Obama sounds the charge against Donald Trump, in the service of Kamala Harris

Barack Obama used all his oratory skills on Thursday to sound the charge against Donald Trump, and deliver a plea for Democrat Kamala Harris, less than a month before the American presidential election.

In Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania (northeast), the icon of the American left strongly warned voters about the prospect of a “close election”.

In an America still marked by post-Covid inflation, “there are a lot of Americans who are struggling. (…) So I understand why people want change”, he agreed.

“What I can't understand is how anyone can believe that Donald Trump is going to shake things up in a way that is good for you”, declared the former president, in this cradle of American steel which is part of the handful of key states for the November 5 election.

Election lies, anti-immigrant diatribes, threats to health care, increased customs duties that risk raising prices for consumers: Mr. Obama delivered a detailed indictment of the Republican billionaire, in front of a crowd that sometimes booed Mr. Trump.

“Don't boo! Vote!” Mr. Obama replied, praising the “plan” proposed by Kamala Harris to grant tax cuts to the middle class, help first-time home buyers and subsidize small business creation.

“Kamala Harris is ready to do the job,” he insisted.

“We don't need four more years of arrogance, clumsiness, bluster and divisions,” he said. “America is ready to turn the page.”

– Message for her black “brothers” –

Mr. Obama had already presented Kamala Harris as the heir with the slogan “Yes She Can” at the Democratic convention this summer. But after the excitement caused by Joe Biden's impromptu replacement, the vice president must now go the distance.

Campaign rally in support of Kamala Harris, in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, on October 10, 2024, in the presence of Barack Obama © AFP – RYAN COLLERD

On Wednesday, an opinion poll conducted by Quinnipiac University noted Donald Trump's gains in three strategic swing states: Wisconsin, Michigan and Pennsylvania.

Polls have also shown for weeks that some African-Americans are more tempted by the Republican tribune than in 2020.

In this context, Mr. Obama stopped in a Pittsburgh neighborhood before his rally, to warn his “brothers” hesitant to rally Ms. Harris.

“You put forward all sorts of reasons and “I have a problem with that. It makes me think that you don't like the idea of ​​having a woman as president.”

At his rally, he called on men in general not to confuse “bullying and putting people down” with “a sign of strength.”

After his appearance in Pittsburgh, the first black president of the United States must engage in fundraising efforts, record television and telephone ads, and travel to the six other “swing states” for the final stretch of the election.

According to several media outlets, Ms. Harris is also expected to soon involve former President Bill Clinton in her campaign, starting next weekend.

– Trump touts his protectionism –

For his part, Donald Trump led a protectionist offensive on Thursday in Detroit, the capital of the automobile industry in Michigan (north).

Donald Trump (l), accompanied by U.S. Ambassador to the United Arab Emirates John Rakolta, addresses the Detroit Economic Club held at the Motor City Casino in Detroit, Michigan, on October 10, 2024 © AFP – JEFF KOWALSKY

He denounced the fact that the United States had allowed foreign companies “to invade and rape our country.”

“I want German car manufacturers to become American car manufacturers,” he told the Economic Club of Detroit.

“They send us their cars like we're a bunch of idiots. BMW, Mercedes, Volkswagen, millions and millions and millions. We're not going to get screwed anymore, okay? Now they're going to have to play by our rules,” added the man who had led an ultra-protectionist economic policy under his presidency.

The 78-year-old tribune also continues to polemicize on the management of recent hurricanes, falsely accusing the government of not helping Republican territories: after the deadly storm Helene, Milton made landfall in Florida on Wednesday night.

At a rally in Arizona (southwest) on Thursday, the vice president explained that she had participated in a remote meeting with the White House to coordinate the response to Milton.

“I have spoken with local leaders, Republican and Democrat, to let them know that we will be with them throughout the recovery and rebuilding process,” she insisted.

The Democrat also regretted that her rival definitively ruled out organizing a second presidential debate with her on Wednesday night.

“I think it does a disservice to voters,” she insisted, also seeing it as “a sign of weakness.”

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