Mrs. Obama told delegates and a national television audience that when she thinks of “the kind of president that I want for my girls and all children”, it’s someone who takes the job seriously – “someone who understands that the issues a president faces are not black and white and can not be boiled down to 140 characters”.
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“I am here tonight because in this election, there is only one person who I trust with that responsibility”, she said. “Hillary did not pack up and go home because, as a true public servant, Hillary knows this is so much bigger than her own desires and disappointments”, she added.
Stressing how leaders need to be role models for American children, Obama then began to choke up as she spoke about generations of slavery and segregation. “How we explain when someone is cruel or act like a bully, you don’t stoop to that level”, Obama said.
She opened by framing her remarks around the Obamas’ two daughters, Malia and Sasha, and the fact that the president of the United States is one of the few people powerful enough to change their lives and the lives of all young people over the next four years. “That we need to make it great again”.
She presented Clinton’s candidacy in historic terms, after also invoking the firsts of her husband’s presidency: waking up in a “house that was built by slaves” and watching their daughters – “two attractive, intelligent, young black women” – play with their dog on the White House lawn.
Without even mentioning Trump’s name, she also attacked his campaign slogan.
The First Lady took a dig at Republican Presidential nominee Donald Trump, saying that “America is already great”.
While Obama has often avoided overt politics during her almost eight years in the White House, her frustration with Trump’s rise was evident.
A number of Michelle Obama’s remarks Monday night. however, could be read as criticisms of Trump.
“Someone who knows that the issues a president faces are not black and white and can not be boiled down to 140 characters”, she added, making a jab at Republican nominee Donald Trump’s tendency to tweet.
“Hillary Clinton has never quit anything in her life”, Obama said.
“Because when you have the nuclear codes at your fingertips and the military in your command, you can’t make snap decisions”, Mrs. Obama continued.
She said she wanted a president with the “proven strength to persevere”.
The first lady didn’t neglect to point to Trump’s lack of experience in politics.
On Monday, Obama did not focus on her work, but she described her husband’s tenure as marked by his “decency and his grace”.
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She ended with a call to action for all Democrats. “With every word we utter we know our kids are watching”, said the First Lady.
