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Michelle Obama redefines herself |
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Written by Dr. Garth A. Rose
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Monday, 01 September 2008 |
Michelle Obama may have clarified some questions about herself and her husband Democratic Presidential nominee, Barack Obama when she took the stage and delivered what many described as a moving speech at the opening of the Democratic National Convention on Monday.
This woman, whose husband’s opponents have tried to portray as “an angry Black woman” was the antithesis of anger. Rather she was the epitome of grace and charm, efficiently delivering her speech with great poise as she described her childhood in a working class, blue collar environment, the tremendous love of an ailing father, her career, her marriage, the love for her country, and the dedication of her husband to make the lives of all Americans better when he is elected president in November.
The crowd stood and applauded her loudly and long when she simply stated “That’s why I love this country,” after describing how the current of America’s history consisting of several improbable journeys has now met with the “new tide of hope.” As the crowd cheered, Michelle smiled knowing she had answered those critics who had been accusing her of being unpatriotic because of a remark she had made earlier in the primary campaign that she was proud of the United States for the “first time” in her adult life. There was also loud and long applauses when she praised Hillary Clinton for her accomplishments, especially in placing “18 million cracks in the glass ceiling,” referring to the 18 million votes Clinton received in the Democratic primaries.
Michelle’s speech at the convention broadcast to millions of Americans, was meant to reintroduce the real potential first lady, and she succeeded. America saw a very confident and eloquent who is without doubt a patriot, but also a very caring woman for her community, her children, and most of all her husband who she told the world she still loves just as much as when she fell in love with him over 18 years ago.
But before the audience heard Michelle, an ailing but courageous Ted Kennedy unequivocally passed the baton to Barack Obama in a short but heartfelt speech. "Nothing is going to keep me away from this special gathering tonight," Kennedy told his adoring audience, some seen wiping their teary eyes as he emphatically pledged to see Barack Obama to the White House, and his own return to the Senate floor in January.
It was doubtful whether Kennedy would speak because of his brain cancer and the flight from his home in Boston. However, he did speak and the reception from the audience left some wondering how was it that this man, the last surviving son of the Joseph Kennedy clan hadn’t made it to the White House himself.
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