Former presidential couple Barack and Michelle expected Obama to speak at the Democratic National Convention tonight as the party relies on a coalition of its biggest stars, leaders from the far left to centrists and even some Republicans to support Vice President Kamala Harris' campaign against Republican nominee Donald Trump, reports Associated Press, quoted by BTA.
Harris' husband Doug Emhoff will also speak today, as will Sen. Chuck Schumer, the leader of the Senate Democrats, and Bernie Sanders, the Vermont independent who is a favorite of progressive Americans.
His former press secretary Stephanie Grisham, who has become a sharp critic of her former boss, also appears on stage.
Trump "lacks empathy, morality and loyalty to the truth,", Grisham said. "I love my country more than my party. Kamala Harris tells the truth. She respects the American people. And she has my vote."
In a statement before her speech, Grisham stressed that she never thought she would ever speak at a Democratic convention. "But after seeing firsthand who Trump really is and the threat he poses to our country, I feel it is very important to speak out," she added.
The Obamas headline tonight's program, but the diverse lineup underscored the breadth of the political coalition the Harris campaign is trying to assemble in its bid to defeat Trump in the fall. Just as President Joe Biden did in 2020, Harris is looking to win over a pool of young people, voters of color, working-class whites, moderate suburban voters and even anti-Trump Republicans.
The theme of the evening was "a bold vision for America's future," but the various factions of Harris' coalition showed above all that they are united by a deep desire to ensure that America does not return to a Trump presidency, AP notes .
Harris was in Milwaukee today for a rally in the key state, which will be held at the same time as the convention program. In the US, it is unusual for political events to coincide in time with a party convention, but it is possible that she will address the rally via video link.