Former President urges Americans to take action and vote during Pittsburgh rally.
Former President Barack Obama made a powerful return to the campaign trail on Thursday. Speaking at a rally in Pittsburgh, he supported Vice President Kamala Harris and her running mate, Minnesota Governor Tim Walz. The former president took the opportunity to criticize Donald Trump, calling him “crazy” and urging the crowd to take action through voting.
At the rally, Obama addressed the struggles many Americans are facing today. He acknowledged that many people are frustrated and seeking change.
“Let’s face it, as a country, we’ve been through a lot these last few years,” Obama said.
He highlighted the lasting impact of the pandemic, which caused economic hardship for families and businesses. Prices have surged, making life difficult for many working-class citizens. Obama emphasized that he understands the desire for change in the country.
However, he questioned why anyone would think Trump is the right person for that change. “What I cannot understand, is why anybody would think that Donald Trump will shake things up in a way that is good for you!” he stated. He portrayed Trump as someone who only cares about himself, describing him as “a 78-year-old billionaire who has not stopped whining about his problems since he rode down his golden escalator nine years ago.”
Obama did not hold back on his criticism of Trump’s behavior and rhetoric. He compared Trump’s long-winded speeches to those of Fidel Castro, the former Cuban dictator. He noted that Trump often engages in “ranting and raving about crazy conspiracy theories” and uses social media to promote products like Trump-branded Bibles and gold sneakers. “Who does that?” Obama asked, mocking Trump’s marketing efforts. “He wants you to buy the Word of God Donald Trump edition. Got his name right there, next to Matthew and Luke!”
The crowd responded to Obama’s comments about Trump with boos. However, the former president quickly silenced them, urging, “Don’t boo — vote! They can’t hear your boos, but they can hear your votes.” This call to action resonated with many attendees, reinforcing the importance of participating in the upcoming election.
Obama also discussed the division within the country. He claimed that Trump benefits from keeping Americans “hopelessly divided” and “angry.” He reminded the crowd of the Capitol riot, where Trump supporters attempted to harm his former running mate, Mike Pence. “If Donald Trump does not care that a mob might attack his own Vice President, do you think he cares about you?” Obama asked. He insisted that America does not need four more years of “arrogance and bumbling and bluster.”
As the rally progressed, Obama turned his attention to Kamala Harris. He praised her dedication to fighting for the people. “Kamala is as prepared for the job as any nominee for president has ever been,” he said. He also highlighted Walz’s accomplishments, noting that he has worked across party lines to get things done. “If you elect Kamala and Tim, they won’t be focused on their problems,” Obama added, emphasizing their commitment to tackling issues like high living costs.
While acknowledging that some people remember the economy as strong during Trump’s presidency, Obama claimed credit for that success. “It was pretty good because it was my economy,” he said. He noted that he had handed Trump a record of job growth and emphasized his efforts to recover from the previous economic crisis left by Republicans.
Obama continued to criticize Trump’s recent actions, including spreading misinformation about disaster responses. “The idea of intentionally trying to deceive people in their most desperate and vulnerable moments — when did that become okay?” he questioned. He also tackled Trump’s notion of masculinity, arguing that real strength comes from accountability and helping those in need.
Obama’s rally in Pittsburgh served as a reminder of the stakes in the upcoming election. His message was clear: rather than expressing frustration through boos, Americans should channel their energy into voting. “That is what we should want for our daughters and for our sons, and that is what I want to see in a President of the United States of America,” he stated. With the 2024 election approaching, Obama’s call to action emphasizes the power of each individual vote in shaping the future of the nation.
