But Michigan, which played an even bigger role in the 2020 presidential election than Iowa did, saw his home state of Illinois turn blue and then stay that way with Democrat Joe Biden this year. It set the air and had him speaking with a certain level of energy. The crowd was energized.
They wanted not only to celebrate Kamala Harris as the person that came from their world but also accepted it for everything else they had ever known it was: complex and historic. Nostalgically and warily, Obama described the prelude to election day in 2020. He described the political climate in graphic detail, and millions of Americans watched the annual process as nerves were wearing thin.
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A moment that stands out is when he reflects on the behavior of his predecessor — something no other president would ever do. Obama made a point of highlighting Trump’s unwillingness to concede. To democracy, he was implying that it could not be tolerated.
History seems to be repeating itself at this moment, and that has me thinking — what did we learn? Obama’s tone altered and asked the crowd to remain committed in their unity for collective action. The spirit of resiliency, rooted in the history of Michigan, he quoted.
Because, after all, this is a state that has been through some storms. Michigan is considering the next election, and Obama stressed how important it is to remain vigilant. He urged PDP supporters to come out en masse and take part in the elections.
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All the while pointing out to them that sooner or later, it will get even more serious than now. Self-government is not a spectator sport. This is how low civic duty has sunk?
Angles and nuances were everywhere in his speech. Obama referenced the hurdles that Harris had to navigate as the first woman and a woman of color serving in the position. It was clear that the value of representation did not go unnoticed by his audience.
I am just so encouraged when I see leaders like her. The air around us was laden with lead. The stories of failure and success were told to a keen audience.
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Every little story became a connection point with all the different people present. Heads nodded in agreement, recalling similar experiences. It was almost a physical bond between us, this gateway to comprehension.
While the rally went on, Obama asked a question that was thoughtful. In which country do we want to live? It provided space for reflection on values and asked everyone to imagine something better.
The spirit of opportunity loomed. Then it ended with a line of several students joining the speakers to lead one last call-and-response before leaving. Harris came to the platform, buoyed by her predecessor.
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She gave us her vision of America: one in which we stood up for each other. That energy turned into determination. Are we, as a society, willing to accept the change necessary for our collective future?
Moments such as these are going to be crucial in the weeks before Election Day. Reminders of the eternal fight for democracy. The voices of those like Obama will echo louder.
In combination, they can serve as agents of change and advocacy for when the landscape changes.
