Former President Barack Obama campaigned for Vice President Kamala Harris on Friday in Tucson on the University of Arizona campus, to encourage attendees to vote for Harris and Governor Tim Walz in the general election.
Obama is revitalizing the Democrat party and bringing back its energy through his support of the Harris-Walz campaign, students at the rally said.
"We've got a chance to choose a new generation's leadership in this country," Obama said. "We know this election is going to be tight, and it is going to be tight because a lot of Americans are struggling right now."
Obama’s speech focused on the importance of voting and being politically active. The crowd booed when he mentioned opposing candidates, he said to put that energy toward their vote.
"They can't hear you when you boo," Obama said. "But when you vote, everybody can hear you."
The event line-up consisted of Sen. Mark Kelly of Arizona, Gov. Katie Hobbs of Arizona and Rep. Ruben Gallego, who is running for the Senate seat this election.
"Everything that we care about is at risk this November," Hobbs said. "Our democracy, our reproductive freedoms. ... and it's all because of the chaos caused by Donald Trump."
The rally was held at the Cole and Jeannie Davis Sports Center with an attendance of approximately 7,000 people.
Throughout his speech, Obama advocated for Harris' dedication to the American people.
"This is a leader who has spent her life fighting for people who need a voice ... somebody who was raised in the middle class (and) believed in the values that built this country," Obama said.
According to Nadia Shirey, a freshman studying marketing, Obama’s own established reputation within the Democratic party holds weight in the minds of voters who trust him.
"It's very telling about (Harris) and her candidacy," Shirey said.
In supporting the Harris-Walz campaign, Obama has the company of Jimmy Carter, another former U.S. president who recently announced his vote for Harris on Oct. 16.
"President Obama and former presidents still do have a lot of influence on not just American politics and society, but on democratic politics specifically," said Matthew Marich, a sophomore studying political science.
Marich and Shirey said they traveled two hours to attend the event in Tucson.
"Rallies are obviously quite energetic and quite fun, but I think hearing that perspective and hearing Obama speak about this election specifically, is important," Marich said. "I think it's worth seeing and making a trip for."
Shirey grew up in a conservative household and attended the rally to not only see Obama speak but to feel as though she was doing her part in the election.
"Being in this room, I'm filled with hope," Shirey said.
Obama also spoke against former President Donald Trump and condemned Trump's behavior of speaking negatively about his political opponents. He contrasted him against former Sen. John McCain, Obama's opponent in the 2008 presidential election.
"(McCain) understood that some values transcend politics," Obama said. "He believed in honest arguments and hearing the views of other people. He didn't demonize his political opponents."
Obama said one of the "most disturbing" parts of the election is that the Republican party has put aside the values that John McCain stood for.
"He knew that if we get in the habit of bending the truth to suit political expediency or party orthodoxy, our democracy can't work," Obama said.
Arizona is a swing state for the November election and candidates have put attention on making appearances. Harris and Trump have both made appearances during the 2024 election season.
This event marked the start of Obama's tour to several of the major swing states, where he plans to campaign alongside his wife, former First Lady Michelle Obama.
"Yet again, the nation's eyes will be on Arizona," Hobbs said. "It's us who will decide if Donald Trump or Kamala Harris will be the next president."
Edited by George Headley, Sophia Ramirez and Natalia Jarrett.
Reach the reporter at ehprest1@asu.edu and follow @ellis_reports on X.
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Ellis is a sophomore studying journalism and mass communication. This is her first semester with The State Press. She has also worked at Arizona PBS and Blaze Radio.
