KALAMAZOO, Mich. – Michelle Obama was direct in her criticism.

The former First Lady joined the campaign trail on Saturday, supporting Vice President Kamala Harris in Kalamazoo on the first day of early voting in Michigan, where the Democratic candidate is neck and neck with Trump. During her speech, Obama cautioned about the potential of a second Trump term.

“I hope you’ll forgive me if I feel a bit frustrated that some of us choose to overlook Donald Trump’s overwhelming incompetence while expecting Kamala to impress us at every opportunity,” Obama stated. “We anticipate her to be smart and well-spoken, to present clear policies, and to not show too much anger, proving her worth time and again. But for Trump, we expect absolutely nothing—no grasp of policy, no coherent arguments, and certainly no honesty or decency.”

Obama’s sharp comments in favor of Harris were the strongest from any Democratic leader, including her husband, who has also campaigned to support the sitting vice president as she gears up for the final stretch against Trump.

‘This is someone who understands you’

Harris has focused her campaign efforts on Detroit and previously hosted an event with former GOP Rep. Liz Cheney, targeting anti-Trump Republicans in a nearby suburb.

On Saturday, Obama and Harris addressed a different audience: indifferent voters who feel they lack enough information about Harris and her story.

“Michigan, don’t fall for the misconception that we don’t know who Kamala is or what she represents,” Obama encouraged. “This is a person who truly understands you, hailing from a middle-class family and largely raised by her mother.”

Obama, who last spoke at a campaign rally almost eight years ago, expressed her excitement. “I haven’t done this in such a long time,” she remarked as she began to engage with the crowd.

She reflected on Trump winning in 2016 because he was given a free pass. “Let’s not forget how poorly that turned out for us all.”

Obama highlighted that Harris is actively engaging crowds, confronting her opponents head-on, and not avoiding difficult conversations.

“Unlike her opponent, she isn’t hiding from interviews or sticking to safe spaces surrounded by admiring fans,” Obama noted. “Instead, she is demonstrating what a rational and capable leader truly looks like.”

The former First Lady echoed a critical message Harris has conveyed about Trump’s suitability for the presidency, with Harris herself describing Trump as confused, unstable, and increasingly erratic.

Michelle Obama on Trump: ‘Remember how poorly prepared he was’

Prior to the rally, attendees indicated that Harris’ message was resonating, primarily citing democracy and, to a lesser extent, the economy and abortion rights as key issues in the election.

“Democracy. We must protect it,” claimed Mike Simmons, a 44-year-old manufacturing worker from Kalamazoo. “I honestly don’t think it can survive if we lose this election.”

In her address, Obama aimed to remind voters why Trump lost previously, emphasizing the misguided positivity some may feel about their financial state during his presidency. She pointed out that when the pandemic struck, he was not adequately prepared.

“Recall how unprepared he was – how he spread fear and confusion, jeopardizing lives with his lies and ignorance, and disparaging the doctors and scientists trying to assist us,” she stated. “And if we’re talking about plans, my husband provided him with a comprehensive pandemic strategy, which he ignored.”

Obama made a heartfelt appeal to women, urging them to vote, especially those in relationships where they might not be valued or heard. She reassured them that their vote is a “private matter.”

“No matter your partner’s political stance, you have the right to choose. Trust your own judgment,” she said. “Recognizing that women advocating for our best interests can sway this election is important.”

Messages displayed on sticky notes in the women’s restroom at the arena reinforced her message, declaring “FROM WOMAN TO WOMAN” in bold letters, “NO ONE will see your vote at the polls.” They also included a QR code directing to the homepage of the nonpartisan, nonprofit Vote.org.

The quiet Kamala supporter

Sheri Millard, 62, from Portage, Michigan, pointed to those messages in the restroom.

“I believe many people support Kamala but are hesitant to express it,” Millard remarked.

She anticipated that women would show up for Harris in substantial numbers and could cast their votes without disclosure to their husbands.

Obama extensively discussed reproductive health during her speech, delivering pointed remarks to men, explaining the dire consequences to the women in their lives if access to relevant healthcare is restricted.

During a recent event, discussions surrounding reproductive health care and concerns about the implications of abortion restrictions on their sons were prominent.

“I don’t mean to be a downer, everyone,” she stated at one moment. However, she urged them shortly after not to allow their dissatisfaction with societal progress to deter them from voting for Harris.

In response to their location, attendees sported shirts that cheerily welcomed her to “Kamalazoo.” The crowd erupted in cheers when Obama humorously modified the city’s name during her introduction to echo Harris’ first name.

“I can hear you wanting to say Kamalazoo,” Harris remarked to a voter at the start of her speech.

The vice president primarily concentrated on highlighting the contrasts between her policies and those of Trump.

As she has done at previous rallies, Harris addressed a supporter who interrupted her by mentioning Trump’s legal issues, stating that such matters are for the courts to decide.

While speaking, she encountered another interruption from a Pro-Palestinian demonstrator.

“Regarding Gaza, we must end that conflict,” Harris expressed. “We need to conclude the war and ensure the hostages return home. But my focus now is on 2024.”

She reiterated her commitment to moving forward away from Trump.