Michelle Obama proves the best messenger for the moral case against the President and sounds alarm over his bid to steal the election
FOR someone who says she hates politics, Michelle Obama this week delivered Americans one of the most compelling moral arguments against Donald Trump’s presidency. Appearing at the virtual Democratic National Convention in support of Joe Biden’s bid for the White House, the former First Lady showed why she is regarded as one of the best communicators on the planet.
In her 18-minute address, she commanded more respect, offered more empathy and gave more hope to Americans than Trump has managed in the past 18 months.
Her mission was clear from the get-go – speak to the hearts and consciences of those who have witnessed the chaos of the past four years and now ache to make everything alright. It was a masterclass in campaigning.
She was not just trying to put the President down, she was trying to pick America up.
“If you take one thing from my words tonight, it is this: if you think things cannot possibly get worse, trust me, they can; and they will if we don’t make a change in this election,” she said.
“If we have any hope of ending this chaos, we have got to vote for Joe Biden like our lives depend on it.”
Then, in her sole utterance of his name, she said: “Let me be as honest and clear as I possibly can. Donald
Trump is the wrong President for our country. He is clearly in over his head.”
Mrs Obama accused the US leader of sowing “chaos” and “division” and showing a “total and utter lack of empathy”.
“I know a lot of folks are reluctant to tune into a political convention right now or to politics in general. Believe me, I get that,” she said. “You know I hate politics.”
She also spoke of the many failings of “this White House”.
It was as if Trump was beneath serious consideration, undeserving of more than a passing remark.
At one point she uttered the phrase, and not just by coincidence, “it is what it is” – the very same words Trump has used to dismiss the 170,000 US deaths from the coronavirus pandemic he has so badly mishandled.
Mrs Obama threw more shade than a solar eclipse.
The mother-of-two warned that Trump would do everything he could to stay in the Oval Office, and the only way to stop him is to vote him out in overwhelming numbers.
Already Trump has tried to throw the November 3 election into jeopardy with his attack on the validity of postal voting and the withholding of vital money to the mail service, all this amid accusations post boxes are being removed.
It should come as no surprise.
Post offices around the world help bring people together. Of course, Trump wants to destroy it. He has made clear he’s willing to steal this election if that’s the only way to “win”. Already his heist has begun.
He’s ready to destroy all faith in American democracy. To make matters worse, he is surrounded by cronies – career politicians who put their own personal gain before their duty to the people. Unforgivable.
Mrs Obama revealed nothing we don’t know already when she said: “He simply cannot be who we need him to be for us.”
Her words so hauntingly described what it feels like to live in Trump’s America.
Readers of this column will know I was often no real fan of Barack Obama. On the global stage, he appeared weak, while his decision to involve himself in Brexit by offering his opinion was inexcusable.
But in comparison to what America and the world have been forced to endure over the past four years, the contrast between him and his successor is like night and day.
While in the White House, Barack Obama was masterful at inspiring minds and touching hearts. Appearing on America’s TV screens and speaking to people in the privacy of their homes, Michelle Obama may even be better.
What is it they say? Behind every good man...