Media

Anderson Cooper: Michelle Obama delivered ‘most powerful political speech I’ve ever heard’

Former First Lady Michelle Obama speaks during the Democratic National Convention Tuesday, Aug. 20, 2024, in Chicago.

CNN anchor Anderson Cooper lauded former first lady Michelle Obama’s speech during the second night of the Democratic National Convention, calling it the “most powerful political speech I’ve ever heard.” 

“I think Michelle Obama’s speech was probably the most effective, powerful political speech I’ve ever heard. It was rather remarkable,” Cooper said. 

“I didn’t know how much I missed them,” CNN political commentator Van Jones remarked. “I missed them. I missed that. I missed hearing that.” 

Obama’s speech, which was scheduled as the second-to-last speech in Chicago on Tuesday night, received high praise. She used her remarks to praise Vice President Harris and take jabs — implicit and explicit — at former President Trump, including mocking his recent “Black jobs” remark

Notably, she made no mention of President Biden in her speech.  

Her speech was also used as a call to action for Democrats, as she led them in chants of “do something!”  

“It’s up to us to remember what Kamala’s mother told her: Don’t just sit around and complain — do something!” Obama said.

“So if they lie about her, and they will, we’ve got to…” she continued, chanting along with the crowd, “do something!”