Former President Barack Obama made a compelling case for Vice President Kamala Harris's presidential bid during a campaign stop in Tucson, Arizona.
According to the Arizona Republic, Obama spoke to around 7,000 people at a University of Arizona rally for Harris, criticizing Trump for being out-of-touch and promoting misguided masculinity.
Obama's speech focused on challenging Trump's leadership style and appealing to young men, particularly those of color, who have shown support for the Republican nominee in recent polls. He emphasized the importance of true strength and criticized what he described as Trump's "phony masculinity."
The 44th president took aim at Trump's economic record, disputing claims of success during his administration. Obama argued that the economic gains during Trump's presidency were a continuation of policies implemented during his own tenure. He criticized Trump's tax cuts for the wealthy, suggesting they contributed to an increase in the national deficit.
Addressing voter concerns about high prices, Obama acknowledged the pain of inflation but cautioned against believing Trump had better solutions. He urged the audience to question Trump's concrete plans for addressing economic challenges.
Obama addressed the contentious topic of immigration, criticizing Trump's approach to border security and deportation. He accused Trump of using immigrant communities as scapegoats for various national problems. While acknowledging the existence of "real problems" at the border, Obama emphasized America's history as a nation of immigrants.
The former president also called out Trump for failing to solve immigration issues during his four years in office. He pointed to the increase in border apprehensions from the beginning to the end of Trump's term, challenging the effectiveness of his policies.
Reproductive rights were prominently featured in Obama's speech, with the former president advocating for women's autonomy in healthcare decisions.
He criticized Trump's role in appointing Supreme Court justices who overturned Roe v. Wade. Obama urged Arizonans to vote in favor of Proposition 139, a ballot measure that would enshrine abortion rights in the state constitution.
The former president also voiced support for Democratic Senate candidate Ruben Gallego, promising that if elected, Gallego would vote to restore reproductive freedoms at the federal level.
In a notable moment, Obama paid homage to his former political rival, the late Senator John McCain. Obama praised McCain's character and willingness to engage in honest debate, contrasting this with what he perceives as a shift in Republican values under Trump's influence.
He recounted McCain's defense of him during the 2008 presidential campaign as an example of political decency. This reference to McCain, a beloved figure in Arizona politics, served to highlight Obama's call for a return to more civil political discourse.
The rally featured appearances by several prominent Arizona Democrats, underscoring the state's importance in the upcoming election. Former Representative Gabrielle Giffords and Senator Mark Kelly were among those who spoke, emphasizing Harris's qualifications for the presidency. Tucson Mayor Regina Romero recalled Obama's role in comforting the community following the 2011 mass shooting in Tucson.
