In a powerful address at the Democratic National Convention in Chicago tonight, former First Lady Michelle Obama delivered a blistering critique of former President Donald Trump, weaving together a narrative that addressed his controversial comments on “Black jobs” and his broader approach to race relations in America.
Obama’s speech, which electrified the convention audience, took direct aim at Trump’s rhetoric and policies. She pointedly referenced comments Trump made at a presidential debate with President Joe Biden in June, which had sparked widespread controversy and criticism.
At that event, Trump claimed that immigrants were taking “Black jobs.” This statement led to questions about what exactly constitutes a “Black job.” When asked to clarify at the National Association of Black Journalists convention in Chicago in July, he responded, “A Black job is anybody that has a job.”
The remarks ignited a firestorm on social media, with the phrase trending for weeks as users across platforms shared memes, critiques, and heated debates.
Addressing this incident in her speech, Obama delivered a stinging rebuke: “For years, Donald Trump did everything in his power to try to make people fear us. His limited and narrow view of the world made him feel threatened by the existence of two hardworking, highly educated, successful people who also happened to be Black.”
Then, in a moment that drew thunderous applause from the audience, Obama hit back with a pointed jab: “Who’s going to tell him that the job he’s currently seeking might just be one of those ‘Black jobs’?”
This clever turn of phrase highlighted what many believed to be the absurdity of Trump’s original comment and drew attention to the evolution of racial representation in American politics, including her husband’s historic presidency as the first Black Commander-in-Chief.
Obama went on to characterize Trump’s approach as “his same old con: doubling down on ugly, misogynistic, racist lies as a substitute for real ideas and solutions that will actually make people’s lives better.” She systematically dismantled his policy positions, from healthcare to education, framing them as regressive and harmful.
The former First Lady’s critique extended beyond race, touching on issues of gender equality and LGBTQ+ rights. She emphasized the importance of reproductive freedom, sharing her personal experience with IVF and condemning attempts to restrict such options.
Obama’s speech resonated deeply with many Americans who had been troubled by Trump’s comments at the NABJ convention and his subsequent actions in office. Her words were met with a roaring crowd at the DNC.
The reaction on social media was also swift and overwhelmingly positive, with many praising Obama’s ability to address complex issues with humor, clarity and passion. Hashtags related to her speech and the “Black jobs” comment trended for hours after the convention speech.
Obama’s speech addressed Trump’s past statements on race and emphasized voter participation. Her remarks touched on themes of diversity and inclusion in American leadership, situating these issues within the context of the upcoming election.
In closing her remarks, Obama emphasized the importance of electing leaders with integrity and compassion, stating, “America, our parents taught us better than that… and we deserve so much better than that.”
