Democratic National Convention day two recap: ‘Yes she can’ says former President Barack Obama
Day two of the Democratic National Convention in Chicago has wrapped up with a stirring return of influential former President Barack Obama.
Other big names who spoke on day two included former First Lady Michelle Obama and former presidential hopeful Senator Bernie Sanders.
The United States’ “first-Second Gentleman”, Kamala Harris’ husband Doug Emhoff, shared how he first got Harris’s phone number and his son poked fun at Emhoff potentially becoming the nation’s “first-First Gentleman”.
A somewhat redundant ‘celebratory roll call’ named Harris as the party’s nominee, despite a virtual roll call already determining this.
On Thursday, DNC day three will include a speech from Harris’ running mate ‘coach’ Tim Walz and former President Bill Clinton.
Scroll through the posts below to recap the day’s events.
Key Events
Day two is done. What’s planned for DNC day three?
Well, that wraps up day two of the DNC.
The return of the Obamas was welcomed by the Democratic crowd with defining cheers and an introduction.
The update to the iconic slogan “Yes we can” with the new “Yes she can” is likely to gain momentum, as it proved so popular with the audience.
On Thursday, we will hear from Democratic Vice Presidential nominee Tim Walz and former President Bill Clinton.
It is set to be another big day, with Harris expected to be in the crowd and, if rumours are to be believed, a surprise musical performance.
Obama wraps up by saying ‘let’s get to work’
“We will elect leaders up and down the ballot who will fight for the hopeful forward-looking America we all believe in.
“Together we too will build a country that is more secure and more just, more equal and more free.
“So let’s get to work.
‘God Bless the United States of America.”
‘We will elect Kamala Harris as the next President of the United States
Obama said this election is about a better America.
“A return to an American where we work together, and look out for each other,” Obama said.
“A restoration of what Lincon called, on the eve of civil war, our bonds of affection.
“That is what this elect is about
“If we each do our part over the next 77 days, if we knock on doors, if we make phone calls, if we talk to friends, if we listen to our neighbours.
If we work like we’ve never worked before, if we hold firm to our convictions, we will elect Kamala Harris as the next President of the United States and Tim Walz as the next Vice President of the United States.
Obama says the world is watching
“The rest of the world is watching to see if we can actually pull this off,” Obama said.
“No nation, no society has ever tried to build a democracy as big or as diverse as this before.
“One where our allegiances and our community are defined not by race or blood but by a common creed.
“That’s why when we uphold our values the world is a little brighter.
“When we don’t, the world is a little dimmer and dictators autocrats feel a little bolder.
“Then over time, we feel a little less safe.
“America can and must be a force for good,” Obama yelled at the crowd.
Obama brings back iconic presidential campaign slogan
The former President delighted the crowd when he let slip three words when talking about Harris.
“Yes she can,” Obama said.
Obama campaigned with the slogan “Yes we can”.
“Yes she can, Yes she can,” the audience chanted.
“A Harris, Walz administration can help us move past the tired old debates that keep stifling progress,” Obama said.
‘Kamala will be that president’
“Kamala knows if we want to help people get ahead, we need to put a college degree in reach of more Americans.
“But she also knows a college degree isn’t the only ticket to middle-class.
“In this new economy, we need a president who actually cares about the millions of people all across this country who wake up every single day to do the essential often thankless work.
“To care for our sick, to clean our streets to deliver our packages.
“We need a president who will stand up for their right.
“To bargain for better wages and better conditions.
“Kamala will be that president.
Obama says it ‘won’t be easy’
“Our job over the next eleven weeks is to convince as many as people as possible to vote for that vision,” Obama said.
“It won’t be easy.
“The other side knows it’s easier to play on people’s fears and cynicism.
“They will tell you that Government is inherently corrupt.
“We have different tasks,
“Our job is to convince people that democracy can actually deliver.
‘Kamala’s vision’
“Even when we don’t agree with each other, we can find a way to live with each other,” Obama said.
“That’s Kamalas vision,
“That’s Tim’s vision.
“That’s the Democratic vision.”
Obama tells the audience ‘don’t boo’
When talking about Trump, the crowd started booing.
Obama was quick to shut the audience down.
“Don’t boo. Vote” he said.
Obama likens Trump to a leaf blower
“The other day I heard someone compare Trump to the neighbour who keeps running his leaf blower outside your window every day,” Obama said.
“From a neighbour that’s exhausting.
“From a president, it’s just dangerous.”
