Jimmy Williams
Vice President Kamala Harris and former President Barack Obama had their first joint campaign appearance in Georgia on Thursday, warning voters about the dangers of a Donald Trump return to the White House. Speaking in a suburb of Atlanta, both leaders focused on Trump’s past presidency and stressed the urgency of choosing a different path for the country.
The event marked Harris and Obama’s first joint rally in the 2024 campaign, highlighting Georgia’s crucial role as a battleground state. Harris, drawing inspiration from Obama’s iconic campaign slogan, declared, “We will win – or, as a certain former president would say, ‘Yes we can!’”
Harris emphasized her plan to lower the cost of living for Americans, citing key policy initiatives to reduce the prices of groceries, prescription medications, and housing. “Bringing down the cost of living will be my focus every single day as president of the United States,” Harris said, earning one of the night’s biggest rounds of applause.
Obama, who has ramped up his criticism of Trump, was more pointed in his remarks. He blended humor with sharp warnings, first mocking Trump’s attempts to sell branded products like a “Trump Bible,” before turning serious. “Just because [Trump] acts goofy doesn’t mean his presidency wouldn’t be dangerous,” Obama said, quoting former Trump chief of staff John Kelly’s recent comments about Trump being a “fascist.”
Harris continued the theme, labeling Trump as “an unserious man,” but warning that the consequences of his leadership “are brutally serious.”
The event also highlighted the generational gap between Trump, 78, and Harris, 60, with both Democrats positioning Harris as a fresh, forward-looking leader. “There is a yearning for a president of the United States who will see you, who gets you, and who will fight for you,” Harris said, adding, “America is ready for a new generation of leadership.”
Obama echoed that sentiment, acknowledging that voters might be looking for change but arguing that Trump was not the answer. “What I can’t understand is why anyone would think that Donald Trump will shake things up in a way that is good for you,” Obama said.
Both speakers also touched on key policy issues, with Harris outlining her healthcare and economic plans. She condemned the Supreme Court’s decision to strike down Roe v. Wade, calling state-level abortion bans “immoral.” Harris framed her candidacy as forward-thinking and focused on solving problems, contrasting it with Trump, whom she described as preoccupied with settling personal scores.
“Just imagine the Oval Office in three months,” Harris said. “It’s either Donald Trump in there, stewing over his enemies list, or me working for you, checking off my to-do list.”
Obama and Harris also referenced Trump’s former officials who have expressed alarm about his potential return to office. “We do not need four more years of a wannabe dictator running around trying to punish his enemies,” Obama said, quoting Kelly’s concerns.
The joint appearance underscored the close relationship between Harris and Obama, who have known each other for 20 years. Harris expressed her gratitude to Obama, recalling how she campaigned for him in 2008 and praising his continued support.
The event was further boosted by a musical performance from Bruce Springsteen, who has a history of rallying support for Democratic candidates. “I want a president who reveres the Constitution,” Springsteen told the crowd.
As the 2024 race heats up, Harris is set to appear with former first lady Michelle Obama in Michigan on Saturday, continuing her push in key battleground states.