CNN anchors Dana Bash and Abby Phillip shared high praise for Barack and Michelle Obama after their impactful speeches at the Democratic National Convention. The former First Couple’s addresses left a strong impression, with both anchors noting the powerful effect Michelle Obama, in particular, had on the audience.
Following the speeches, fellow CNN anchor Jake Tapper commented on how the Obamas celebrated the nomination of Kamala Harris and the convention’s successes. However, he stressed that the Obamas were clear in their message that the real work for Democrats is just beginning. “Both of them were giving the unmistakable message to the crowd: yes, this is fun. We’re having a great time.
This is very exciting. But this is not what the next 77 days are going to look like,” Tapper remarked, paraphrasing the Obamas with a chuckle. “This is going to be tough. Your candidates are going to make mistakes. The other side is going to fight like hell.” Bash agreed with Tapper’s assessment, emphasizing that both Barack and Michelle Obama spoke not only to the Democratic base and energized the grassroots but also aimed their messages at swing voters, undecided voters, and even Ronald Reagan-era Republicans.
She described Barack Obama as “unmistakably extraordinary,” adding, “There’s no Republican who would say anything different.” However, it was Michelle Obama who appeared to resonate even more deeply with the audience.
“When Michelle Obama was speaking,” Bash noted, turning to Phillip, “we were talking — we couldn’t hear.” Phillip echoed this sentiment, pointing out, “That was the loudest this arena had gotten.” Bash added, “This place was going absolutely nuts,” especially after one particular line from Michelle Obama.
“When she talked about the fact that he dislikes them effectively for one reason,” Bash said, “And that is because they are Black. That’s effectively what she said.” Bash further commented on how Michelle “twisted the knife” when she mentioned that they have “Black jobs.”
Phillip was equally effusive in her praise, calling the Obamas “two of the best players in politics right now.” She highlighted the unique power they have in connecting with the audience, especially Michelle Obama. “Two people who can speak in ways that almost no one else in the party can speak,” Phillip observed. “Particularly Michelle Obama. That speech really electrified this arena.
I don’t even think Barack Obama — no offense to him, his speech was excellent — it was not received in the same way. I think we just have to be honest about that.” The discussion underscored the profound impact both Obamas had on the convention and the ongoing influence they wield within the Democratic Party.