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Former President Barack Obama delivered an impassioned speech against Donald Trump and in support of Vice President Kamala Harris during a rally on Thursday at a Pittsburgh college campus. The event, aimed in part at mobilizing young voters for the upcoming November 5 election, saw Obama advocating strongly for Harris while criticizing Trump.

Obama has been a vocal advocate for Harris since she took over the Democratic ticket in July after President Joe Biden withdrew following a lackluster debate performance against Trump. Despite stepping down, Biden has continued to endorse Harris. As a highly influential figure within the Democratic Party, Obama’s popularity remains strong, especially among the party’s base. The rally at the University of Pittsburgh, which coincided with Harris’s campaign stops in Nevada and Arizona, was just the beginning of a series of appearances Obama plans to make in key battleground states leading up to the election.

“I understand why people want change,” Obama told the crowd. “People are frustrated and think we can do better. But what I can’t understand is why anyone believes Donald Trump is the right person to bring that change in a way that benefits you, Pennsylvania.”

Obama criticized Trump for prioritizing his personal gain, while highlighting Harris’s middle-class background and her commitment to American values. "Kamala is as prepared for this role as any presidential nominee in history," he stated.

The Harris campaign isn’t relying solely on Obama. Former President Bill Clinton, another two-term Democratic leader, is also set to campaign on her behalf. Clinton will make appearances in Georgia and North Carolina to connect with rural voters.

Young voters are a crucial demographic for Harris’s campaign, but voter registration among this group is lagging. Data from the Center for Information & Research on Civic Learning and Engagement at Tufts University shows that registration for voters aged 18 to 29 is down in 34 states compared to four years ago. In Pennsylvania, for example, voter registration among young people was 15% lower in September than it was on Election Day in 2020.

AJ Herzog, a 27-year-old rally attendee, acknowledged the discouragement many young people feel, citing the conflicts in Gaza and Ukraine. “It’s easy to feel hopeless, like your vote won’t change anything. But I believe there’s more potential for progress with Kamala Harris than by returning to Donald Trump.”

Obama's presence on the campaign trail could energize young voters in the final stretch. Known for stepping in as a powerful closer for Democratic candidates, he played a similar role for Hillary Clinton in 2016 and Joe Biden in 2020. His efforts, particularly during early voting, have often had a significant impact.

An aide confirmed that Obama is focused on energizing voters who can help Democrats take control of the White House, Senate, and House of Representatives. So far, he has raised $80 million for the 2024 campaign.

Obama and his wife, Michelle, delivered stirring speeches at the Democratic National Convention in August, and Michelle is expected to continue campaigning for Harris. Obama, who has supported Harris since her endorsement of his own 2008 presidential run, has also offered strategic advice to her campaign.

Many credit Obama with encouraging Biden to step aside following concerns about his age and performance, particularly after a difficult debate against Trump in June. As Harris and Trump remain in a tight race, securing Pennsylvania could be pivotal in determining the outcome, with the Electoral College ultimately deciding the election.

Paraphrasing text from "Reuters" all rights reserved by the original author.