Here's why the Obamas could hurt Harris on the campaign trail, too

The most popular Democrat, Barack Obama, plays a crucial role in Kamala Harris' campaign. It mobilizes voters, thereby increasing their chances. But there is a downside to the former US president's promise.

Bastian Brauns/t-online, Philadelphia

Anyone paying attention to the United States today will quickly understand why this campaign requires more money than any other democracy in the world. On Sunday, Donald Trump rented out New York's famed Madison Square Garden for a lavish show in front of more than 20,000 supporters. Kamala Harris' campaign circus, on the other hand, packed a large college auditorium in the swing state of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, on Monday.

Not only music stars Bruce Springsteen and John Legend also came, but most importantly the most famous Democrat, former US President Barack Obama. The carefully planned campaign in Philadelphia was no coincidence. As the historical center of American independence, it is not only symbolic but also an important constituency. Pennsylvania has long been considered a key state in presidential elections.

Kamala Harris is doing her best, and so are numerous celebrities.Image: trapezoid

Therefore, Obama's arrival has great strategic significance for the Democratic Party and shows a sense of urgency. The first data from so-called “early voting” ahead of the main election day on Nov. 5 show significantly more Republicans than Democrats have voted so far. Kamala Harris' campaign has failed to activate her own voters in a similar way, at least so far.

To secure Pennsylvania's total of 19 electoral votes, the votes of workers, academics, and especially young first-time voters are crucial to the Democratic Party. Kamala Harris had been here the day before, visiting a church and a barber shop, among other things.

Obama's appeal to men

Obama's speech particularly appealed to male voters, who according to surveys are undecided. He spoke of the “false notion of power” that many see in Donald Trump, and warned Trump not to be re-elected because he often ignores democratic values ​​and “only thinks about himself and the rich.” “Real strength means taking responsibility and being honest, even when it makes you uncomfortable,” Obama said. “Real strength means treating others with dignity.”

Trump sells “fake attitudes about masculinity” to men in particular. At the same time, Trump also insulted American veterans, those who risk their lives as soldiers. Obama was referring to Trump's statement calling veterans “losers and losers.”

Obama then questioned Trump's masculinity, asking, “Do you think Donald Trump ever changed a car tire himself?” In this case, Trump was unlike Democratic deputy nominee Tim Walz. , he would call his driver. Obama shouted:

But the concerns of the people of Philadelphia are the same as those of the rest of the country. Obama knows this too. They are concerned about the extremely high cost of living in recent years. The former president tried to explain that the Covid-19 pandemic, which Trump has handled poorly, has led to high inflation and that the economy will take a long time to recover from the situation. Donald Trump's economic expertise is a major problem for Democrats.

“You have no idea how many times I heard that from people during the campaign,” Obama said. Men in particular wanted to vote for Donald Trump because he sent them a check for financial support during the pandemic. “First of all, these checks actually come from Congress, which approved these aid dollars,” Obama said. Second, Joe Biden also sent out so-called “stimulus checks.”

Women's rights at risk

In Philadelphia, Barack Obama and musician John Legend also highlighted the importance of protecting women's rights, especially abortion rights, as a central issue in the election. Obama urged viewers to consider candidates who respect and defend women's rights. But John Legend also stressed that “that freedom is at stake” under Donald Trump, pointing to increasing restrictions on reproductive rights in many US states.

For the singer, the issue of abortion is a deeply personal one. The legendary Chrissy Teigen has revealed to the public that they lost their son Jack due to pregnancy complications when she was around 20 weeks pregnant. This puts both Teigen and her unborn child at risk. The couple initially talked about having a miscarriage, but revealed in 2022 that it was actually an abortion that was necessary to save Chrissy Teigen's life because the baby had no chance of survival.

The experience changed her personal views on abortion. As her husband played the grand piano on stage in Philadelphia, Chrissy Teigen spoke to t-online about her fight for women's rights.

Chrissy Teigen and John Legend at Harris rally.Image: trapezoid

“Abortion is the most important issue to me because it means so much to me and my family,” Teigen said. Often, when she speaks publicly about reproductive health care, people ask why it's the only issue she cares about. “It's not the only thing that's important to me, but it's something I'm really familiar with,” she said. “I had to decide whether my own life or the protection of my baby's health was more valuable,” Teigen said. She really wanted to have this baby, but she and her doctor had to make a decision. “I don't want to live in a world where the government makes decisions for me,” Teigen said.

Later on stage in Philadelphia, Bruce Springsteen, who sings a lot about equality and social justice in his songs, also shared this message: Anyone who supports Kamala Harris will get a A president who represented people's rights policies. People protect women's right to self-determination.

Bruce Springsteen performs for Democrats.Image: trapezoid

Bruce Springsteen used music to pay homage to American ideals as he made a political statement that night. The rock musician evoked the American sense of community and values ​​with his songs “Promised Land,” “Land of Hopes and Dreams” and “Dancing in the Dark.” Like John Legend and later Barack Obama, the singer emphasized the importance of governments listening to their own people and standing up for democratic principles. “Donald Trump wants to be an American tyrant,” Springsteen said of the Republican nominee.

Obama is Harris' biggest supporter

Obama Night in Philadelphia brought the house to a boil. It turns out this can be done without human degradation. In particular, Obama once again showed that he remains the Democratic Party's best rhetorical figure. His speech in Philadelphia appeared to be a counterweight to the cynical tone of Trump, who appeared at a packed Madison Square Garden in New York City the day before. Trump has surrounded himself with celebrities like Elon Musk and Hulk Hogan, who support his radical rhetoric.

With Barack Obama and Michelle Obama by her side, Kamala Harris will undoubtedly receive a powerful boost in the crucial final push of her campaign. Barack Obama's rhetorical genius and enduring popularity also lend Harris credibility. By saying it, despite the fact that he's essentially delivering the same message as Harris herself, he might be able to once again appeal to the same voters that carried him to victory in key states like Pennsylvania in his day.

The Obamas' message reinforced Harris's campaign message and energized key voters, especially young voters. As the former president concluded his speech, he could hardly avoid requests for autographs and selfies. He still patrols the halls. He knows how motivating this is for many volunteers.

The prevalence of exposing a vulnerability

But there's a downside to that influence: While Kamala Harris benefits from the Obama family's presence and legacy, the support also highlights the challenge of igniting enthusiasm for Harris herself. Michelle Obama in particular, considered by many to be a hugely popular figure, reminded Democrats they wanted to see her as their primary candidate. How difficult it is for Harris to build her own so-called momentum compared to Obama.

Obama's “Yes, we can” message was not reflected in Harris in the same way. Their slogan “We are not going back” did not have the same impact in the United States as Obama's. It is doubtful whether this will still be achieved in the coming days.

Kamala Harris has held a large, symbolic final rally in the capital, Washington, on Wednesday evening (CET). Kamala Harris delivered her final statement at the Ellipse Lecture Theater on the National Mall in downtown. Because that's exactly where Donald Trump gave his final speech as president on January 6, 2021. His mob then stormed the Capitol to prevent Joe Biden from being confirmed in Congress.

Sources used: