Michelle Obama spoke of her own “grueling” struggles with menopause as she challenged men to back Kamala Harris’ bid to become America’s first female president.
The former first lady, who once fueled calls that she would run for president, warned at a rally in Michigan on Saturday that women’s lives would be at risk if Donald Trump were to return to the White House.
Obama spoke about the struggle for women to understand and care for their own bodies, whether it’s their menstrual cycle or menopause.
‘Too many of us suffer from severe cramps and nausea every month. Too many women my age have no idea what’s going on with our bodies as we struggle through menopause and debilitating hot flashes and depression,” she said.
She then aimed her speech at the men in the audience, demanding that they empathize with women’s health issues and see them as “more than just baby-making vessels.”
Michelle Obama spoke of her own ‘grueling’ struggles with menopause as she challenged men to back Kamala Harris’ bid to become America’s first female president
The former first lady, who once opposed being called to run for president, warned at a rally in Michigan on Saturday that women’s lives would be at risk if Donald Trump were to return to the White House.
While Harris has supported drastic steps to overturn the abortion ban, following the reversal of Roe vs. Wade, Obama has taken a more rounded look at how a Trump victory could affect women’s health in general.
“Look, guys, most of us women suck up our pain and deal with it alone. We don’t share our experiences with anyone, not with partners, friends or even doctors,” Obama said.
‘A woman’s body is a complicated thing… it brings life and that’s beautiful, but even if we don’t have children, so much can go wrong at any time.’
The former first lady described the attack on abortion rights as a harbinger of dangerous restrictions on women’s health care.
Some men may be tempted to vote for Trump because of their anger at the slow pace of progress, Obama said, but “your anger doesn’t exist in a vacuum.”
“If we don’t get this election done right, your wife, your daughter, your mother, we as women are going to become collateral damage to your anger,” Obama said.
“So are you as men willing to look the women and children you love in the eye and tell them that you supported this attack on our security?”
The Kalamazoo rally was Obama’s first appearance on the campaign trail since she spoke at the Democratic National Convention last summer, and her comments were sharp and passionate in their support of Harris.
Obama aimed her speech at the men in the audience, demanding that they empathize with women’s health issues and see them as “more than just baby-making vessels.”
While Harris has supported drastic steps to overturn the abortion ban, following the reversal of Roe vs. Wade, Obama has taken a more rounded look at how a Trump victory could affect women’s health in general.
“She has shown in every way that she is ready,” the former first lady said. “The real question is: Are we as a country ready for this moment?”
Obama added: “Don’t buy into the lies that we don’t know who Kamala is or what she stands for. This is someone who understands all of you.”
Although Obama has been a reluctant campaigner over the years, she showed no hesitation Saturday as her speech stretched from the political to the personal.
Obama said she fears for the country and struggles to understand why the presidential race is still close.
“I lay awake at night wondering, ‘What the hell is going on?’” she said.
Harris took the stage after Obama and promised the crowd that she would keep their interests in mind — unlike Trump, who she accused of being only interested in himself.
“There is a longing in our country for a president who sees the people, not just looks in the mirror, but sees the people, who understands you and will fight for you,” she said.
Obama was fierce and supportive of Harris when she spoke in Kalamazoo on Saturday, first reciting the vice president’s criticisms.
Obama was fierce and supportive of Harris when she spoke in Kalamazoo on Saturday, first reciting the vice president’s criticisms
“They accuse her of not providing enough policy details. Some wonder: do we really know her? Is she too aggressive? Isn’t she aggressive enough? There are people who are casting doubt on whether she is who she appears to be,” she said.
“Don’t get me wrong: Voters have every right to ask tough questions of any candidate seeking office, but can someone tell me why we are once again holding Kamala to a higher standard than her opponent?
“These people know that nothing this man says or does is funny in any way shape or form. So I hope you’ll forgive me if I’m a little frustrated that some of us choose to ignore Donald Trump’s gross incompetence while asking Kamala to blindside us at every opportunity.”
Obama made plenty of time for harsh words against Trump.
“When the American people fired him from a job that was too big for him to begin with, he tried to steal it,” she said.
She exclaimed how much the idea of a second Trump term worries her for the future of the United States.
“I hope you’ll forgive me if I’m afraid we’re going to waste this opportunity to finally turn the page on ugliness once and for all, because believe me, if Donald Trump becomes president again at some point, he will ugliness will affect all our lives.”
