Washington: As the US presidential election nears its final stage, former President Barack Obama campaigned for Vice President and Democratic presidential nominee Kamala Harris at a rally in Tucson, Arizona. The rally was aimed at energising support for Harris and addressing the challenges posed by her main opponent, former President Donald Trump.
In his speech, Obama took direct aim at Trump, accusing him of trying to create division among Americans. “Donald Trump wants us to think that this country is hopelessly divided,” Obama said. He suggested that Trump believes stoking anger and resentment among his supporters will improve his chances of winning the election. “He figures that boosting anger and resentment among his supporters gives him a better chance of getting elected,” Obama added.
We don’t need four more years of arrogance and bumbling and bluster and division under Donald Trump.
America is ready for a better story – we’re ready for a President @KamalaHarris. pic.twitter.com/Urn2kyl7qq
— Barack Obama (@BarackObama) October 19, 2024
Barack Obama backs Kamala Harris
The former president was firm in his criticism of Trump’s leadership, saying, “We don’t need four more years of arrogance, bumbling, and division under Donald Trump.” Obama also addressed Trump’s response to the January 6th Capitol attack, which he believed Trump downplayed. As the crowd reacted with boos, Obama encouraged them to take action instead, saying, “Do not boo! Vote!”
During his speech, Obama also questioned Trump’s recent behavior and whether he was fit to lead. “Have you seen him lately? You have no idea what he’s talking about,” Obama said.
He added, “You’d be worried if your grandpa was acting like this, and he seeks unchecked power. Tucson, we do not need to see what an older loonier Donald Trump looks like with no guardian trails.”
Obama criticizes Trump
Obama made a reference to Trump’s unusual performance during a Univision town hall meeting, where Trump reportedly started singing songs like “Ave Maria” and “YMCA” instead of discussing key issues, leaving the audience confused.
Earlier in the week, Trump had also sparked controversy at a Pennsylvania town hall event where, after facing several disruptions, he stopped taking questions and swayed on stage to music. This incident led the Harris campaign to accuse Trump of being lost and frozen for 30 minutes, with attendees reportedly leaving the event early.
In his closing remarks, Obama expressed optimism for the future. “America is ready to turn the page,” he said. He urged the crowd to rally behind Kamala Harris, stating, “We’re ready for a better story – we’re ready for a President Kamala Harris.”
