Obama, the keynote speaker at the Democratic National Convention on Tuesday, will be campaigning for Harris

Barack Obama, the former president of the United States, will provide his endorsement of Kamala Harris, his longstanding political ally, in a high-profile address on Tuesday night. The purpose of the speech is to strengthen Harris’s election campaign against Republican Donald Trump.

Obama, who is 63 years old, possesses a legacy that is particularly significant in times of crisis. This was evident during the chaotic deliberations that ultimately resulted in President Joe Biden withdrawing from the contest and endorsing Harris, who is 59 years old.

A video of Obama and his wife Michelle Obama congratulating Harris in a phone call has been viewed by millions, and leading advisers from Obama’s 2008 presidential campaign have joined Harris’ campaign. An adviser to Harris has disclosed that the former president has initiated communication with him regarding advice.

Based on public opinion polls, Obama continues to be one of the most popular Democrats in the country, surpassing Harris and the current administration, nearly eight years after the conclusion of his presidency.

The first Black U.S. president, in a prime-time address to the Democratic National Convention in Chicago on Tuesday, contributes his own star power to a campaign that has relied on the happy vibes and the relief of Democrats who are pleased that Biden’s campaign has concluded, despite the fact that it has been devoid of policy specifics.

On Monday, the convention’s opening night, Biden commanded the stage, receiving a prolonged standing ovation from the party faithful. Despite having only five months remaining in office, he delivered a farewell speech to the party that extended beyond midnight Eastern time (0400 GMT).

President Obama, like his predecessors, governed a nation that was deeply divided. But his victories were enviable by the standards of today: he won in 2008 and 2012 by substantial Electoral College margins, capturing states such as Florida, Iowa, and Ohio that are now considered unattainable for Harris and his running mate Tim Walz.

However, Trump also began his political career by making bigoted assaults on Obama’s citizenship status and subsequently succeeded him in the White House. This experience has left a bitter legacy for liberals, which Obama may consider in his speech.

According to a source who is acquainted with the remarks, Obama will present his perspective on the factors that he believes will contribute to Harris’ victory, as well as caution Democrats about the challenging task they must undertake in the upcoming 11 weeks.

“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,” according to Eric Schultz, an Obama adviser.

Schultz stated that Obama will participate in several events in the upcoming weeks, with the intention of influencing voters, particularly in the battleground states that are expected to determine the outcome of the election.

A CONFLICTUAL RACE

Nevertheless, one month following the white supremacist rally in a Michigan community, Trump will be campaigning there. His campaign maintains that he is not attempting to incite racial tensions for political purposes, despite the fact that Trump has made bigoted comments about Harris, who would be the first Black woman and South Asian person to be elected president.

According to Trump’s Republican colleagues, Democrats are devoting an excessive amount of time to disparaging him and commemorating Harris’ candidacy at their convention, rather than discussing their strategies for regaining the presidency.

In Chicago, Republican Representative Byron Donalds stated at a news conference held at a Trump-owned building, “I did not hear anything about public policy.” “Except for Donald Trump and joy, I heard nothing.” Unfortunately, that is all I have. That does not constitute a vision.

Harris and Trump are currently engaged in a competitive presidential campaign that is expected to be resolved in a small number of battleground states, according to recent polls.

Michelle Obama, the former first lady, is also anticipated to deliver a speech at the convention. According to a source who is privy to her plans, she will underscore the necessity for the nation to abandon dread and sectarian conflict.

Democrats have frequently considered her as a potential presidential candidate; however, she has yet to demonstrate any enthusiasm for electoral politics, much to their disappointment.

A Reuters/Ipsos poll conducted earlier this month revealed that Michelle Obama was viewed favorably by 55% of Americans and 94% of Democrats. This is a higher approval rating than Harris’ national approval rating of 37% and 81% within the party.

Walz and Harris will be in Milwaukee on Tuesday to participate in a campaign rally. Her third visit to Wisconsin since becoming the Democratic presidential candidate and her seventh visit to the state this year.

The remarks of Harris will be broadcast live during the convention at the United Center in Chicago.