Barack, Michelle Obama warn Democrats election will be close: 'Work like our lives depend on it'

Former President Barack Obama and former first lady Michelle Obama urged Democrats at the party’s convention Tuesday night to rally around presidential nominee Vice President Kamala Harris and her vision for the future, warning that the election will be close.

"Together, Kamala and Tim have kept faith with America's central story, a story that says we are all created equal, all of us endowed with certain inalienable rights, that everyone deserve a chance, that even when we don't agree with each other, we can find a way to live with each other,” the former president said, referring to Harris and running-mate Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz.

Obama also said it "won't be easy" to win over enough voters in battle states to elect Harris.

"The other side knows it's easier to play on people's fears and cynicism," he said. "They will tell you that government is inherently corrupt, that sacrifice and generosity are for suckers and since the game is rigged, it's OK to just take what you want and look after your own."

Obama said Democrats' job is to convince voters "democracy can actually deliver."

"Knock on doors and make phone calls and talk to our friends and listen to our neighbors," he said. "Lets get to work."

Michelle Obama called on Democrats to "work like our lives depend on it."

"We did it before and we sure can do it again," she said. "Let us keep moving our country forward and go higher – yes, higher – than we’ve ever gone before as we elect the next president and vice president of the United States, Kamala Harris and Tim Walz."

Barack and Michelle each predicted the election will be close.

"So we cannot afford for anyone to sit on their hands and wait to be called upon," Michelle said. "Don’t complain if no one from the campaign has specifically reached out to ask for your support. There is simply no time for that kind of foolishness."

She continued, saying, "So consider this to be your official ask: Michelle Obama is asking you to do something because this is going to be close."

Barack said President Joe Biden, who will not seek reelection, has passed the torch and called on Democrats to "fight for the America we believe in."

"And make no mistake: it will be a fight. For all the incredible energy we’ve been able to generate over the last few weeks, this will still be a tight race in a closely divided country – a country where too many Americans are still struggling, and don’t believe government can help," he said.

Michelle also zeroed in on Harris' GOP opponent, former President Donald Trump, during her speech, saying he "did everything in his power to try to make people fear us."

“His limited and narrow view of the world made him feel threatened by the existence of two hardworking, highly educated, successful people who also happened to be black," she said on stage.

In his main stage speech, second gentlemen Doug Emoff described his wife as tough and ready to take on "bullies."

"She finds joy in pursuing justice, she stands up to bullies just like my parents taught me to, she likes to see people do well but hates when they’re treated unfairly," he said.

Former President Bill Clinton is expected to speak on Wednesday at the convention.