Washington, US

On Day 2 of the Democratic National Convention (DNC) in Chicago, former US President Barack Obama took the stage to support party nominee Kamala Harris. 

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Barack Obama maintained the momentum as he began his speech with a remark saying, “I don’t know about you, but I’m feeling fired up!”

“Even if I’m the only person stupid enough to speak after Michelle Obama,” the ex-president said while addressing the DNC on the second day of the event.

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"My first major decision as a nominee turned out to be one of my best, choosing Joe Biden to serve as my vice president," Obama said. 

“US will remember him as an outstanding president who defended democracy at a moment of great danger,” he said of Joe Biden, noting that in addition to calling him president, he was “even prouder to call him my friend.”

America is ready for a new chapter

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“America’s ready for a better story. We are ready for a President Kamala Harris," said Obama while endorsing her at the DNC.

“Kamala Harris is ready for the job. This is someone who has dedicated her life to advocating for those who need a voice and a champion. As Michelle mentioned, Kamala wasn’t born into privilege," Obama added.

“She had to work for what she’s got, and she actually cares about what other people are going through. She’s not the neighbour running the leaf blower – she’s the neighbour rushing over to help when you need a hand,” further said the former president.

Also read: Democrats say 'hi' to Harris, 'bye' to Biden at Democratic National Convention

Obama also offered his assessment of Tim Walz, the Minnesota governor who is running alongside Kamala Harris.

“I really admire Tim. He’s exactly the kind of person who belongs in politics—someone who grew up in a small town, served his country, taught kids, coached football, and looked after his neighbors,” Obama said.

Obama criticises Trump for his 'strange obsession with crowd sizes'

After praising his friend Biden, Barack Obama turned to Donald Trump.

"Here’s a 78-year-old billionaire who has been incessantly complaining about his problems since he descended his golden escalator nine years ago. It’s been a continuous stream of grievances that has only worsened as he fears losing to Kamala," the former president said.

WATCH | DNC 2024: Barack Obama speaks in support of Vice President Kamala Harris

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“The childish nicknames and crazy conspiracy theories and weird obsession with crowd size,” he continued, referring to something that even some Republicans think Trump should not be bothering with.

Trump’s surprising praise for Obama

Donald Trump on Monday made a surprising admission, saying that he likes and ‘respects’ former President Barack Obama and his wife Michelle Obama.

Before the Obama couple's speeches at the DNC on Tuesday, Trump referred to Barack Obama as a “nice gentleman” during an interview with CNN. 

“I think he's a nice gentleman, but he was very weak on trade. If you take a look at what happened to our country trade-wise, it was a disaster,” Trump said.

“I happen to like him. I respect him and I respect his wife,” he added.

DNC festivities kicked off for a second day on Tuesday at Chicago's United Center but were marred by long delays to get into the security perimeter, leaving seats empty when it was time for a roll call of states' delegates.

(With inputs from agencies)