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VEEP SWIPE
Kamala Harris snubs Obamas as they deliver keynote DNC speeches – weeks after they were late to endorse her
The Democrats are reportedly haunted by Hillary Clinton's ghosts from 2016
KAMALA Harris was nowhere to be seen as the Obamas headlined day two of the Democratic National Convention.
Harris was on the campaign trail in Wisconsin while delegates and A-listers rubbed shoulders at the convention in Chicago on Tuesday.
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It comes after the Obamas did not immediately endorse Harris after Joe Biden ended his re-election campaign in July.
The pair endorsed Harris a few days after she launched her campaign.
The presidential hopeful arrived at a packed-out crowd of over 15,000 people at the Fiserv Forum in Milwaukee while the Obamas and others were left holding the fort at the Union Center.
Harris's decision to hold a rally during the convention at a key battleground state was to send a message to the Republican party about the swell of support behind her.
DNC highlights so far...
- Delegates conveyed their admiration for President as he delivered a forceful speech during night 1 of the DNC.
- secured the Democratic nomination in a chaotic and gaffe-filled roll call during night 2 of the convention.
- Former advisor and White House press secretary Stephanie Grisham spoke at the DNC.
- Grisham, who was one of five Republicans to speak at the Dem convention, said behind closed doors, Trump would refer to his supporters as "basement dwellers."
- The Obamas electrified the Chicago crowd as they delivered keynote speeches.
- Former First Lady delivered a rousing speech blasting the Republican presidential candidate as a racist and misogynist.
- , one of the most influential figures in the Democratic Party since leaving the Oval Office in 2017, called Trump a "whining and childish" billionaire.
Wisconsin remains a key target for Harris who does not want to see a repeat of 2016 when Hillary Clinton lost the state by a fraction after failing to campaign there, according to .
The Democrats are defending Wisconsin after flipping the state in 2020.
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in the battleground state.
In August 2020, Biden's lead in Wisconsin was just shy of five percentage points.
Kamala Harris accepts nomination
Trump had been consistently ahead in the state before Biden dropped out of the race.
Harris simultaneously had an energized crowd and major speakers in Chicago and a packed-out arena in Milwaukee which was used for the Republican National Convention last month.
The absence of the vice president from the DNC didn't suppress the excitement of the crowd as Barack Obama and former First Lady Michelle Obama took the stage to raucous applause.
Michelle, who was born in Chicago, received a hometown welcome, as she said there was "something magical in the air."
The first part of her speech was centered on motherhood, specifically her mother, Marian Robinson, who died back in May.
"The last time I was here in my hometown was to memorialize my mother and the woman who showed me the meaning of hard work and humility and decency," said Michelle.
"The woman who set my moral compass high and showed me the power of my own voice. Folks, I still feel hurt.
"I wasn’t even sure if I’d be sturdy enough to stand before you tonight. But my heart compelled me to be here because of the sense of duty that I feel to honor her memory."
Michelle added that Vice President Kamala Harris, who officially secured the Democratic Party's nomination, is one of the "most qualified people ever to seek the office of the presidency."
And she is one of the most dignified — "a tribute to her mother, to my mother, and probably to your mother, too," Michelle concluded.
"Her story is your story. It’s my story. It’s the story of the vast majority of Americans trying to build a better life."
In the latter half of her speech, Michelle dug into former President Donald Trump, saying he had spent years making people afraid of her and her husband.
She didn't mention the birther conspiracy, a movement spearheaded by Trump that falsely claimed then-Senator Barack Obama was not a natural-born US citizen.
However, Michelle did mention Trump's infamous "black jobs" comment that he made .
"Who’s going to tell him the job he’s currently seeking might be one of those Black jobs?" she said.
"It’s the same old con."
OBAMA TO THE STAGE
Former President Barack Obama embraced his wife as he took the stage to deliver the final address for the night.
With a self-deprecating joke, Obama described himself as "the only person stupid enough to speak after Michelle Obama."
He first mentioned President Joe Biden, who served as Obama's vice president for two terms.
"My first big decision as your nominee turned out to be one of my best, and that was asking Joe Biden to serve by my side as vice president," said Obama.
He was the only person to mention Biden on day two, praising Biden as both his vice president and eventual commander-in-chief, adding that Biden did the "rarest" thing in politics by stepping aside for the good of his party.
Barack Obama and Joe Biden relationship timeline
Former President Barack Obama and Joe Biden have a decades-long relationship and Obama has always stood behind his former VP - until this week when he urged Biden to reconsider his bid for re-election in 2014. Here are the latest developments in their friendship.
- 2005: Obama arrives on Capitol Hill as a freshman Senator.
- 2007: Biden announces his bid for the 2008 presidential election. Biden eventually drops out and is named Obama's vice president.
- 2008: Obama and Biden win the election.
- 2010: Biden and Obama start having weekly lunches after Biden's son Beau suffered a stroke.
- May 2011: Biden and Obama approve the mission which resulted in the death of al-Qaeda leader Osama bin Laden.
- May 30, 2015: Obama delivers the eulogy at Biden's son Beau's funeral.
- October 2015: Biden holds a press conference in the Rose Garden saying that he is done running for office, Obama stands close by in support of his friend.
- January 2016: Obama offers to pay the mortgage on Biden's house after the vice president revealed he couldn't pay Beau's hospital bills.
- 2016: Biden becomes angered after it was revealed Obama was reportedly thinking of replacing him with Hillary Clinton.
- January 2017: Obama surprises Biden by presenting him with the Presidential Medal of Freedom, calling him "a lion of American history."
- January 2020: Former president Obama endorses Biden in the 2020 presidential race at a drive-in rally in Flint, Michigan.
- January 20, 2021: Obama and Michelle attend Biden's inauguration.
- June 19, 2024: Obama, appearing at a star-studded fundraiser for the Democratic party, helps Biden off stage as questions about Biden's health and fitness to serve another term swirl.
- June 28, 2024: Obama releases a post on X in support of Biden after his disastrous debate, saying the election is "between someone who has fought for ordinary folks his entire life and someone who only cares about himself."
- June 29, 2024: Obama is called in for crisis talks with aide Ron Klain and Democratic fundraiser Dougie Kass as concerns over Biden's health continue to mount.
- July 18, 2024: Obama tells Democratic allies that he believes Biden needs to reconsider his candidacy and that his path to victory has greatly diminished.
- July 21, 2024: Obama praises Biden’s decision to drop out but doesn’t endorse VP Kamala Harris despite Biden doing so.
"History will remember Joe Biden as a president who defended democracy at a moment of great danger," said Obama.
"I am proud to call him my president, but even prouder to call him my friend."
After the touching tribute, Obama stated that the "torch has been passed" as he transitioned to speak about Vice President Harris.
"Kamala Harris won't be focused on her problems," he said, accusing Trump of using power for his own benefit.
"She'll be focused on yours."
The former president went viral, however, after performing a crude gesture while mocking Trump.
Obama slammed his successor as a 78-year-old billionaire "who has not stopped whining about his problems since he rode down his golden escalator nine years ago."
Something magical in the air.
Michelle Obama
";We have seen that movie before, and we all know that the sequel is usually worse," he said as he bashed Trump.
He said Trump has been a constant stream of gripes and grievances that are only getting worse "because he's afraid to lose to Kamala."
"There's the childish nicknames, the crazy conspiracy theories, this weird obsession with crowd sizes," said Obama, drawing laughter as he brought his hands closer together, which the crowd interpreted as a jab at Trump's focus on size.
"Thank you Obama for just being you and nailing the zingers just at the right time," wrote one person on X.
"That was the most epic clap back EVER," wrote another person.
PROTESTERS ARRESTED
Meanwhile, anti-Israel protesters gathered in front of the Israeli Consulate near the arena with more than 60 leaving in handcuffs.
The Chicago Police Department prepared ahead of time after similar protests occurred the night before.
A total of 13 people were arrested during day one of the convention after the outer security perimeter fence outside the United Center was breached.
Behind Enemy Lines, an anti-Israel group, claimed responsibility for the protests that were organized outside of the consulate around 7 pm.
The group called on members to "shut down the DNC for Gaza."
Democratic National Convention roundup
Delegates from across the nation decended into Chicago's United Center to formally celebrate Vice President Kamala Harris as the Democrats presidential nominee.
DNC Night 1 highlights:
- Delegates showed an outpouring of gratitude for President , the incumbent who decided to end his reelection campaign on July 21, 2024, and pass the torch to his vice president to lead the nation.
- An emotional Biden, who wiped away tears as a raucous crowd chanted, "Thank you, Biden, delivered an emphatic speech that diverted past the scheduled primetime hour.
- Supporters praised the president for his 50-year career in public service that began in Delaware.
- "For 50 years, like many of you, I've given my heart and soul to our nation, and I've been blessed, a million times in return, with the support of the American people," Biden said.
- Former Secretary of State received a standing ovation as she called Kamala Harris and Tim Walz's campaign "the future."
DNC Night 2 highlights:
- secured the Democratic nomination in a chaotic and gaffe-filled roll call during night 2 of the convention.
- Former White House press secretary Stephanie Grisham spoke at the DNC and said behind closed doors, Donald Trump would refer to his supporters as "basement dwellers."
- Grisham was one of five Republicans to speak at the convention.
- The Obamas electrified the Chicago crowd, delivering keynote speeches one after the other.
- Former First Lady gave a rousing speech blasting Trump as a racist and misogynist.
- , one of the most influential figures in the Democratic Party since leaving the Oval Office in 2017, called his successor a "whining and childish" billionaire.
By 7:30 pm, tensions were high as protesters came face-to-face with officers, who snatched wooden poles and flags away from the demonstrators.
Soon after, arrests were made, which were caught on camera with at least three people being seen taken into custody.
Pro-Israel counterprotesters were also present and were separated by police in fear of possible violence.
Some anti-Israel protesters attempted to push through the human shield of officers but didn't succeed.
Around 7:45 pm, protesters lit an American flag on fire as a crowd gathered around.
Former Chicago Police Superintendent Eddie Johnson said police wouldn't address flags being set on fire unless the act posed a danger to people.
SECOND GENTLEMAN
Second Gentleman Doug Emhoff received big cheers as he took the stage, greeted by thousands of signs reading "DOUG."
In his speech, Emhoff embraced the blended family he shares with Harris, whom he married in 2014.
Emhoff was previously married to film producer, Kerstin Emhoff, who he shares two children, Cole and Ella.
He shared that he met Harris in 2013 after being set up by a client, sharing the embarrassing voicemail he left her.
"Heyyy, it’s Doug," Emhoff recalled himself saying to Harris, as the audience laughed with him. "I’m on my way to an early meeting. Again, it’s Doug."
Democratic National Convention: Fast Facts
The Democratic National Convention is the presidential nominating convention for the 2024 Presidential Election.
Delegates of the US Democratic Party will vote to nominate Vice President Kamala Harris for president.
They will also affirm her choice of running mate, Minnesota Governor Tim Walz, for vice president.
Kamala Harris is the first Black woman and first South Asian person to be the presidential nominee of a major political party in the US.
The convention begins on Monday, August 19, and runs through Thursday, August 22.
It will take place in Chicago, Illinois, at Chicago's United Center.
The Democratic National Convention Chair is Minyon Moore.
Notable speakers will include President Joe Biden, former Presidents Bill Clinton and Barack Obama, Hillary Clinton, Jason Carter, and Pete Buttigieg.
Emhoff continued, "I was trying to grab the words out of the air and just put them back in my mouth.
"After what seemed like far too many minutes, I hung up."
He revealed that Harris kept the voicemail and makes him listen to it every year on their wedding anniversary.
"You know that laugh. I love that laugh," Emhoff said, slamming back at Trump who has criticized Harris' laugh.
"Kamala Harris was exactly the right person for me at an important moment in my life," said Emhoff, gushing over his wife.
"At this moment in our nation's history, she is exactly the right president."
UNLIKELY BEDFELLOWS
Stephanie Grisham, a former White House official, slammed former First Lady Melania Trump with screenshots from the night she resigned from her position.
She received a lukewarm welcome as she took the main stage in Chicago's United Center.
Grisham also served as the Chief of Staff and Press Secretary for Melania before resigning immediately after the storming of the US Capitol on January 6, 2021.
She shared a conversation she had with the then-first lady following the events of the insurrection.
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Screenshots showed a text message Grisham sent to Melania that read, "Do you want to tweet that peaceful protests are the right of every American, but there is no place for lawlessness & violence?"
Melania replied, "No."
Grisham said she became the first senior White House staffer to resign on January 6.
"I couldn't be a part of the insanity any longer," she said.
During her time as White House Press Secretary, Grisham sparked controversy after no formal press briefings were held during her tenure, which she mentioned in her speech.
"Unlike my boss, I never wanted to stand at that podium and lie," she said, referring to Trump.
"Now here I am, behind a podium, advocating for a Democrat and that's because I love my country more than my party."
She slammed Trump, who she says she spent several major holidays with at Mar-a-Lago along with his family.
"I saw him when the cameras were off, [and] behind closed doors Trump mocks his supporters," she said.
"He calls them basement dwellers."
Grisham said Trump has no empathy, morals, "and no fidelity to the truth."
Before leaving the stage, Grisham declared that Vice President Kamala Harris "has my vote!"
'HISTORY IS WATCHING'
The grandsons of former Presidents Jimmy Carter and John F. Kennedy took the stage in brief speeches on their respective families' legacies.
Jason Carter honored his grandfather, former President Carter, saying Harris carries the 99-year-old's legacy.
"For my grandfather, it was never about fame, or accolades, or rewards," said Jason.
"His legacy is measured by the lives he has touched and the good he has done."
Jason added that while President Carter is looking forward to his 100th birthday in October, he has other plans come November.
"And though his body may be weak tonight, his spirit is as strong as ever," he said.
"My grandfather can't wait to vote for Kamala Harris."
Jack Schlossberg, the grandson of President Kennedy, followed soon after Jason.
Despite his cousin, Robert F. Kennedy Jr., running as an independent, Schlossberg threw his support for Harris.
"She believes in America, like my grandfather did; that we do things not because they're easy, but because they are hard," he said.
"The choice is ours to make and history is watching to see what we will do."
Meanwhile, RFK Jr's team is reportedly mulling over whether to suspend their campaign and back Trump.
His running mate Nicole Shanahan has blasted Harris' economic policies.
READ MORE SUN STORIES
She slammed ideas such as price caps and price gouging.
Trump said he would be open to the idea of offering RFK Jr a role in his future administration if the independent candidate dropped out of the race, according to .
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