On the second night of the Democratic National Convention, Michelle Obama gave a powerful speech that targeted Donald Trump while also expressing her support for Kamala Harris, the party’s nominee.

She stated, “Donald Trump has gone to great lengths to instill fear in people.” Obama pointed out that Trump’s limited worldview made him feel threatened by the success of two hardworking, educated Black individuals. “I want to ask who will tell him that the position he is eyeing could very well be one of those ‘Black jobs’ he claims immigrants are taking,” she added, addressing Trump’s recurring claims about job competition.

Obama called on Democrats to support and defend Harris against the anticipated attacks over the next 11 weeks, urging them not to allow Republicans to shape the narrative. Following President Joe Biden’s decision to leave the race late in the game, Harris and her team have a narrow window to connect with American voters and influence the undecided electorate that could decide the election’s outcome.

Expressing her personal struggle with attending the convention due to her mother’s passing, Obama was particularly pointed in her criticism of Trump. She remarked that he has been a prominent voice in the birther conspiracy, which questioned Barack Obama’s birthplace.

“This is just the same old trick from him, doubling down on offensive, sexist, and racist falsehoods instead of presenting actual ideas and solutions to improve lives,” she said, noting that such tactics render Trump “small.”

She asserted, “Playing small is contrary to the values we instill in our children. It’s childish, unhealthy, and frankly, not befitting of a leader.”

Furthermore, Obama celebrated Harris’ background and how her mother taught her not to dwell on problems, but instead to “do something” about them.

She emphasized that Harris “recognizes that many of us aren’t lucky enough to recover from failure or draw from inherited wealth. We don’t get numerous chances if we fail in business or struggle in a crisis. When things get tough, we can’t afford to complain or cheat to get ahead. No, we face challenges head-on. Instead of expecting an easy path up the mountain, we roll up our sleeves and get to work. In this country, we take action,” Obama concluded.