'Unknown' Harris, who helped Obama, now receives full support from Obama...

Day 2 of the US Democratic National Convention
Speeches by Obama, Michelle Obama, and others

Barack Obama, the first Black president of the United States, visited his political hometown of Chicago on the second day of the Democratic National Convention on the 20th (local time), declaring himself the strongest ally of presidential candidate Vice President Kamala Harris. Locally, attention is being drawn to the long-standing friendship between the two, as Harris was one of the few supporters of then-candidate Obama during the 2008 Democratic primary. This convention speech is being regarded as nothing less than a 'repayment' to an old friend.

Vice President Kamala Harris (left), the Democratic presidential candidate in the United States, and former President Barack Obama [Image source=AP Yonhap News]

Former President Obama is set to be a prime-time keynote speaker at the Democratic National Convention held at the United Center in Chicago. At this event, he will emphasize the legacy of President Joe Biden, who made the courageous decision not to seek re-election, while urging support for Vice President Harris, who is challenging to become the first female president, the first Black female president, and the first Indian-American president in the upcoming November election. He will highlight that Vice President Harris, like himself, will break historic barriers, declaring 'Again 2008.'

Obama, who is rallying support for Harris, is considered the most star-powered figure among current and former U.S. presidents. Juliana Stratton, Lieutenant Governor of Illinois, told the Associated Press, "Obama remains the North Star within the party," emphasizing his influence by saying, "There is no more important voice than Obama’s to energize Democrats, reach independent voters, and persuade moderate Republicans."

This is not the first time former President Obama has delivered a convention speech for a Democratic presidential candidate. At the Boston convention 20 years ago, which launched him from an unknown politician to a presidential contender in 2008, he spoke for then-candidate John Kerry. In 2016, he took the stage for then-candidate Hillary Clinton. In 2020, when his running mate Joe Biden ran for president, Obama delivered a virtual speech due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

[Image source=AP Yonhap News]

However, this speech is considered more special because it is based on the close friendship between Vice President Harris and Obama that dates back to 2004. CNN highlighted the significance by stating, "Tonight, Obama took the stage for 'his friend' Harris." The New York Times (NYT) also drew attention to their friendship in an article titled "Behind the Obama-Harris Friendship: Important Support and Kindred Spirits."

According to the NYT, Vice President Harris supported then-candidate Obama early on during the 2008 Democratic primary, despite the overwhelming influence of former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton within the party. The NYT reported, "There were few in the entire Democratic Party who supported Obama. It was a political risk," adding, "Harris’s early investment ultimately paid off, and Obama never forgot that." A close aide told the NYT that Obama promised to "repay" Harris in his convention speech, emphasizing that the two have walked the same political path for over 20 years. Vice President Harris and former President Obama share the commonality of being Americans with African immigrant fathers. Beyond racial and cultural backgrounds, their political ideologies are also considered similar, emphasizing diversity and hope.

Obama’s full support for Vice President Harris is also evident in the recent moves of their aides. Stephanie Cutter, who joined Harris’s team a year ago, previously served in the Obama administration. Additionally, after Harris became the Democratic presidential candidate, key campaign personnel were newly filled with veterans from Obama’s camp. It was also reported that Harris called former President Obama as the third or fourth person after her family immediately upon receiving the news of President Biden’s decision not to seek re-election last month. The NYT noted, "The Harris campaign’s recent focus on joy and freedom is not unrelated to the Obama campaign’s promise of hope and a new beginning 16 years ago."

[Image source=EPA Yonhap News]

On the same day, Michelle Obama, former President Obama’s wife and a renowned ‘great orator,’ will also take the stage at the Democratic National Convention. Attention is focused on what message Michelle, who was previously mentioned among Democratic supporters as an alternative to President Biden, will deliver in support of Vice President Harris, who is challenging to become the first Black female president. Their speeches are scheduled to follow shortly.

Meanwhile, unlike the previous day when Vice President Harris made a surprise appearance to attend President Biden’s speech, she did not attend the convention venue on this day. Instead, she campaigned in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, a battleground state, alongside her running mate, Minnesota Governor Tim Walz. Their appearance was briefly shown via video connection at the convention site. Ahead of her acceptance speech on the final day of the convention, Vice President Harris completed the delegate roll call vote and, in the connected video, expressed, "It is an honor to be the candidate," emphasizing, "Together, we will chart a new path forward."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.