Michelle Obama Fires Up the Crowd at Get Out the Vote Rally
Former First Lady Michelle Obama excited the crowd at her first get out the vote rally with the nonprofit organization she co-founded and co-chairs, When We All Vote.
Obama, speaking in Las Vegas Sunday night, stressed the importance of fighting through apathy and upset to make one's voice heard. She said she understands why people are "sick of all the chaos and the nastiness of our politics."
"Believe me, I am frustrated, too," she added. "I am sick of all the chaos and the nastiness of our politics. It’s exhausting and, frankly, it’s depressing. I understand wanting to shut it all out."
Still, she knows that isn't the answer, especially headed into the midterms, where the degree to which the Trump administration can flex its political muscle, or whether there will be forces there to stop it, will be decided.
Obama noted that for too long too many Americans have felt they can simply vote in the presidential election, and skip the midterms, saying "every couple years folks sat out and said 'well, I did my part, I voted once, I'm done, I'm out.' And I'm just telling you that democracy doesn't work that way."
And while she knows that some are "frustrated and tuned out and stay home," she assured those in attendance that others will happily show up to cast their ballot in their place.
"Democracy continues with or without you," she warned.
"We get the leaders we vote for. We get the policies we vote for. And when we don't vote, that's when we wind up with government of, by and for other people."
When We All Vote is a nonpartisan organization, launched over the summer. The former first lady will also appear at a similar rally in Miami on Friday.
Watch Michelle Obama's full speech below.
Today is National Voter Registration Day, and Obama tweeted out a video encouraging participation.
"This election is your chance to hold your leaders accountable," she says in the 30 second spot. "It's how you make your voice heard on everything from your kids' education, to the safety of your community. That's why it's so important to register to vote right now, and vote on November 6th, and in every election."
Click the graphic above to learn about LGBTQ candidates running for office nationwide.
