Democratic National Convention Day 2: Obamas and Emhoff to speak as focus shifts to Harris after Biden’s farewell

DNC Day 2: Endorsement spotlight shifts to Harris (File)

In a crucial moment at the DNC, former President Barack Obama, alongside Michelle Obama and second gentleman Doug Emhoff, will take the stage to endorse Kamala Harris.

This follows President Joe Biden's farewell speech, marking a shift in focus towards Harris and her running mate, Minnesota Governor Tim Walz, as they gear up to challenge Republican Donald Trump in the upcoming presidential race. Obama's endorsement is expected to be a significant boost to Harris's campaign as she seeks to rally support against her Republican rival.

At 63, Obama’s legacy continues to resonate, especially during critical moments like the deliberations that eventually led President Joe Biden to exit the race and endorse Kamala Harris, 59.

A video of Obama and Michelle congratulating Harris via phone has garnered millions of views, with key advisers from Obama’s 2008 campaign now supporting Harris. According to a Harris aide, the former president frequently offers her advice.

Almost eight years post-presidency, Obama remains a highly popular Democrat, surpassing Harris and the current administration in public opinion polls.

In a prime-time speech on the second day of the Democratic National Convention in Chicago, the first Black US president brings his star power to a campaign that has so far thrived on positive vibes and the relief of Democrats as Biden’s faltering campaign comes to an end.

Biden took center stage on Monday, the convention's opening night, drawing an extended standing ovation from the party faithful and, even with five months left in office, delivering a farewell speech to the party that stretched well past midnight Eastern time (0400 GMT).

Like his successors, Obama presided over a closely divided country. But his victories were enviable by today's standards: he won in 2008 and 2012 by healthy Electoral College margins, carrying states like Florida, Iowa and Ohio that are now considered out of reach for Harris and running mate Tim Walz.

But Trump also launched his political career through racist attacks on Obama's citizenship status and then succeeded him in the White House, a bitter legacy for liberals that Obama may reflect upon in his speech.

In his speech, Obama will outline what he believes will lift Harris to victory while also warning Democrats about the tough task they face over the next 11 weeks, according to a source familiar with the remarks.

"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," said Eric Schultz, an Obama adviser.

Obama will make appearances in coming weeks where he believes he can help persuade voters, especially in the battleground states likely to decide the election, Schultz said.

A TIGHT RACE

Trump, meanwhile, will campaign in a Michigan town one month after white supremacists rallied there. His campaign says he is not trying to stir up racial tensions for political gain, though Trump himself has made racist remarks about Harris, who would be the first Black woman and South Asian person to be elected president.

Trump's fellow Republicans say Democrats are too focused on attacking him and celebrating Harris' candidacy at their convention, rather than saying what they would do if they retained the White House.

"I didn't hear anything about public policy," Republican Representative Byron Donalds said at a news conference at a Trump-owned building in Chicago. "All I heard was Donald Trump and joy. That's all I got. That is not a vision."

Harris and Trump are locked in a tight presidential race that will likely be decided in a handful of battleground states, polls show.

Former first lady Michelle Obama is also expected to address the convention, emphasizing the need for the country to turn the page on fear and division, according to a source familiar with her plans.

Her name has often been tossed around as a dream presidential candidate for Democrats; to their dismay, she has shown no interest in electoral politics.

A Reuters/Ipsos poll early this month showed that 55% of Americans - and 94% of Democrats - viewed Michelle Obama favorably, higher than Harris' 37% approval rating nationally and 81% within the party.

Harris and Walz will travel to Milwaukee on Tuesday to attend a campaign rally. It will be Harris’s seventh visit to Wisconsin this year and her third since becoming the Democratic presidential candidate.

Harris's remarks will be live-streamed into Chicago's United Center, the site of the convention.

(Inputs From Agencies)