Before Barack Obama entered the White House, Diana Vahabzadeh, now 63, had never cast a vote for a Democrat. However, Obama’s 2008 campaign won her over, and she has been leaning left since. On Thursday, she joined thousands at a Pittsburgh rally supporting Kamala Harris, as Obama launched a campaign blitz across swing states critical to the upcoming election.
Vahabzadeh expressed her admiration for Obama, calling the event a great opportunity to see him and show support for Harris. With a playlist of pop hits filling the gym, the “Yes We Can” slogan from Obama’s 2008 campaign was updated to “Yes She Can,” reflecting support for Harris.
Obama, greeted with cheers and U2’s “City of Blinding Lights,” criticized Donald Trump as a businessman focused solely on personal gain. In contrast, he praised Harris’s readiness for leadership, urging the crowd to vote actively instead of hoping for the best. His energetic message—”Put down your phone and vote!”—was met with enthusiastic applause.
For young attendees like 20-year-old Tia Douglas, hearing Obama speak was inspiring, making her eager to vote in the election. The Harris campaign hopes Obama’s presence will bring much-needed momentum and support. The rally, filled with supporters of all ages, saw Obama’s charisma in full force, reminding voters of his iconic role in the Democratic Party.
As key battleground states like Pennsylvania remain uncertain, Obama emphasized the importance of shaking up the system for the better—by supporting Harris over Trump. For attendees, seeing Obama and Harris together felt like a historic moment, with many expressing renewed excitement for the upcoming election.
