Kalamazoo, Michigan – October 27, 2024
At a virtual rally for Michigan voters on Saturday, Michelle Obama stumped for Vice President Kamala Harris, stressing that voting for her is essential in the fight for women’s reproductive rights. In her speech to the crowd at the Wings Event Center, Obama’s message was to motivate men, voters on the fence, and people just planning on not voting to stand up against women’s oppression by Trump’s administration. I believe that her message struck a raw nerve when she said that voting for Donald Trump might not be the best thing that every woman and man in this country can do.
While the nation entered the election season, which would determine the country’s fate, Obama’s message was to mobilize Michigan, one of the swing states that could be the decisive factor. Targeting a male audience specifically, Obama still managed to focus on the detrimental effect that access to reproductive health restrictions might bring to families, communities, and future generations. She listed one of Trump’s strengths as having had a hand in the appointment of three Supreme Court justices that facilitated the overturning of Roe v. Wade. This Supreme Court case preserved women’s reproductive choice until 1973.
“Let me also say, we are not just asking for your vote for Kamala,”
Obama said.
They want you to understand that the females in our lives should have the right to decide what happens to their bodies. This election could state whether or not they have that right.” From reproductive rights, they worry over the constraints that would render it almost impossible to get an abortion or IVF, to contraceptives and other related delicate services.
The former First Lady was not squeamish about portraying the worst possible outcomes of the women’s reproductive rights rollback. “Some women could die from pregnancy complications; others might never receive the vital checkups that check cervical cancer early,” Obama noted these costs of policy change. She made a point that regardless of how repeated, reproductive issues are considered to be women’s issues, they are issues of society. “It is not only a women’s problem,” she said. “Gentlemen, you are not immune to this your daughters, wives, sisters.” If women are not healthy, we are all not healthy: women’s health care in America.
Obama also mentioned that there is a clear distinction between how Harris’s and Trump’s campaigns are viewed by society, saying there is a double standard here. Thinking about the requirements for a Democratic nominee, she said that it was unbelievable that such an experienced person as Harris, who worked for San Francisco and the state of California for many years, faced much more critical scrutiny while the personal vices of Trump were left almost unnoticed. Quoting his wife, Obama said, “That’s why Kamala is held to a different standard, scrutinized at every turn while Trump’s erratic and even criminal behavior seems to get a pass.”.
Must Read: And on the other side, Elon Musk is clearly showing support for Donald Trump.
I analyzed the way Obama paused for a moment and started to look into the thought camera and speak to women directly and encourage them to vote. She stressed that even though they might live in homes in which they often do not feel heard or appreciated, their vote is individual. She tightened her fists and concluded, “When you go to the polling booth, no one but you has the power.”
And unlike more petty state battles, for Obama, what is in Michigan depends not only on which party but on the base values, which is better: gender equality or violating the rights of workers. Michigan is a main detailed swing state, their part of the “Blue Wall,” which had typically supported Democrats up until Trump’s victory in 2016. Biden wrestled Michigan back to the Democratic fold in 2020 by a microscopic margin, and therefore, the state is one of the most competitive ones.
Obama also underscored that most of Trump’s former supporters, and crucial Republicans in particular, no longer support his current bid. She pointed to Pence and others who have criticized Trump’s approach, especially with the comments made by Gen. Mark Milley, former Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, who has described Trump’s language as that of an authoritarian.
Mrs. Clinton’s speech in Kalamazoo was filled with transcendent appeal for unity and unequivocal action regardless of the party or age divisions to vote in the election that will determine the course of women’s rights, individual liberties, and health care choices. As the crowd cheered, Obama left them with a parting call to action: “This November, your vote can not only be a decision but a proclamation of the sort of future that you support.”
When every voter might make a difference, Obama’s eloquent call for reproductive rights, equal opportunities for women, and a shot at justice for Harris was music to many ears in Michigan.
