The Real Reason Michelle Obama Didn't Mention Kamala Harris In Her DNC Speech

Former First Lady Michelle Obama has long been admired for her ability to deliver strong, inspiring speeches, and, as CNBC pointed out, the "mom-in-chief" was ready to give the country the reality check she felt it needed as she called attention to the scenes that were playing out in front of children and around the country when she addressed the nation during the virtual Democratic National Convention. "They see people shouting in grocery stores, unwilling to wear a mask to keep us all safe. They see an entitlement that says only certain people belong here, that greed is good, and winning is everything because as long as you come out on top, it doesn't matter what happens to everyone else," Obama said. "Sadly, this is the America that is on display for the next generation. That's not just disappointing; it's downright infuriating."

She also took the opportunity to bring back a phrase she first introduced in the 2016 campaign, but she delivered it with a twist. "Going high does not mean putting on a smile and saying nice things when confronted by viciousness and cruelty. Going high means taking the harder path. It means scraping and clawing our way to that mountain top," Obama said. "Going high means standing fierce against hatred. ... And going high means unlocking the shackles of lies and mistrust with the only thing that can truly set us free: the cold hard truth."

Aside from sharing her views on America today, the speech was also meant to highlight the competencies and character of Democratic hopeful Joe Biden in contrast to that of his Republican opponent, incumbent Donald Trump. And while she was full of praise for Biden, the more critical may have wondered why she didn't mention Kamala Harris — and the answer is simple. Because this year's convention is virtual, the former First Lady's remarks were actually recorded before Biden announced that Harris would be his running mate. So Harris wasn't mentioned simply because she wasn't in the picture at the time the speech was done. 

After her speech went to air, Obama tweeted a link to her address with the remark: "If we want to end the chaos and division — and keep alive the possibility of progress on the issues we hold dear — we've got to vote for @JoeBiden and @KamalaHarris like our lives depend on it." She and her husband, former president Barack Obama, have also been using social media to highlight their support for Kamala Harris, and Michelle retweeted the former president's endorsement which said: "I've known Senator @KamalaHarris for a long time. She is more than prepared for the job. She's spent her career defending our Constitution and fighting for folks who need a fair shake. This is a good day for our country. Now let's go win this thing."