ormer First Lady Michelle Obama took to the Democratic National Convention stage in Chicago on Tuesday night, calling on supporters to “do something” to ensure Kamala Harris wins the November election against Donald Trump. The following transcript was prepared and provided to TIME by , using AI-powered software, and it was reviewed and edited for accuracy by TIME staff. Thank you guys.
OK. We got a big night ahead. Thank you all so much.
Thank you. Hello, Chicago! Something, something wonderfully magical is in the air, isn’t it? Yeah. You know, we’re feeling it here in this arena, but it’s spreading all across this country we love.
A familiar feeling that’s been buried too deep for far too long. You know what I’m talking about. It’s the contagious power of hope, the anticipation, the energy, the exhilaration of once again being on the cusp of a brighter day.
The chance to vanquish the demons of fear, division, and hate that have consumed us and continue pursuing the unfinished promise of this great nation. The dream that our parents and grandparents fought and died and sacrificed for. America, hope is making a comeback.
But, to be honest, I am realizing that until recently, I have mourned the dimming of that hope. And maybe you’ve experienced the same feelings—it’s that deep pit in my stomach, a palpable sense of dread about the future. And for me, that mourning has also been mixed with my own personal grief.
The last time I was here in my hometown was t.