Barack Obama visited Pittsburgh on Thursday to launch his get-out-the-vote tour. He gave an impassioned speech in favor of Democratic presidential nominee Kamala Harris at the University of Pittsburgh’s Fitzgerald Field House in Oakland. Recent polls have shown the race currently tied in Pennsylvania.
Early in his speech Mr. Obama addressed the recent hurricane disasters and misinformation. Referring to Hurricane Milton which has devastated Florida, Mr. Obama told the audience: “I want you to watch what happens over the next couple days. You will have leaders who try to help, and a guy who just lies to score political points.” Later adding “The idea of intentionally trying to deceive people in their most vulnerable moment. When did that become OK?”
The former President mentioned that some people say the economy was doing well when Trump was in office. “It was pretty good,” he said, “because that was my economy. I spent eight years cleaning up the mess the Republicans left me the last time. ”
Throughout the speech Mr. Obama boosted Kamala Harris’s candidacy and agenda for the presidency while reminding voters that this election will be tight. At one point when the crowd booed to share their discontent with republican policies, Obama replied, “Don’t boo. Vote!” – a phrase that was repeated multiple times during his speech.
Crowd during Harris campaign event with Obama in Pittsburgh.
He also emphasized the importance of character and values, speaking about the late Pittsburgh Steelers owner Dan Rooney. Obama recalled how Rooney knew the names of and greeted everyone who worked at the stadium, including custodians. “He gave back to his community. He was known for his integrity.” Mr. Obama noted that Rooney was “very different from the Republican nominee,” and added, “We seem to have set aside the values people like Dan stood for.”
On the topic of immigration, Mr. Obama noted how Trump blocked the bipartisan border security bill because he did not want a solution, and instead enjoyed speaking of building a “beautiful wall.” He said, “We’ve got real issues at the border. This is a nation of laws and a nation of immigrants. We’ve got to actually solve a problem.”
Pittsburgh Mayor Ed Gainey speaking at Harris campaign rally with Obama in Pittsburgh.
Mr. Obama was preceded at the podium by other top Democratic leaders expressing their support for the Kamala Harris and Tim Walz election ticket, including Pittsburgh Mayor Ed Gainey, PA Lieutenant Governor and McKeesport native Austin Davis, PA Governor Josh Shapiro, and U.S. Senator for PA Bob Casey.
PA Gov. Josh Shapiro speaking campaign event with Obama in Pittsburgh. Photo: Pittsburgh Latino Magazine by Presente Pittsburgh Media LLC
During his speech, Gov. Shapiro emphasized his support for the Harris/Walz team, noting that Trump’s administration was about “More chaos, fewer jobs, and a whole lot less freedom — and we are not going back.” He added, “I don’t care what the Supreme Court says, we are not going back to a king in this country,” propting cheers from the crowd.
Senator Bob Casey stressed the importance of voting, as well as workers’ and women’s rights. He pointed out his opponent, Dave McCormick, didn’t vote in PA for 15 years. “He was up in Connecticut. You know what he was doing? Investing in China,” he said, adding that those investments included fentanyl and companies making military supplies.
Over 4,000 Harris supporters attended the event, in an exciting and jovial atmosphere, with many wearing t-shirts and holding signs supporting the Democratic candidates.
The event concluded around 9 p.m., with more rallies planned in the region as candidates aim to win the Keystone State vote. With 19 Electoral College votes, Pennsylvania is the largest battleground state.
Photos © Pittsburgh Latino Magazine (by Presente Pittsburgh Media, LLC)
