US Election: Michelle Obama joins Kamala Harris on campaign trail, urges Americans to guard against ‘dangers’ of Trump
In her first campaign trail appearance with Vice-President Kamala Harris, former First Lady Michelle Obama called on Americans to vote to protect the nation from the “dangers” she associates with Donald Trump.
During a passionate speech in Michigan, a key battleground state, Obama emphasised the election’s tight race, stating it was “too close” for comfort.
In a separate event in Michigan, Trump vowed to revitalise the state’s automotive industry and engaged with Arab-American voters, a group he believes could “turn the election.”
Polls show Harris holding a narrow lead over Trump in Michigan, with the election just 10 days away on 5 November. Michigan’s 15 electoral college votes may prove crucial, as President Joe Biden won the state in 2020 by just 2.78%, or about 150,000 votes. Trump won Michigan in 2016 by a slimmer 0.23% against Hillary Clinton.
Addressing thousands at a Kalamazoo event centre, Obama criticised Trump’s “erratic behaviour” and “obvious mental decline.” She also warned of a potential Trump administration’s impact on abortion rights, sharing a “genuine fear” of what his re-election could mean for women’s healthcare.
Obama stated, “I’m deeply concerned that so many people are buying into the lies of people who don’t have our best interests at heart,” cautioning that “ugliness will touch all of our lives.”
Many advocates have argued abortion bans have endangered women’s lives by denying critical medical treatment.
Harris echoed Obama’s remarks and connected with Generation Z voters, saying she understands why they may feel “impatient” for progress. “I want to tell you that I see you and I see your power,” Harris said.
At his Novi rally, Trump reaffirmed campaign promises on immigration, energy, and the economy. He shared the stage with several Arab-American and Muslim leaders, including Dearborn Heights Mayor Bill Bazzi. Bazzi voiced his support, saying, “We are supporting Donald Trump because he promised to end war in the Middle East and Ukraine… the bloodshed has to stop all over the world, and I think this man can make it happen.”
Trump expressed confidence that Arab-American voters in Michigan could be pivotal. The state is home to the ‘Uncommitted’ movement, which refrains from endorsing Harris due to her perceived stance on the Israel-Gaza conflict, including her lack of commitment to a weapons ban.
Meanwhile, some attendees at the Kalamazoo Democratic rally said abortion rights and Trump’s perceived “undemocratic” values were more pressing concerns than international issues. Michigan resident Kelly Landon emphasised that her primary motivation was to secure a future where women, including her female relatives, can “be safe and be in charge of their bodies.” For Landon, other issues are secondary to women’s health and autonomy.
