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Obama, ‘Kid With a Funny Name,’ Returns to the DNC

The former president threw the weight of his own legacy behind Kamala Harris.
2024 Democratic National Convention: Day 2

The former President Barack Obama linked his own political narrative to that of the Democratic nominee, Vice President Kamala Harris, in a Tuesday speech to enraptured attendees at the Democratic National Convention in Chicago.

Following an introduction from his wife, Michelle, Obama almost immediately drew a parallel between himself and Harris with a reference to his 2004 DNC speech.  “This convention has always been pretty good to kids with funny names who believe anything is possible,” he said to cheers.

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Following some of his characteristic humor—“I have not aged a bit”—Obama gave a brief but emphatic panegyric to the erstwhile Democratic candidate, President Joe Biden. “I am proud to call him my president, but I am even prouder to call him my friend,” declared Obama, setting off a round of “Thank you, Joe” chants.

For his remaining time, Obama stumped vigorously for the current ticket. “This will still be a tight race in a closely divided country,” he acknowledged.

Yet he touted the fundamental righteousness of the Democratic ticket’s side. “Together, Kamala and Tim have kept faith with America’s central story: that we are all created equal,” Obama said.

He exhorted the audience in conclusion, “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.”