2024 US Election: ‘The process continues with or without you’ – Why Michelle Obama says voting is essential

Former first lady Michelle Obama gave an impassioned call for citizen participation in Atlanta as the centerpiece of an event sponsored by her bipartisan group, When We All Vote. Days before the upcoming election, President Obama urged voters to shake off their political apathy and embrace their role in shaping the future of the country. Her speech drew personal insights from her experiences at the highest levels of power, warned against complacency, and highlighted the long and often difficult path to progress.

“Change takes decades.”

President Obama acknowledged the frustration many feel with the slow pace of change in American politics. “In this country, change takes decades, not days, folks,” she said. “So it can be frustrating. It’s natural to worry that someone can hear you, that someone can see you,” she says of Patience. He emphasized the need and encouraged people to speak up and demand improvements from their leaders.

President Obama reflected on his years working with some of the world’s most powerful people and reminded attendees of the power held by those who are fully engaged in the political process. “I’ve sat at the table with some of the most powerful people in the world,” she said. “I’m telling you, many of the people sitting at that table have no idea what your life is like. They can’t care less about your indifference. In fact, they We welcome that. They are happy to have full control of this game.”

Reject indifference and embrace power

President Obama’s message urged his audience to understand that voting is essential to having their voices heard, especially as many individuals and organizations want to keep power in fewer hands. “You have a choice,” she said. “Listen to them. You can fold your arms and stay home. Or listen to me…the very people who can actually afford to be apathetic about our politics. There are only a handful of wealthy people in the world.”

President Obama pointed out that “the process continues with or without you,” and that by abstaining from voting, individuals could inadvertently strengthen the position of those who do not prioritize their interests. emphasized.

“Two things can be true”

President Obama emphasized the importance of expressing grievances and continuing to strive for progress. “Our job is to show people that two things can be true at the same time: you can be furious about the slow pace of progress, or you can be dedicated to pursuing that progress yourself. It’s possible,” she told the audience.

Her criticism extended to the social media age, commenting that people are starved for likes from their followers rather than truly engaging with the needs of their communities. “There are people on reality TV who are excited to vote, but in real life they don’t want to vote,” Obama said, urging voters to get politically involved.

joint and several liability

Obama’s organization, When We All Vote, aims to increase voter turnout and political participation, especially among young people and communities that have historically faced barriers to voting. When President Obama led the call-and-response by saying, “Let’s all vote,” the crowd enthusiastically responded, “We win!”

President Obama emphasized that voter turnout not only sways elections, but also controls the trajectory of one’s power and potential. “We are not only choosing the course of our cities, states and countries, we are choosing the course of our own power,” she said, encouraging everyone in attendance to participate in the political process. I called on them to do so.

A warning to the younger generation

President Obama warned young voters about the future consequences of political apathy. “We cannot afford to be indifferent to who is in power and who is setting the rules,” she said, explaining that those who abstained from voting would be tasked with “cleaning up the mess.” did. She urged young people to take action now to avoid feeling like outsiders in their own country for years to come.

way forward

President Obama concluded his speech by imploring the audience to hold their leaders accountable and present themselves. “How are you going to be sure that those in power actually care about you?” she asked before answering herself, “It’s not about sitting down…If the people in power actually meet you… It’s about using the tools you have to make sure you are.