updates here.

Aug 21, 2024, 4:52 AM

Read the full text of Barack and Michele Obama's speeches

Want to revisit the speeches from Former President Barack Obama or First Lady Michelle Obama?

You can read the full text of their speeches and watch them again by clicking here for Barack and here for Michelle.

Aug 21, 2024, 4:52 AM GMT

Read the full text of Barack and Michele Obama's speeches

Want to revisit the speeches from Former President Barack Obama or First Lady Michelle Obama?

You can read the full text of their speeches and watch them again by clicking here for Barack and here for Michelle.

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Aug 21, 2024, 3:46 AM GMT

'Let's get to work' Obama says as he concludes speech

After more than 30 minutes on stage, Obama had a simple message for convention-goers.

Former President Barack Obama hugs former first lady Michelle Obama as he is introduced during the Democratic National Convention Tuesday, Aug. 20, 2024, in Chicago.
Former President Barack Obama hugs former first lady Michelle Obama as he is introduced during the Democratic National Convention Tuesday, Aug. 20, 2024, in Chicago.

"As much as any policy or program, I believe that's what we yearn for, a return to an America where we work together and look out for each other," Obama said.

"That is what this election is about," he added. "And I believe that's why, if we each do our part over the next 77 days, if we knock on doors, if we make phone calls, if we talk to our friends, if we listen to our neighbors, if we work like we've never worked before, if we hold firm to our convictions, we will elect Kamala Harris as the next president of the United States and Tim Walz as the next vice president of the United States."

"So let's get to work. God bless you, and God Bless the United States of America."

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Aug 21, 2024, 3:40 AM GMT

Kamala Harris posts photo watching husband's speech on plane

Kamala Harris posted a photo on X of her watching, from the plane, her husband Doug Emhoff deliver his remarks.

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Aug 21, 2024, 3:35 AM GMT

Obama says 'mutual respect' must be part of party's message

Obama said to build a true Democratic majority, they have to give grace to people who may not align with their political views.

Former President Barack Obama speaks during the Democratic National Convention Tuesday, Aug. 20, 2024, in Chicago.
Former President Barack Obama speaks during the Democratic National Convention Tuesday, Aug. 20, 2024, in Chicago.

"That sense of mutual respect has to be part of our message," he said. "Our politics have become so polarized these days that all of us across the political spectrum seem so quick to assume the worst in others unless they agree with us on every single issue."

"We start thinking that the only way to win is to scold and shame and out-yell the other side. And after a while, regular folks just tune out or they don't bother to vote," he continued. "Now that approach may work for the politicians who just want attention and thrive on division, but it won't work for us to make progress on the things we care about, the things that really affect people's lives."

Obama later acknowledged those ideas "can feel pretty naive right now" but was adamant "the ties that bind us are still there."