Obama Unleashes Fiery Takedown of Trump in Pittsburgh Rally
As a seasoned political reporter, I’ve witnessed my fair share of campaign speeches. But former President Barack Obama’s recent appearance in Pittsburgh was something else entirely.
The typically calm and collected Obama delivered an impassioned critique of his successor, Donald Trump, leaving the crowd buzzing and this reporter’s notebook overflowing.
Obama hit the University of Pittsburgh’s Fitzgerald Field House stage to stump for Democratic presidential nominee Vice President Kamala Harris. From the moment he grabbed the mic, it was clear Obama came ready to rumble.
“The idea of intentionally trying to deceive people in their most desperate and vulnerable moments – my question is, when did that become OK?” Obama demanded, his voice charged with emotion.
He was referring to Trump’s recent false claims about hurricane aid being withheld from Republican areas or given to undocumented immigrants instead.
Obama didn’t mince words as he tore into Trump’s character and policies. He painted Trump as uniquely greedy and dishonest, a far cry from the change agent he claims to be.
“I cannot understand why anybody would think that Donald Trump will shake things up in a way that is good for you,” Obama told the crowd.
The former president aimed for Trump’s economic record, dismissing claims of a Trump-fueled boom. “Yeah, it was pretty good [when Trump took office in 2017] – because it was my economy,” Obama asserted. “It wasn’t something he did. I had spent eight years cleaning up the mess that the Republicans had left me the last time.”
Obama also blasted Trump’s tax plan as a giveaway “to billionaires and big corporations” that would hurt average families. He mocked Trump’s vague promises on healthcare, referencing the recent debate where Trump offered only “concepts of a plan” to replace Obamacare.
But perhaps Obama’s harshest words came when addressing reports of lackluster enthusiasm for Harris among some Black male voters.
“You’re thinking about sitting out or supporting somebody [in Trump] who has a history of denigrating you because you think that’s a sign of strength because that’s what being a man is? Putting women down?” Obama asked pointedly. “That’s not acceptable.”
The former president urged Black men to reject any notion that a woman can’t or shouldn’t be president. He praised Harris as “a leader who has spent her life fighting on behalf of people who need a voice and a chance.”
Obama’s fiery performance seemed to energize the crowd. Cheers erupted as he declared Harris “as prepared for the job as any nominee for president has ever been.”
While Obama’s rhetoric was biting, he leavened it with moments of humor. He poked fun at Trump’s “ranting and raving about crazy conspiracy theories” and marathon speeches. “It’s like Fidel Castro. Just on and on,” Obama quipped.
He also mocked Trump’s attempts to hawk merchandise during the campaign, from $399 gold sneakers to a $59.99 “God Bless the USA Bible.”
“He wants you to buy the word of God: Donald Trump edition. Got his name right there next to Matthew and Luke,” Obama said with a laugh. “You could not make this stuff up.”
As the rally wrapped up, it was clear Obama had lit a fire under the crowd. His old “Yes We Can” slogan even got a makeover, with “Yes She Can” beaming from screens around the arena.
With less than a month until Election Day and voting underway in many states, Obama’s forceful advocacy could provide a crucial boost for Harris. The vice president is locked in a tight race with Trump, and battleground states like Pennsylvania could decide the outcome.
Obama is set to continue his swing state tour in the coming days. If this Pittsburgh performance is any indication, he’ll be bringing the heat as Democrats make their final push to keep the White House.
As the crowd filed out, the energy in the room was palpable. One attendee, 71-year-old retired teacher Glenda Ellison, said, “I’m feeling a little nervous about the election, but prayerful that it’s going to turn out in our favor.”
With Obama hitting the trail hard for Harris, Democrats hope his star power can help turn those prayers into votes come November.