Former First Lady Michelle Obama expressed concern that voters may not be prepared to support Vice President Kamala Harris for president, hinting that sexism and racism may be at play. During a rally in Kalamazoo, Michigan, Obama commended Harris as an “extraordinary human being” and candidate, but questioned the nation’s readiness for a Harris presidency.
The former first lady pointed out that the ongoing presidential campaign between Harris and former President Donald Trump remains “too close” for comfort. “I lay awake at night wondering, what’s holding this country back?” Obama said, emphasizing that Harris is more than equipped to handle the demands of the presidency. “By every measure, she’s ready. The question is, are we ready for this moment?”
Obama urged the crowd to consider the consequences of a Harris presidency and whether they are willing to make the necessary sacrifices to secure her victory. “Are we willing to do what it takes to get her across the finish line, or will we let ourselves get sidetracked by distractions?” she asked. “As a country, we need to confront the possibility that we might come up short.”
Obama’s concerns echo those of other Democrats, including former Georgia gubernatorial candidate Stacey Abrams, who suggested that sexism and racism may be contributing to Harris’s low approval ratings among male voters. Meanwhile, Harris herself has accused some male black voters who oppose her of being misogynistic.