Obama Duo Champions Kamala Harris at Democratic National Convention

At the Democratic National Convention, former U.S. President Barack Obama and his wife Michelle Obama delivered powerful speeches backing Kamala Harris' presidential run. They criticized Trump and praised Harris and Joe Biden. Accompanying these messages were calls for unity, with significant political figures urging support for Harris's historic candidacy.

Former U.S. President Barack Obama and his wife Michelle Obama delivered compelling addresses at the Democratic National Convention on Tuesday night, urging Americans to support Kamala Harris in her last-minute presidential bid against Republican Donald Trump. Obama, the first Black president, has thrown his significant political influence behind Harris as she aims to become the first woman, Black, and South Asian person elected U.S. president on Nov. 5.

"We do not need four more years of bluster and bumbling and chaos. We have seen that movie before, and we all know that the sequel is usually worse," Obama told delegates on Day Two of the convention in Chicago. "America is ready for a new chapter. America is ready for a better story. We are ready for a President Kamala Harris."

Obama took aim at Trump, his Republican successor, while commending President Joe Biden, his former vice president. Obama recounted Biden's efforts to protect democracy during a critical period, receiving chants of "We love Joe."

Michelle Obama, who introduced her husband, emphasized that hope was making a comeback, echoing themes from Obama's 2008 campaign. She warned that Trump would attempt to distort Harris' narrative.

At 63, Barack Obama played a pivotal role in the decisions leading Biden to step down and endorse Harris. Harris, 59, has gained significant momentum, breaking fundraising records and drawing large crowds. On Tuesday, she spoke from Milwaukee as her supporters echoed sentiments of "FREEDOM."

Harris and her vice-presidential selection, Tim Walz, shared the stage in the same Milwaukee venue where Trump accepted the Republican nomination. Harris rebuked Trump for his stance on the Supreme Court's 2022 decision that overturned Roe v. Wade, highlighting the importance of consequences at the ballot box.

Notably, Republicans opposing Trump, such as former White House press secretary Stephanie Grisham, addressed the convention. Meanwhile, a protest near Chicago's Israeli consulate turned violent, but the event remained largely focused on other issues.

U.S. Senator Bernie Sanders addressed the U.S. role in the Gaza conflict, calling for an end to the war and an immediate ceasefire.

(With inputs from agencies.)