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Michelle Obama slams Trump over Covid-19, 'racist rhetoric' in closing argument for Biden: 'Not up to the job'

The 56-year-old made the remarks in a 24-minute video meant as a 'closing argument' for voters to support Democratic presidential nominee Joe Biden

Former first lady Michelle Obama, on Tuesday, October 6, launched a series of attacks against President Donald Trump, accusing him of endangering the lives of Americans with his behavior during the ongoing coronavirus pandemic. Obama also slammed Trump's policies and described them as "racist." The 56-year-old made the remarks in a 24-minute video meant as a "closing argument" for voters to support Democratic presidential nominee Joe Biden. Obama cautioned that the US has descended into "chaos" because the "president is not up to the job." The former first lady, who did not mention Trump's recent coronavirus diagnosis, accused the Republican of attempting to "gaslight the American people by acting like this pandemic is not a real threat."

Obama, in the clip, also accused Trump of "stoking fears about Black and Brown Americans" with his "racist" rhetoric. The attorney also asked White Americans for "empathy," and added that as a Black woman, she was worried that institutional racism, if not addressed, will “destroy this nation."

The former first lady praised Biden in her statement as the "leader who has the character and the experience to put an end to this chaos,” calling him a “good man who understands the struggles of everyday folks." She said: "Search your hearts, and your conscience and then vote for Joe Biden like your lives depend on it."

Obama, who rarely gets involved in everyday politics, has kept a low profile during this campaign season and has instead focused on her voter registration group called 'When We All Vote." The former first lady, even in the video, mentions how politics has "never been my thing." Michelle continues to be one of the most popular women in America, with her approval ratings even higher than her husband former President Barack Obama. 

Obama's fresh attacks on Trump was supported by many social media users who agreed with what the former first lady had to say. One user wrote: "These aren’t really accusation. They sound more like facts." While another wrote: "She is correct. Michelle Obama always with class and always with the truth!" A third added: "Just saw it. Once again, Michelle Obama has it right. People need to listen. Her actions always match her words. And she is inspirational as well as motivating all of us to do better."

The former first lady began the video by denouncing the president and his "failure to take this pandemic seriously." She stated that the Republican leader had downplayed the importance of wearing masks and social distancing and that he was “knowingly exposing his own supporters to a dangerous virus” by insisting on holding “massive” campaign rallies throughout the pandemic.

Her statement came hours after President Trump, despite being infected with the coronavirus, made a surprise visit to greet his supporters outside the Walter Reed Medical Center. The visit sparked concerns of the president exposing his security service detail to the highly contagious and deadly virus just for photo-op. He was again criticized on Monday, October 5, after his release from the hospital as he removed his mask after returning to the White House and conducted a photo-op from the White House balcony with no mask on. 

Obama said: "Seven months later, he still doesn’t have a plan for this virus,” Michelle Obama said. “Seven months later, he still won’t wear a mask consistently and encourage others to do the same — even when those simple actions could save countless lives. Instead, he continues to gaslight the American people by acting like this pandemic is not a real threat."

She also commented on the ongoing racial tension in the country, saying that Trump is guilty of "whipping up violence and intimidation" against anti-racism protesters demonstrating following George Floyd's killing in police custody. Obama said that Black people in the country have had to live with the reality that too many people in this country “only see us as a threat to be restrained.”

"Racism, fear, division — these are powerful weapons and they can destroy this nation if we don’t deal with them head on,” she added.