All language subtitles for First.Ladies Michelle Obama

There are a few first ladies

there are a few first ladies
who really are milestones,

who really are milestones,
cultural milestones.

Cultural milestones.
Who help US understand what's

who help US understand what's
going on in larger society.

Going on in larger society.
It took me some time doing a

it took me some time doing a
little dreaming to be standing

little dreaming to be standing
right here today.

Right here today.
She hasn't forgotten that

she hasn't forgotten that
journey and the challenges that

journey and the challenges that
she faced.

She faced.
In this great country, where

in this great country, where
a girl from the south side of

a girl from the south side of
Chicago can go to college and

Chicago can go to college and
law school and the son of a

law school and the son of a
single mother from Hawaii can go

single mother from Hawaii can go
all the way to the white house.

All the way to the white house.
It's the idea that you can

it's the idea that you can
break through.

Break through.
That much more is possible than

that much more is possible than
you might have thought.

You might have thought.
Michelle still carries that

Michelle still carries that
forward.

Forward.
Every time she walks into a

every time she walks into a
room.

Room.
When you've worked hard and

when you've worked hard and
done well and walked through

done well and walked through
that doorway of opportunity, you

that doorway of opportunity, you
do not slam it shut behind you.

Do not slam it shut behind you.
No, you reach back and you give

no, you reach back and you give
other folks the same chances

other folks the same chances
that helped you succeed.

That helped you succeed.
From the moment they enter

from the moment they enter
into the white house, it becomes

into the white house, it becomes
historic.

Historic.
But this is also a

but this is also a
representation of Americans'

representation of Americans'
better selves.

Better selves.
That is the story of this

that is the story of this
country.

Country.
The story that has brought me to

the story that has brought me to
this stage tonight.

This stage tonight.
The story of generations of

the story of generations of
people who felt the lash of

people who felt the lash of
bondage, the shame of servitude,

bondage, the shame of servitude,
the sting of segregation, but

the sting of segregation, but
who kept on striving and hoping

who kept on striving and hoping
and doing what needed to be

and doing what needed to be
done.

Done.

So don't let anyone ever tell

so don't let anyone ever tell
you that this country isn't

you that this country isn't
great, that somehow we need to

great, that somehow we need to
make it great again.

Make it great again.
Because this right now is the

because this right now is the
greatest country on earth.

Greatest country on earth.

When you were little, did you
ever want to be the first lady?

Ever want to be the first lady?
No, I didn't.

No, I didn't.
I didn't know I could be the

I didn't know I could be the
first lady.

First lady.
Sometimes you can only be what

sometimes you can only be what
you know exists in the world.

You know exists in the world.
And no one like me was ever the

and no one like me was ever the
first lady of the United States.

First lady of the United States.

All first ladies are thrust

all first ladies are thrust
into the spotlight, but Michelle

into the spotlight, but Michelle
Obama will be scrutinized more

Obama will be scrutinized more
intensely than any of her

intensely than any of her
predecessors.

Predecessors.
We talk about civil rights

we talk about civil rights
history, we talk about the

history, we talk about the
series of firsts.

Series of firsts.
This is within our lifetime.

This is within our lifetime.
Are you prepared to take the

are you prepared to take the
oath, senator?

Oath, senator?
I am.

I am.
It took my breath away.

It took my breath away.
And I thought, my gosh, this

and I thought, my gosh, this
is really happening.

Is really happening.
I stand here today humbled by

I stand here today humbled by
the task before US.

The task before US.
The sea of humanity spread as

the sea of humanity spread as
far as the eye can see.

Far as the eye can see.
Mindful of the sacrifices

mindful of the sacrifices
born by our ancestors.

Born by our ancestors.
The reality of what they were

the reality of what they were
about to embark on must have

about to embark on must have
been very, very vivid for her at

been very, very vivid for her at
that moment.

That moment.
Michelle traveled farther and

Michelle traveled farther and
overcame more on her journey to

overcame more on her journey to
the white house than any first

the white house than any first
lady before her.

Lady before her.
She knew that she was making

she knew that she was making
history and that her movements

history and that her movements
would be scrutinized ten times,

would be scrutinized ten times,
100 times more than any other

100 times more than any other
first lady.

First lady.
Everything that Michelle

everything that Michelle
Obama has been doing in her life

Obama has been doing in her life
has really been preparing her to

has really been preparing her to
walk this tightrope.

Walk this tightrope.
Michelle was integral to

Michelle was integral to
Barack Obama's presidential

Barack Obama's presidential
campaign from the beginning.

Campaign from the beginning.
So we're looking forward to

so we're looking forward to
the first day of school.

The first day of school.
Welcome back.

Welcome back.
I know that all the parents out

I know that all the parents out
here are happy to have their

here are happy to have their
kids out of their house.

Kids out of their house.

You can admit it.

You can admit it.
Let's give a cheer for that.

Let's give a cheer for that.
15 months before the

15 months before the
election, polls show Barack

election, polls show Barack
Obama trailing Hillary Clinton

Obama trailing Hillary Clinton
by double digits.

By double digits.
We've got two beautiful

we've got two beautiful
little girls and we have a

little girls and we have a
wonderful life.

Wonderful life.
Nothing would have been more

nothing would have been more
disruptive than a decision to

disruptive than a decision to
run for president of the united

run for president of the united
states.

States.
She knew enough about race in

she knew enough about race in
america, about breaking

america, about breaking
barriers, to know what that

barriers, to know what that
would mean for her.

Would mean for her.
That she would face constant

that she would face constant
criticism, constant scrutiny.

Criticism, constant scrutiny.
Who would raise their hand

who would raise their hand
enthusiastically and say sign me

enthusiastically and say sign me
up for that?

Up for that?
You know the reason why I

you know the reason why I
said yes was because I am tired

said yes was because I am tired
of being afraid.

Of being afraid.

The game of politics is to make

the game of politics is to make
you afraid so that you don't

you afraid so that you don't
think.

Think.
We have a chance to make

we have a chance to make
something real happen.

Something real happen.
Think about that.

Think about that.
And help US.

And help US.
In schools, churches, county

in schools, churches, county
fairs across Iowa, Michelle

fairs across Iowa, Michelle
tells their story to voters

tells their story to voters
month after month after month.

Month after month after month.
For someone who avoided

for someone who avoided
politics for much of her life,

politics for much of her life,
she had to take a crash course.

She had to take a crash course.
His political career was very

his political career was very
separate from her.

Separate from her.
Michelle has never publicly

Michelle has never publicly
engaged in any of her husband's

engaged in any of her husband's
political campaigns but she was

political campaigns but she was
influential behind the scenes.

Influential behind the scenes.
My first meaningful exchange

my first meaningful exchange
with Michelle was when we were

with Michelle was when we were
filming our first ad.

Filming our first ad.
I'm Barack Obama.

I'm Barack Obama.
I'm running for the united

I'm running for the united
states senate and I approve this

states senate and I approve this
message to say, yes, we can.

Message to say, yes, we can.
He turned to me and said yes,

he turned to me and said yes,
we can, yes, we can.

We can, yes, we can.
Is that too corny?

Is that too corny?
He turned to Michelle and said,

he turned to Michelle and said,
what do you think?

What do you think?
She said, not corny.

She said, not corny.
So right away I saw where I

so right away I saw where I
stood in the pantheon of

stood in the pantheon of
strategic advisers.

Strategic advisers.
But other than that, she was

but other than that, she was
happy to keep her distance from

happy to keep her distance from
all of it.

All of it.
What many people don't know,

what many people don't know,
she was actually the breadwinner

she was actually the breadwinner
in the family.

In the family.
Vice president of community

vice president of community
affairs and outreach at the

affairs and outreach at the
university of Chicago.

University of Chicago.
That is a big job and it's a job

that is a big job and it's a job
that she loved.

That she loved.
It.

It.
All changed, of course, when

all changed, of course, when
he decided to run for president.

He decided to run for president.
I said I'm not giving up my

I said I'm not giving up my
career for my husband.

Career for my husband.
I'm giving up my career because

I'm giving up my career because
I'm passionate about this.

I'm passionate about this.
When we started, we were

when we started, we were
pretty casual about it because

pretty casual about it because
Michelle was such an impressive

Michelle was such an impressive
person and we thought she's

person and we thought she's
going to kill out there.

Going to kill out there.
Let me tell you a little bit

let me tell you a little bit
about Michelle Obama.

About Michelle Obama.
I'm a south side girl.

I'm a south side girl.
Very simple.

Very simple.
My parents were working class

my parents were working class
folks.

Folks.
What we saw in my household was

what we saw in my household was
hard work and sacrifice first

hard work and sacrifice first
hand.

Hand.
She just told them her story.

She just told them her story.
And her story is not that

and her story is not that
different than half the people

different than half the people
she would meet in Iowa.

She would meet in Iowa.
She talked about her parents and

she talked about her parents and
how she was raised.

How she was raised.
My father had multiple

my father had multiple
sclerosis.

Sclerosis.
But he went to work every single

but he went to work every single
day.

Day.
He was never late and he never

he was never late and he never
made excuses.

Made excuses.
And then she moved into the

and then she moved into the
Barack Obama years.

Barack Obama years.
Mixed guy named Barack Obama

mixed guy named Barack Obama
who grew up in Hawaii.

Who grew up in Hawaii.
That's what I learned about him

that's what I learned about him
on paper.

On paper.
I thought this guy's got to be

I thought this guy's got to be
weird.

Weird.
She knows her husband

she knows her husband
probably seems as unorthodox to

probably seems as unorthodox to
her audiences as he did to her

her audiences as he did to her
back in 1989.

Back in 1989.
Michelle was involved in

Michelle was involved in
recruiting a prominent law firm

recruiting a prominent law firm
in Chicago.

In Chicago.
Across her desk comes the resume

across her desk comes the resume
of this hot shot from Harvard

of this hot shot from Harvard
who is being brought in as a

who is being brought in as a
summer associate.

Summer associate.
The firm asked if she would be

the firm asked if she would be
his mentor.

His mentor.
She meets him the first day.

She meets him the first day.
He shows up late but they hit it

he shows up late but they hit it
off.

Off.
At a certain point Barack is

at a certain point Barack is
interested in something more.

Interested in something more.
He wants to go out on a date.

He wants to go out on a date.
She agrees.

She agrees.
I learned that he became a

I learned that he became a
community organizer.

Community organizer.
I was impressed.

I was impressed.
This guy could have been making

this guy could have been making
money but he's working on the

money but he's working on the
far south side what a bunch of

far south side what a bunch of
churches.

Churches.
The entrance of Barack Obama

the entrance of Barack Obama
into her life really shifted

into her life really shifted
where she was headed.

Where she was headed.
I met Mrs. Obama in the

I met Mrs. Obama in the
summer of 1991 when she was

summer of 1991 when she was
Michelle Robinson.

Michelle Robinson.
Her resume was sent to me.

Her resume was sent to me.
It said a brilliant young lawyer

it said a brilliant young lawyer
exploring opportunities of

exploring opportunities of
public service.

Public service.
I gave her a job offer on the

I gave her a job offer on the
spot.

Spot.
A few days later, she said, I

a few days later, she said, I
have bad news.

Have bad news.
My fiance doesn't think it's a

my fiance doesn't think it's a
good idea.

Good idea.
I said who is your fiance and

I said who is your fiance and
what does it matter what he

what does it matter what he
thinks?

Thinks?
I think they were mature before

I think they were mature before
their time.

Their time.
There was not a step that he

there was not a step that he
took without her sitting right

took without her sitting right
there as well.

There as well.
It was true partnership.

It was true partnership.
In her memoir "becoming," she

in her memoir "becoming," she
describes their wedding in

describes their wedding in
October 1992.

October 1992.
We stood there with our futures

we stood there with our futures
still unwritten.

Still unwritten.
Whatever was out there, we would

whatever was out there, we would
step into it together.

Step into it together.
15 years later, their shared

15 years later, their shared
future takes a dramatic turn.

Future takes a dramatic turn.
Obama surges from behind to win

Obama surges from behind to win
Iowa.

Iowa.
Michelle's months on the stump

Michelle's months on the stump
pay off.

Pay off.
But now the couple must confront

but now the couple must confront
a new kind of challenge.

A new kind of challenge.
There were concerns about his

there were concerns about his
security that were very real and

security that were very real and
very dark.

Very dark.
Barack Obama is given a

Barack Obama is given a
security detail earlier than any

security detail earlier than any
other presidential candidate in

other presidential candidate in
history.

History.
There was a resignation in

there was a resignation in
the black community that you

the black community that you
cannot rise up without being

cannot rise up without being
shot down.

Shot down.
We've seen what has happened

we've seen what has happened
to iconic black leaders in

to iconic black leaders in
america.

America.
Med gar evers, Malcolm X,

med gar evers, Malcolm X,
Dr. King.

Dr. King.
If you come from the black

if you come from the black
community, almost every hero you

community, almost every hero you
read about was killed, and only

read about was killed, and only
Michelle, who certainly had more

Michelle, who certainly had more
to lose than the rest of US in

to lose than the rest of US in
the risk he was taking, could

the risk he was taking, could
reassure people that it was

reassure people that it was
worth the risk.

Worth the risk.
We need a Barack Obama

we need a Barack Obama
presidency right now.

Presidency right now.

She would go in a room and

she would go in a room and
she wouldn't leave the room

she wouldn't leave the room
until every single person in

until every single person in
that room was committed.

That room was committed.
But because she was so

but because she was so
effective, she came under

effective, she came under
attack.

Attack.
Hope is making a comeback.

Hope is making a comeback.
It is making a comeback.

It is making a comeback.
And for the first time in my

and for the first time in my
adult lifetime, I'm really proud

adult lifetime, I'm really proud
of my country.

Of my country.
And not just because Barack has

and not just because Barack has
done well, but because I think

done well, but because I think
people are hungry for change.

People are hungry for change.
It is an unfortunate

it is an unfortunate
statement.

Statement.
I don't think it came out the

I don't think it came out the
way she intended.

Way she intended.
In the words of desi arnaz, she

in the words of desi arnaz, she
has some 'splaining to do.

Has some 'splaining to do.
It's a tough time to be

it's a tough time to be
black.

Black.
To say we're on the verge of

to say we're on the verge of
putting some of that behind US,

putting some of that behind US,
she got smacked down hard for

she got smacked down hard for
it.

It.
I just want to make the

I just want to make the
statement that I am and always

statement that I am and always
will be proud of my country.

Will be proud of my country.
A conversation we didn't need

a conversation we didn't need
to have but apparently we do.

To have but apparently we do.
This, ladies and gentlemen, is

this, ladies and gentlemen, is
called the fist pound.

Called the fist pound.
The reaction to the fist bump

the reaction to the fist bump
was ridiculous.

Was ridiculous.
Could they even be jihadists?

Could they even be jihadists?
That's what one person

that's what one person
suggested on fox news.

Suggested on fox news.
One television network

one television network
referred to her as Barack

referred to her as Barack
Obama's baby mama.

Obama's baby mama.
Michelle Obama was met with

Michelle Obama was met with
every single negative stereotype

every single negative stereotype
about African-American women.

About African-American women.
And I think there were forces

and I think there were forces
that felt if they assaulted her

that felt if they assaulted her
enough, maybe she and her entire

enough, maybe she and her entire
family would just go away.

Family would just go away.
But they didn't.

But they didn't.
I called her in to show her

I called her in to show her
what people were seeing, and I

what people were seeing, and I
turned the sound down and just

turned the sound down and just
let her see herself.

Let her see herself.
In a country, in a world

in a country, in a world
based on fear --

based on fear --
she got it immediately.

She got it immediately.
She was out on the campaign

she was out on the campaign
trail getting more and more

trail getting more and more
passionate and she had been so

passionate and she had been so
effective that I didn't see that

effective that I didn't see that
it was being perceived as angry.

It was being perceived as angry.
The easy trope of the angry

the easy trope of the angry
black woman, when in fact what

black woman, when in fact what
she was displaying was passion.

She was displaying was passion.
Nobody had taken the time to

nobody had taken the time to
flag for her sooner that she has

flag for her sooner that she has
to stop and pause and smile, or

to stop and pause and smile, or
she has to use her hand gestures

she has to use her hand gestures
in a different way.

In a different way.
She felt like she had failed.

She felt like she had failed.
And she wasn't used to failing.

And she wasn't used to failing.
She had a choice to make.

She had a choice to make.
Go back home and pick up life

go back home and pick up life
with her children and her

with her children and her
high-powered job, or did she

high-powered job, or did she
just try to figure it out?

Just try to figure it out?
In her memoir, Michelle

in her memoir, Michelle
remembers the impact of that

remembers the impact of that
moment.

Moment.
This was a turnaround point.

This was a turnaround point.
No one, I realized, was going to

no one, I realized, was going to
look out for me unless I pushed

look out for me unless I pushed
for it.

After a year and a half on
the campaign trail, Michelle

the campaign trail, Michelle
prepares for her national

prepares for her national
debut.

Debut.
For people, this would be

for people, this would be
their first chance to really get

their first chance to really get
to know her.

To know her.
And I come here as a mom

and I come here as a mom
whose girls are the heart of my

whose girls are the heart of my
heart and the center of my

heart and the center of my
world.

World.
She practiced her stump over

she practiced her stump over
and over and over again.

And over and over again.
And that's who she is.

And that's who she is.
She prepares.

She prepares.
And Barack and I were raised

and Barack and I were raised
with so many of the same values

with so many of the same values
that you treat people with

that you treat people with
dignity and respect even if you

dignity and respect even if you
don't know them and even if you

don't know them and even if you
don't agree with them.

Don't agree with them.

Her favorable rate jumped 20

her favorable rate jumped 20
points overnight.

Points overnight.
Let's stand together to elect

let's stand together to elect
Barack Obama president of the

Barack Obama president of the
United States of America.

United States of America.
Thank you.

Thank you.
That was a real watershed

that was a real watershed
event in her public life.

Event in her public life.
Michelle has survived a

Michelle has survived a
political trial by fire and

political trial by fire and
emerges a star.

Emerges a star.
Malia, Sasha, how do you

Malia, Sasha, how do you
think mom did?

Think mom did?
I think she did good.

I think she did good.
Boosting her husband's

boosting her husband's
popularity as well as her own.

Popularity as well as her own.
I think so too.

I think so too.
And here we are.

And here we are.
Now CNN can project at 11:00

now CNN can project at 11:00
eastern time, that Barack Obama

eastern time, that Barack Obama
is the next president of the

is the next president of the
United States, the first

United States, the first
African-American president in

African-American president in
u.S. History.

U.s. History.
It feels like something

it feels like something
really big and bold has happened

really big and bold has happened
here.

Here.
Like nothing ever in our life

like nothing ever in our life
times did we expect this to

times did we expect this to
happen.

Happen.
I would not be standing here

I would not be standing here
tonight without the unyielding

tonight without the unyielding
support of my best friend for

support of my best friend for
the last 16 years.

The last 16 years.
In her memoir, Michelle

in her memoir, Michelle
describes that night.

Describes that night.
The love of my life --

the love of my life --
it felt like her family got

it felt like her family got
launched out of a Cannon into

launched out of a Cannon into
some strange underwater

some strange underwater
universe.

Universe.
The nation's next first lady,

the nation's next first lady,
Michelle Obama.

Michelle Obama.

I still get verklempt

I still get verklempt
thinking about what it meant,

thinking about what it meant,
that image of this splendid

that image of this splendid
African-American family, now the

African-American family, now the
first family of the country.

First family of the country.
The next day, headlines said

the next day, headlines said
change has come to america.

Change has come to america.
And I remember thinking at the

and I remember thinking at the
time, people will interpret that

time, people will interpret that
headline in very different ways.

Headline in very different ways.
On inauguration day, everyone

on inauguration day, everyone
was celebrating, but there was

was celebrating, but there was
in the back of everyone's mind,

in the back of everyone's mind,
the fact in the morning, we were

the fact in the morning, we were
going to come in to face an epic

going to come in to face an epic
financial crisis, two wars, and

financial crisis, two wars, and
more pressures than any

more pressures than any
president had faced probably

president had faced probably
since Franklin Roosevelt.

Since Franklin Roosevelt.
And Michelle, the god's honest

and Michelle, the god's honest
truth, I don't think

truth, I don't think
she knew what she would make of

she knew what she would make of
the position and it took her

the position and it took her
some time to figure it out.

Some time to figure it out.
There is, as Michelle puts

there is, as Michelle puts
it, no handbook for incoming

it, no handbook for incoming
first ladies.

First ladies.
The role of the first lady is

the role of the first lady is
a throwback.

A throwback.
We set up the white house as a

we set up the white house as a
royal court, in a way.

Royal court, in a way.
And I think for Michelle Obama,

and I think for Michelle Obama,
a modern woman, a career woman,

a modern woman, a career woman,
to suddenly be the great man's

to suddenly be the great man's
wife was an adjustment.

Wife was an adjustment.
She describes the role as a

she describes the role as a
strange kind of sidecar to the

strange kind of sidecar to the
presidency.

Presidency.
The first lady is not a job.

The first lady is not a job.
Hillary Clinton learned that

Hillary Clinton learned that
when she turned it into a job.

When she turned it into a job.
We don't want that.

We don't want that.
That's going too far.

That's going too far.
She said the one that she

she said the one that she
took the greatest inspiration

took the greatest inspiration
from was Laura bush.

From was Laura bush.
After a bruising campaign,

after a bruising campaign,
Michelle is determined to

Michelle is determined to
control her own message.

Control her own message.
She starts with a simple

she starts with a simple
statement, deeper than it first

statement, deeper than it first
appears.

Appears.
How would you define your

how would you define your
role as first lady?

Role as first lady?
You know, I joke that my

you know, I joke that my
first job is going to be mom in

first job is going to be mom in
chief because with little kids I

chief because with little kids I
have to make sure that their

have to make sure that their
feet are on the ground.

Feet are on the ground.
Obviously she's going to be

obviously she's going to be
mom in chief.

Mom in chief.
She's not shy about being the

she's not shy about being the
mom in chief.

Mom in chief.
Describe her role more as

describe her role more as
first lady.

First lady.
She was concerned about her

she was concerned about her
daughters but was also just a

daughters but was also just a
savvy way of saying, don't

savvy way of saying, don't
worry.

Worry.
This isn't a twofer.

This isn't a twofer.
I'm not here to make policy

I'm not here to make policy
despite my executive experience.

Despite my executive experience.
If I want to play the

if I want to play the
traditional first lady role, I

traditional first lady role, I
can play the traditional first

can play the traditional first
lady role, but don't be fooled.

Lady role, but don't be fooled.
In a country that consistently

in a country that consistently
demonizes black mothers, welfare

demonizes black mothers, welfare
queens, drug addicts, because of

queens, drug addicts, because of
the decline of the black family.

The decline of the black family.
A statement as simple as, i'm

a statement as simple as, i'm
first mom and that's my

first mom and that's my
priority, is something that is

priority, is something that is
profound because it's something

profound because it's something
that's been denied for black

that's been denied for black
women for so long.

Women for so long.
She decided that in creating

she decided that in creating
her role as first lady, that she

her role as first lady, that she
was always going to keep in mind

was always going to keep in mind
the young Michelle Obama.

The young Michelle Obama.
She says in her memoir, I grew

she says in her memoir, I grew
up to the sound of striving.

Up to the sound of striving.
That's what the south side of

that's what the south side of
the Chicago was.

The Chicago was.
One of the biggest receptacles

one of the biggest receptacles
for people who were living

for people who were living
Alabama and Mississippi.

Alabama and Mississippi.
Michelle's great aunt and

Michelle's great aunt and
great uncle bought a house on

great uncle bought a house on
the south shore and invited

the south shore and invited
Michelle's mother and father,

Michelle's mother and father,
and of course, Michelle and

and of course, Michelle and
Craig, who were then toddlers to

Craig, who were then toddlers to
move in with them.

Move in with them.
She grew up with cousins

she grew up with cousins
around the corner and

around the corner and
grandparents around the corner.

Grandparents around the corner.
Her parents and grandparents

her parents and grandparents
were ambitious, they were smart

were ambitious, they were smart
but there were obstacles every

but there were obstacles every
step of the way.

Step of the way.
I grew up playing basketball

I grew up playing basketball
with Michelle's older brother

with Michelle's older brother
Craig.

Craig.
They were shaped by the

they were shaped by the
community.

Community.
They were forged by the

they were forged by the
community.

Community.
And I think she acutely felt the

and I think she acutely felt the
inequity in resources, the

inequity in resources, the
inequity in education

inequity in education
opportunity.

Opportunity.
In many ways, Chicago is the

in many ways, Chicago is the
place to create Michelle Obama.

Place to create Michelle Obama.
It's a place that is undergirded

it's a place that is undergirded
by a lot of the racial tensions

by a lot of the racial tensions
in inequality that will shape

in inequality that will shape
her viewpoint in the world.

Her viewpoint in the world.
This is where Dr. King went

this is where Dr. King went
and was defeated.

And was defeated.
The poverty and the racism in

the poverty and the racism in
Chicago is so profound that even

Chicago is so profound that even
Dr. King can't move it an inch.

Dr. King can't move it an inch.
I have never seen even in

I have never seen even in
Mississippi and Alabama a mob as

Mississippi and Alabama a mob as
hostile and hate-filled as I've

hostile and hate-filled as I've
seen in Chicago.

Seen in Chicago.
Chicago is a place where

Chicago is a place where
politicians are corrupt and

politicians are corrupt and
idealists go to get defeated.

Idealists go to get defeated.
She grew up in the middle of all

she grew up in the middle of all
that.

That.
It had been a very long time

it had been a very long time
it had been a very long time

it had been a very long time
since politics had been a source

since politics had been a source
of inspiration for anybody.

Of inspiration for anybody.
For many, the obamas

for many, the obamas
represent the triumph of

represent the triumph of
inspiration of politics but her

inspiration of politics but her
optimism is tempered by what she

optimism is tempered by what she
calls the ugly red versus blue

calls the ugly red versus blue
dynamic which has taken over

dynamic which has taken over
Washington.

Washington.
She goes to watch her husband

she goes to watch her husband
give his first speech to a joint

give his first speech to a joint
session of congress.

Session of congress.
Members of congress, the

members of congress, the
first lady of the United States.

First lady of the United States.

She's looking over this sea

she's looking over this sea
as she describes it, a sea of

as she describes it, a sea of
whiteness and maleness.

Whiteness and maleness.
This is ceremonial.

This is ceremonial.
But it's more than that.

But it's more than that.
It's symbolic.

It's symbolic.
Now is the time to act boldly

now is the time to act boldly
and wisely.

And wisely.
She is very aware of the body

she is very aware of the body
language and the expressions of

language and the expressions of
many Republicans in a way that

many Republicans in a way that
their arms are crossed.

Their arms are crossed.
In her memoir, Michelle

in her memoir, Michelle
recalls that republican members

recalls that republican members
of congress looked obstinate and

of congress looked obstinate and
angry.

Angry.
The American people expect to

the American people expect to
US to build common ground.

US to build common ground.
More than anything, she adds,

more than anything, she adds,
it seemed they just wanted

it seemed they just wanted
Barack to fail.

Barack to fail.
Thank you and god bless you.

Thank you and god bless you.
And may god bless you and the

and may god bless you and the
United States of America.

United States of America.
She watches as all the

she watches as all the
Republicans remain seated but

Republicans remain seated but
the first lady is being watched

the first lady is being watched
as well.

As well.
The next day she gets a lesson

the next day she gets a lesson
about life in the spotlight.

About life in the spotlight.
This may have been one of the

this may have been one of the
most talked-about moments from

most talked-about moments from
last night.

Last night.
Michelle Obama and her

Michelle Obama and her
sleeveless dress.

Sleeveless dress.
Style over substance.

Style over substance.
It's always unfair, but it was

it's always unfair, but it was
especially unfair for Michelle

especially unfair for Michelle
Obama because Jackie Kennedy

Obama because Jackie Kennedy
wasn't criticized for completely

wasn't criticized for completely
changing the look of the first

changing the look of the first
lady.

Lady.
With Michelle Obama showing a

with Michelle Obama showing a
liking for the sleeveless look,

liking for the sleeveless look,
even in winter, baring arms has

even in winter, baring arms has
a whole new meaning inside the

a whole new meaning inside the
beltway.

Beltway.
The people zeroed in on her

the people zeroed in on her
arms because they were not the

arms because they were not the
arms of a fragile damsel who was

arms of a fragile damsel who was
white.

White.
Nonwhite Americans have for

nonwhite Americans have for
years looked at a white first

years looked at a white first
lady and were so able to say

lady and were so able to say
that she represented them.

That she represented them.
But I think it becomes much more

but I think it becomes much more
challenging for some white

challenging for some white
Americans to look at a black

Americans to look at a black
first lady and see themselves in

first lady and see themselves in
her.

Her.
Instead, they simply saw her as

instead, they simply saw her as
an alien.

Four months into the obamas'
first term, Michelle takes her

first term, Michelle takes her
first official trip abroad

first official trip abroad
accompanying her husband to

accompanying her husband to
London for the g-20 summit.

London for the g-20 summit.
That level of scrutiny is

that level of scrutiny is
unlike anything you have ever

unlike anything you have ever
experienced and will ever

experienced and will ever
experience.

Experience.
Everything that's going on on

everything that's going on on
camera could at any given point

camera could at any given point
become a thing.

The first lady is a hugger.
She hugs all kinds of people.

She hugs all kinds of people.
She hugged the queen.

She hugged the queen.
People clutched their pearls.

People clutched their pearls.
The big deal is the queen is

the big deal is the queen is
an almost sacred person.

An almost sacred person.
Perhaps not known in the

perhaps not known in the
republics.

Republics.
The queen seemed fine.

The queen seemed fine.
I think she hugged her back.

I think she hugged her back.
The queen made the first move.

The queen made the first move.
For all I know, this is a break

for all I know, this is a break
of white house protocol.

Of white house protocol.
The next day while her

the next day while her
husband huddles with other g-20

husband huddles with other g-20
leaders, the cameras follow

leaders, the cameras follow
Michelle and she meets with

Michelle and she meets with
their spouses.

Their spouses.
But she wasn't going to go as

but she wasn't going to go as
a figure head and a spouse.

A figure head and a spouse.
She actually wanted to interact

she actually wanted to interact
with real people.

With real people.
And so Michelle makes a solo

and so Michelle makes a solo
visit to a girls' school a few

visit to a girls' school a few
miles across London but worlds

miles across London but worlds
away from Buckingham Palace.

Away from Buckingham Palace.
Everyone had rumors going

everyone had rumors going
around, whispers on the

around, whispers on the
playground.

Playground.
I remember seeing snipers on

I remember seeing snipers on
the roof and thinking, okay,

the roof and thinking, okay,
this is someone really

this is someone really
important.

Important.
Please welcome to the stage

please welcome to the stage
the first lady of the united

the first lady of the united
states of america.

States of america.

Michelle writes, looking at

Michelle writes, looking at
those London girls, I almost

those London girls, I almost
felt myself falling backwards

felt myself falling backwards
into my own past.

Into my own past.
She said, I see myself in them.

She said, I see myself in them.
And I'm not sure that we've

and I'm not sure that we've
heard first ladies speak like

heard first ladies speak like
that before.

That before.
She grew up surrounded by a lot

she grew up surrounded by a lot
of people who weren't able to go

of people who weren't able to go
as far as their talents would

as far as their talents would
take them.

Take them.
They were placing all their

they were placing all their
hopes and their dreams and their

hopes and their dreams and their
children.

Children.
You have to be stronger,

you have to be stronger,
smarter, you have to be twice as

smarter, you have to be twice as
good with half the resources.

Good with half the resources.
And this is something that

and this is something that
Michelle's family, her

Michelle's family, her
community, her experiences

community, her experiences
really instill in her.

Really instill in her.
There's a little bit of

there's a little bit of
vertigo in that, being told

vertigo in that, being told
you're going to

you're going to
bust through that glass ceiling

bust through that glass ceiling
or burst through that wall and

or burst through that wall and
take US forward.

Take US forward.
All of are you jewels.

All of are you jewels.
You are precious and you touch

you are precious and you touch
my heart.

My heart.
And it is important for the

and it is important for the
world to know that there are

world to know that there are
wonderful girls like you all

wonderful girls like you all
over the world.

Over the world.
She started reading her

she started reading her
remarks, and then she stopped

remarks, and then she stopped
reading her remarks and she just

reading her remarks and she just
talked.

Talked.
We are counting on every

we are counting on every
single one of you to be the very

single one of you to be the very
best that you can be.

Best that you can be.
Because the world is big and

because the world is big and
it's full of challenges.

It's full of challenges.
And we need strong, smart,

and we need strong, smart,
confident young women to stand

confident young women to stand
up and take the reins.

Up and take the reins.
We know you can do it.

We know you can do it.
We love you.

We love you.
Thank you so much.

Thank you so much.

That simple statement, I see

that simple statement, I see
myself in them, there's so much

myself in them, there's so much
in that, and not just saying

in that, and not just saying
that, but then figuring out

that, but then figuring out
thousand a-- how to act on that.

Thousand a-- how to act on that.
My name is Alex acosta.

My name is Alex acosta.
I'm 12 years old and I want to

I'm 12 years old and I want to
ask what is your job as first

ask what is your job as first
lady?

Lady?
What's my job?

What's my job?
I don't know, that's a good

I don't know, that's a good
question.

Question.
Every first lady is expected

every first lady is expected
to have at least one crusade.

To have at least one crusade.
Barbara bush, literacy.

Barbara bush, literacy.
Nancy Reagan, say no to drugs.

Nancy Reagan, say no to drugs.
What can do I that is useful

what can do I that is useful
with this role?

With this role?
Michelle wants to focus on

Michelle wants to focus on
young people, but that still

young people, but that still
leaves a lot of options.

Leaves a lot of options.
Mrs. Obama set some ground

Mrs. Obama set some ground
rules for US.

Rules for US.
One was that there is only one

one was that there is only one
elected person in the building

elected person in the building
and that's the president.

And that's the president.
So whatever we do should be in

so whatever we do should be in
service of his agenda.

Service of his agenda.
Because otherwise why are we

because otherwise why are we
doing it?

Doing it?
Michelle's crusade was to

Michelle's crusade was to
empower children and their

empower children and their
parents to eat better.

Parents to eat better.
The president and congress

the president and congress
are going to begin to address

are going to begin to address
health care reform.

Health care reform.
Nearly a third of the children

nearly a third of the children
in this country are either

in this country are either
overweight or obese.

Overweight or obese.
There will be less of a

there will be less of a
burden on health care if people

burden on health care if people
did eat better.

Did eat better.
The scope of Michelle's

the scope of Michelle's
initiative is strategically

initiative is strategically
masked by her simple opening

masked by her simple opening
move which she describes as a

move which she describes as a
harmless and innocent

harmless and innocent
undertaking by a lady with a

undertaking by a lady with a
spade.

Spade.
Hi!

Hi!
Elmo and his friends are here

elmo and his friends are here
with someone very, very special,

with someone very, very special,
the first lady, Mrs. Michelle

the first lady, Mrs. Michelle
Obama.

Obama.
Hi, everyone.

Hi, everyone.
We're here digging up soil

we're here digging up soil
because we're about to plant a

because we're about to plant a
garden.

Garden.
Get some shovels.

Get some shovels.
Come on, rerts let's go let's

come on, rerts let's go let's
go.

Go.
I came to help do dinner but

I came to help do dinner but
also help her develop a big

also help her develop a big
health initiative.

Health initiative.
When you have one in three kids

when you have one in three kids
on track to have diabetes in

on track to have diabetes in
their lifetime, it doesn't

their lifetime, it doesn't
matter what we do with health

matter what we do with health
care if we don't solve that side

care if we don't solve that side
of the problem.

Of the problem.
And the garden was step one.

And the garden was step one.
When we were doing our first

when we were doing our first
planting, there's kids running

planting, there's kids running
around and you could hear all

around and you could hear all
the cameras clicking constantly.

The cameras clicking constantly.
She looked at me like, this

she looked at me like, this
better work.

Better work.
There they are.

There they are.
It's all pretty cute.

It's all pretty cute.
Of course we're all in favor of

of course we're all in favor of
healthy eating, but is this

healthy eating, but is this
really the best way got first

really the best way got first
lady to use her considerable

lady to use her considerable
influence?

Influence?
Let's move!

Let's move!
Let's move!

Let's move!
Now to first lady Michelle

now to first lady Michelle
Obama.

Obama.
She's out promoting her let's

she's out promoting her let's
move campaign and taking the

move campaign and taking the
motto to heart.

Motto to heart.
Every time we saw her jumping

every time we saw her jumping
rope, playing football, hula

rope, playing football, hula
hooping, all those fun things

hooping, all those fun things
were very strategic

were very strategic
ways that we were weaving in

ways that we were weaving in
these values in our culture.

These values in our culture.
Instead of just talking about

instead of just talking about
this problem and wringing our

this problem and wringing our
hands, it is time to do

hands, it is time to do
something about this.

Something about this.
Helping kids get healthier,

helping kids get healthier,
that seems like a solvable

that seems like a solvable
problem.

Problem.
The United States was

the United States was
entering a very partisan, very

entering a very partisan, very
polarized environment.

Polarized environment.
And even something as innocuous

and even something as innocuous
as eating better became

as eating better became
politicized.

Politicized.
Many of Michelle's actions

many of Michelle's actions
have been symbolic.

Have been symbolic.
But when she openly supports a

but when she openly supports a
legislative agenda, the gloves

legislative agenda, the gloves
come off and the attacks ramp

come off and the attacks ramp
up.

Up.
31 million American children

31 million American children
participate in the federal

participate in the federal
school meals program, and many

school meals program, and many
of these kids consume as many as

of these kids consume as many as
half their calories daily at

half their calories daily at
school.

School.
She has the audacity to say,

she has the audacity to say,
maybe kids should eat good food.

Maybe kids should eat good food.
Now, this strikes me as a

now, this strikes me as a
noncontroversial thing for a mom

noncontroversial thing for a mom
to say.

To say.
We'll start by updating the

we'll start by updating the
law that sets nutrition

law that sets nutrition
standards for what our kids eat

standards for what our kids eat
at school.

At school.
And yet you would have

and yet you would have
thought she was ushering in

thought she was ushering in
stalinism through the lunch

stalinism through the lunch
room.

Room.
Who should be making

who should be making
decisions, what you eat, school

decisions, what you eat, school
choice?

Choice?
Should it be the government or

should it be the government or
the parents?

The parents?
It should be the parents.

It should be the parents.
There are conservative

there are conservative
republican who's are always

republican who's are always
looking for evidence that

looking for evidence that
democrats want to tell them how

democrats want to tell them how
to eat.

To eat.
It is the nanny state.

It is the nanny state.
It is not a nanny state.

It is not a nanny state.
Some republican conservatives

some republican conservatives
believe democrats would love the

believe democrats would love the
federal government to be

federal government to be
involved in all aspects of your

involved in all aspects of your
life.

Life.
It's no longer father knows

it's no longer father knows
best or mother knows best.

Best or mother knows best.
It's what government knows best.

It's what government knows best.
Despite the pushback,

despite the pushback,
Michelle stays on message.

Michelle stays on message.
What we're doing is creating

what we're doing is creating
a new normal where there just

a new normal where there just
wasn't junk food in the schools.

Wasn't junk food in the schools.
And 18 months after launching

and 18 months after launching
her garden, she enjoys her

her garden, she enjoys her
first legislative victory.

First legislative victory.
The healthy hunger free kids act

the healthy hunger free kids act
passes through the white house

passes through the white house
with bipartisan support.

With bipartisan support.
In December 2010, the president

in December 2010, the president
signs it into law.

Signs it into law.
My husband worked very hard

my husband worked very hard
to make sure that this bill was

to make sure that this bill was
a priority and I am grateful to

a priority and I am grateful to
you.

You.
Because I would have been

because I would have been
sleeping on the couch.

Sleeping on the couch.

But I am thrilled to be here.

But I am thrilled to be here.
We won't go into that.

We won't go into that.

Let's just say, got done.

Let's just say, got done.
It's a big win but the food

it's a big win but the food
industry fights back, doubling

industry fights back, doubling
spending on lobbyists to

spending on lobbyists to
undermine the law's

undermine the law's
implementation.

Implementation.
Well, now one of the first

well, now one of the first
lady's major health initiatives

lady's major health initiatives
is in jeopardy.

Is in jeopardy.
They say pizza qualifies as a

they say pizza qualifies as a
vegetable because it has two

vegetable because it has two
table

table
table

table
tablespoons of tomato paste.

Tablespoons of tomato paste.
There's a lot of money at

there's a lot of money at
stake with selling people

stake with selling people
unhealthy food.

Unhealthy food.
Our top issue was to put into

our top issue was to put into
main stream culture.

Main stream culture.
That's what we did.

That's what we did.
Michelle knows how the handle

Michelle knows how the handle
the political fire that her

the political fire that her
nutrition campaign draws, but

nutrition campaign draws, but
personal attacks are different.

Personal attacks are different.
When people started to hit

when people started to hit
her, the family, it hit him.

Her, the family, it hit him.
It hurt her.

It hurt her.
The more confident she grows

the more confident she grows
in her role, the more intense

in her role, the more intense
these attacks become.

These attacks become.
It was part of a strategy

it was part of a strategy
it was a strategy that tapped

it was a strategy that tapped
into a kind of nativism that we

into a kind of nativism that we
see to t

In the beginning of the
story, Barack Obama is the star.

Story, Barack Obama is the star.
She's in the sidecar.

She's in the sidecar.
But at a certain point in the

but at a certain point in the
presidency, something changed.

Presidency, something changed.
Ladies and gentlemen, please

ladies and gentlemen, please
welcome Michelle Obama!

Welcome Michelle Obama!
The first lady in recent

the first lady in recent
memory who so many are

memory who so many are
fascinated by.

Fascinated by.
What she is, who she is, her

what she is, who she is, her
fashions are real, at least they

fashions are real, at least they
come across as real.

Come across as real.
And it makes her a star in her

and it makes her a star in her
own right.

Own right.
Michelle embraces pop culture

Michelle embraces pop culture
in a way that no other

in a way that no other
first lady has ever double

first lady has ever double
before.

Before.
She's not a creature of D.C.

She's not a creature of D.C.
she didn't consume cable news.

She didn't consume cable news.
She consumed hgtv and Ellen.

She consumed hgtv and Ellen.
She takes to TV and TV takes

she takes to TV and TV takes
to her.

To her.
Two years into the first

two years into the first
term, Michelle steps into a

term, Michelle steps into a
brave new world.

Brave new world.
I just pressed tweet.

I just pressed tweet.
Do I press this?

Do I press this?
She is the first first lady

she is the first first lady
in the age of social media.

In the age of social media.
And that, too, has transformed

and that, too, has transformed
the landscape.

The landscape.
I did it.

I did it.
Yay!

Yay!
I'm pretty certain there was

I'm pretty certain there was
some consternation about the use

some consternation about the use
of social media by the east

of social media by the east
wing.

Wing.
Because it was not done.

Because it was not done.
It was not in anybody's

it was not in anybody's
playbook.

Playbook.
There are all kinds of people

there are all kinds of people
in the white house who are there

in the white house who are there
to say no.

To say no.
Don't do this.

Don't do this.
Don't take a risk.

Don't take a risk.
It's never been done before.

It's never been done before.
Fairly run, people pay a lot

fairly run, people pay a lot
of attention to what the first

of attention to what the first
lady looks like, what the first

lady looks like, what the first
lady is wearing.

Lady is wearing.
And of course, what the first

and of course, what the first
lady says.

Lady says.
And you can easily see how a

and you can easily see how a
phrase can be twisted around.

Phrase can be twisted around.
As a lawyer, I was one of the

as a lawyer, I was one of the
strong naysayers against the

strong naysayers against the
president or first lady ever

president or first lady ever
having a Twitter account.

Having a Twitter account.
Because words matter.

Because words matter.
Every presidential statement is

every presidential statement is
heavily vetted.

Heavily vetted.
But we had a young staff who

but we had a young staff who
realized that social media

realized that social media
was where a lot of the people we

was where a lot of the people we
were trying to reach were going.

Were trying to reach were going.
Don't waste your time trying

don't waste your time trying
to connect with your kids via

to connect with your kids via
email.

Email.
That antiquated method is as

that antiquated method is as
useless as morse code.

Useless as morse code.

If you really want to get their

if you really want to get their
attention, use symbols, little

attention, use symbols, little
symbols.

Symbols.
The first lady was, in a

the first lady was, in a
sense, the Guinea pig.

Sense, the Guinea pig.
Can you do a little Dougie?

Can you do a little Dougie?
Yeah.

Yeah.
There we go.

There we go.
The west wing came to realize

the west wing came to realize
that there's an energy vortex in

that there's an energy vortex in
the east wing that is a little

the east wing that is a little
bit different than they'd seen

bit different than they'd seen
in previous administrations.

In previous administrations.
After seeing Michelle's

after seeing Michelle's
success, the west wing follows

success, the west wing follows
suit.

Suit.
There it goes.

There it goes.
My tweet has been posted.

My tweet has been posted.
That's what I'm talking about.

That's what I'm talking about.
They realized how incredibly

they realized how incredibly
effective a medium social media

effective a medium social media
was for getting the message

was for getting the message
across.

Across.
That's going viral.

That's going viral.
Happy fourth of July,

happy fourth of July,
everyone.

Everyone.

> Michelle now has a direct

Michelle now has a direct
line to millions around the

line to millions around the
country eager to hear her

country eager to hear her
message.

Message.
But social media is a two-way

but social media is a two-way
street.

Street.
Careful what you wish for.

Careful what you wish for.
Social media allows people to

social media allows people to
say things in a public square

say things in a public square
that they normally wouldn't

that they normally wouldn't
share at the lunch table.

Share at the lunch table.
Now I'm going to think it, say

now I'm going to think it, say
it and put it out for the whole

it and put it out for the whole
world to read with the hash just

world to read with the hash just
sayin'.

Sayin'.
There's so much anger and pure

there's so much anger and pure
hate every time a public person

hate every time a public person
says anything.

Says anything.
Did you see the picture of

did you see the picture of
his wife yesterday?

His wife yesterday?
Like she's her mama dressing

like she's her mama dressing
up in little clothes.

Up in little clothes.
The trolling that happened

the trolling that happened
any time there was coverage of

any time there was coverage of
her was unlike anything any

her was unlike anything any
nader had faced before.

Nader had faced before.
Michelle faced racism.

Michelle faced racism.
There's no other way to describe

there's no other way to describe
it.

It.
She wasn't engaging, which

she wasn't engaging, which
was the right thing to do.

Was the right thing to do.
She would get up and really,

she would get up and really,
really early in the morning and

really early in the morning and
she would work out.

She would work out.
And she uses that as a way to

and she uses that as a way to
find the strength to take on

find the strength to take on
life's challenges.

Life's challenges.
That's who he's married to.

That's who he's married to.
What does that tell you?

What does that tell you?
Did you even see that

did you even see that
picture?

Picture?
I mean, what is that?

I mean, what is that?
You could not go to a

you could not go to a
reputable website, "the

reputable website, "the
Washington post,"

Washington post,"
"the New York times," and look

"the New York times," and look
at the comments section and

at the comments section and
scroll down more than an inch

scroll down more than an inch
and not see n-word, n-word,

and not see n-word, n-word,
n-word, monkey, monkey, monkey

n-word, monkey, monkey, monkey
on any article about Michelle

on any article about Michelle
Obama.

Obama.
Obama is trying to tell US --

Obama is trying to tell US --
she did that weird, fake

she did that weird, fake
accent.

Accent.
We're in this moment where a

we're in this moment where a
good portion of the American

good portion of the American
public declares we're in a

public declares we're in a
post-racial america.

Post-racial america.
And then to be hit wave after

and then to be hit wave after
wave of just viciousness.

Wave of just viciousness.
I'm focused on what's in

I'm focused on what's in
front of me.

Front of me.
She didn't blink.

She didn't blink.
It is my responsibility to

it is my responsibility to
work with all Americans.

Work with all Americans.
And I want to stay focused on

and I want to stay focused on
the work rather than, you

the work rather than, you
know --

know --
other things.

Other things.
Other things.

Other things.
She tried to ignore most of

she tried to ignore most of
it but you can't ignore all of

it but you can't ignore all of
it.

It.
I feel strongly about the

I feel strongly about the
fact that Barack Obama should

fact that Barack Obama should
provide the public with a birth

provide the public with a birth
certificate.

Certificate.
And he should do it soon.

And he should do it soon.
Look, his birth certificate.

Look, his birth certificate.
The birther movement was an

the birther movement was an
excellent example of where

excellent example of where
something was completely made up

something was completely made up
and then used to try to incite

and then used to try to incite
hate.

Hate.
We're going to send Mr. Obama

we're going to send Mr. Obama
home to Kenya or wherever it is.

Home to Kenya or wherever it is.
We're going to do it.

We're going to do it.
He's not even a citizen of

he's not even a citizen of
the United States.

The United States.
And they're hiding that.

And they're hiding that.
One in four believe president

one in four believe president
Obama definitely or probably was

Obama definitely or probably was
not born in the United States.

Not born in the United States.
It was ludicrous.

It was ludicrous.
But at the same time, it was in

but at the same time, it was in
keeping with something that was

keeping with something that was
growing in the country.

Growing in the country.
He was more than just finding

he was more than just finding
a reason to disqualify Barack

a reason to disqualify Barack
Hussein Obama.

Hussein Obama.
It was about finding a reason to

it was about finding a reason to
disqualify more than 10% of the

disqualify more than 10% of the
American population.

American population.
In her memoir, Michelle

in her memoir, Michelle
describes these attacks as

describes these attacks as
crazy and mean spirited, but

crazy and mean spirited, but
also dangerous.

Also dangerous.
I have to say that every

I have to say that every
single day, it was in the back

single day, it was in the back
of my mind that it just takes

of my mind that it just takes
one crazy person.

One crazy person.
She adds, what if someone

she adds, what if someone
with an unstable mind loaded a

with an unstable mind loaded a
gun and drove to Washington?

Gun and drove to Washington?
What if that person went looking

what if that person went looking
for our girls?

For our girls?
This was something that

this was something that
Michelle lived with in a really

Michelle lived with in a really
intense way.

Intense way.
Donald Trump, Michelle

Donald Trump, Michelle
continues, with his loud and

continues, with his loud and
reckless innuendos, was putting

reckless innuendos, was putting
my family's safety at risk.

My family's safety at risk.
And for this, I could never

and for this, I could never
forgive him.

Forgive him.
She understood the

she understood the
consequences could be fatal for

consequences could be fatal for
her husband, her children, for

her husband, her children, for
herself.

One night in the first term
Michelle has a dream, a man

Michelle has a dream, a man
leads her family to the south

leads her family to the south
lawn to see some animals he has

lawn to see some animals he has
gathered for them to admire.

Gathered for them to admire.
Michelle is apprehensive.

Michelle is apprehensive.
Michelle lives day and night

Michelle lives day and night
knowing that her family is a

knowing that her family is a
target for violence.

Target for violence.
Secret service, 1600

secret service, 1600
Pennsylvania Avenue.

Pennsylvania Avenue.
I need to report shots fired on

I need to report shots fired on
17th and constitution northwest.

17th and constitution northwest.
I think we were coming back

I think we were coming back
from a trip to Hawaii.

From a trip to Hawaii.
Somebody had shot a rifle from

somebody had shot a rifle from
constitution Avenue into one of

constitution Avenue into one of
the windows in what is known as

the windows in what is known as
the yellow oval.

The yellow oval.
Seven bullets hit the white

seven bullets hit the white
house, one smashing a window by

house, one smashing a window by
the living room.

The living room.
Sasha and Michelle's mother are

Sasha and Michelle's mother are
inside.

Inside.
Foot pursuit of an individual

foot pursuit of an individual
that fled from the vehicle.

That fled from the vehicle.
A black Honda, ak 47 found in

a black Honda, ak 47 found in
the vehicle.

The vehicle.
The shooter proclaimed that

the shooter proclaimed that
President Obama had to be

President Obama had to be
stopped.

Stopped.
The thought is that we could

the thought is that we could
have been out on the Truman

have been out on the Truman
balcony.

Balcony.
Our children played all over.

Our children played all over.
She had been assured it was

she had been assured it was
safe out there.

Safe out there.
That wasn't the only incident

that wasn't the only incident
but she put her head down and

but she put her head down and
trusted the men and women of the

trusted the men and women of the
secret service to protect her

secret service to protect her
children because she was not

children because she was not
going to let undisciplined

going to let undisciplined
people tell her how to lead her

people tell her how to lead her
life ever.

Life ever.
She was the first lady of the

she was the first lady of the
United States.

United States.
She was the first lady to all

she was the first lady to all
people of the United States,

people of the United States,
whether they liked her or not.

Whether they liked her or not.
I now have the privilege of

I now have the privilege of
introducing the star of the

introducing the star of the
show, Michelle Obama.

Show, Michelle Obama.
She writes "I understood it

she writes "I understood it
was better for all of US not to

was better for all of US not to
acknowledge the hate or dwell on

acknowledge the hate or dwell on
the risk."

The risk."
She threw open the doors at

she threw open the doors at
the white house as a place where

the white house as a place where
Americans were allowed to see

Americans were allowed to see
themselves.

Themselves.
Tonight's event is another

tonight's event is another
way for US to open up the white

way for US to open up the white
house and make it the peoples

house and make it the peoples
house.

House.
The idea of the people's

the idea of the people's
house was not new.

House was not new.
Andrew Jackson talked about the

Andrew Jackson talked about the
white house as the people's

white house as the people's
house.

House.
After 9/11, the white house

after 9/11, the white house
became a fortress.

Became a fortress.
Michelle Obama calling it the

Michelle Obama calling it the
peoples house was an effort to

peoples house was an effort to
-- an element to move it

-- an element to move it
forward.

Forward.
Michelle said she wanted for

Michelle said she wanted for
people who had never been to the

people who had never been to the
white house be comfortable in a

white house be comfortable in a
way.

Way.
Just get comfortable here.

Just get comfortable here.
Get comfortable with a little

get comfortable with a little
greatness.

Greatness.
We wanted to bring in diverse

we wanted to bring in diverse
bodies and people and genders.

Bodies and people and genders.
Everybody, we said come on in.

Everybody, we said come on in.
If you think this day was

if you think this day was
special and it is because we

special and it is because we
think you all are special.

Think you all are special.
Whether it is kids that got

whether it is kids that got
in trouble before or college

in trouble before or college
dropouts.

Dropouts.
You belong right here in the

you belong right here in the
white house.

White house.
That is a game changer

that is a game changer
because they can see themselves

because they can see themselves
there in the future.

There in the future.
Remember this moment and

remember this moment and
remember the first lady of the

remember the first lady of the
United States told US that you

United States told US that you
can do anything that you want

can do anything that you want
to.

To.
The 2012 election is only a

the 2012 election is only a
year away, and the president's

year away, and the president's
approval rating is worrying low.

Approval rating is worrying low.
But the first lady's popularity

but the first lady's popularity
is soaring.

Is soaring.
People responded to her.

People responded to her.
She became far more popular than

she became far more popular than
the president himself.

The president himself.
So I get to speak first while

so I get to speak first while
he stands and watches.

He stands and watches.
I love this.

I love this.
Look at me adoringly.

Look at me adoringly.
One of the useful roles she

one of the useful roles she
played in the white house was to

played in the white house was to
keep him grounded.

Keep him grounded.
She was part of a very

she was part of a very
contemporary marriage.

Contemporary marriage.
Not a marriage that served one

not a marriage that served one
man's ego the way so many other

man's ego the way so many other
white house marriages has.

White house marriages has.
Heading towards the election,

heading towards the election,
Americans are worried about the

Americans are worried about the
economy and unemployment and

economy and unemployment and
frustratedly gridlock in

frustratedly gridlock in
Washington.

Washington.
Re-elections are the

re-elections are the
president's to lose.

President's to lose.
There is a power that comes from

there is a power that comes from
incumbency that is hard to

incumbency that is hard to
defeat in American history.

Defeat in American history.
He genuinely viewed her as a

he genuinely viewed her as a
friend that had his interest at

friend that had his interest at
heart and deep, deep insights.

Heart and deep, deep insights.
Michelle was the president's

Michelle was the president's
lifeline to humanity.

Lifeline to humanity.
So many people had a hand in

so many people had a hand in
our success, from the teachers

our success, from the teachers
that inspired US to the janitors

that inspired US to the janitors
that kept our school clean.

That kept our school clean.
She had a common sense

she had a common sense
quality that helped to ground

quality that helped to ground
these lofty discussions.

These lofty discussions.
Being president does not

being president does not
change who you are.

Change who you are.
No.

No.
It reveals who you are.

It reveals who you are.
That was enormously valuable.

That was enormously valuable.
Let me tell you today, I love

let me tell you today, I love
my husband even more than I did

my husband even more than I did
four years ago or 23 years ago

four years ago or 23 years ago
when we first met.

When we first met.
Barack Obama comes from

Barack Obama comes from
behind in the polls to secure a

behind in the polls to secure a
definitive victory and a second

definitive victory and a second
term as president.

Term as president.
We often said the first

we often said the first
election was aspirational.

Election was aspirational.
The second was affirmational.

The second was affirmational.
Watching the thousands of

watching the thousands of
performers on inauguration day,

performers on inauguration day,
Michelle does not know that one

Michelle does not know that one
of them, a high school majorette

of them, a high school majorette
from Chicago will drastically

from Chicago will drastically
impact what she fights for in

impact what she fights for in
her second terms -- term.

Her second terms -- term.
Michelle Obama is returning to

Michelle Obama is returning to
attend the funeral of a

attend the funeral of a
15-year-old, a bystander shot

15-year-old, a bystander shot
dead in a Chicago park a week

dead in a Chicago park a week
after performing at the

after performing at the
president's inauguration.

President's inauguration.
The 42nd person killed this

the 42nd person killed this
month in the president's

month in the president's
hometown.

Hometown.
I ran Chicago public schools

I ran Chicago public schools
for seven and a half years.

For seven and a half years.
On average we had a child killed

on average we had a child killed
every two and a half weeks due

every two and a half weeks due
to gun violence.

To gun violence.
No matter, no father should

no matter, no father should
ever have to experience this.

Ever have to experience this.
She was a straight a student

she was a straight a student
and she was a casualty of a

and she was a casualty of a
stray bullet walking home from

stray bullet walking home from
school and Mrs. Obama knew it

school and Mrs. Obama knew it
could have been her at any time

could have been her at any time
as a little girl on the

as a little girl on the
southside of Chicago.

Southside of Chicago.
It affected her deeply.

It affected her deeply.
We thank you and the other

we thank you and the other
officials that have come to

officials that have come to
comfort.

Comfort.
A shooting on the streets of

a shooting on the streets of
Chicago rarely sparks national

Chicago rarely sparks national
outrage but a mass shooting in

outrage but a mass shooting in
an elementary school does.

An elementary school does.
The senate votes on two gun

the senate votes on two gun
control bills brought about by

control bills brought about by
the massacre at the Sandy hook

the massacre at the Sandy hook
elementary school.

Elementary school.
90% backed the measures.

90% backed the measures.
Both bills are defeated.

Both bills are defeated.
It begs the question who are

it begs the question who are
we here to represent?

We here to represent?
So all in all, this was a pretty

so all in all, this was a pretty
shameful day for Washington.

Shameful day for Washington.
With the president's

with the president's
legislative efforts blocked

legislative efforts blocked
Michelle is tackling gun

Michelle is tackling gun
violence the way that she knows

violence the way that she knows
best.

Best.
We read that story day after

we read that story day after
day, month after month, year

day, month after month, year
after year, in the city and

after year, in the city and
around this country.

Around this country.
While her husband was

while her husband was
fighting his own battle about

fighting his own battle about
gun rights and trying to reduce

gun rights and trying to reduce
the number of guns falling into

the number of guns falling into
hands, she used her own platform

hands, she used her own platform
to talk about gun control.

To talk about gun control.
I am not talking about

I am not talking about
something happening in a war

something happening in a war
zone halfway around the world.

Zone halfway around the world.
I am talking about what is

I am talking about what is
happening in the city that we

happening in the city that we
call home.

Call home.
To use her voice in a way

to use her voice in a way
that would lift the young people

that would lift the young people
up.

Up.
Let me tell you it is hard to

let me tell you it is hard to
know what to say to a room full

know what to say to a room full
of teenagers that are about to

of teenagers that are about to
Bury their best friend.

Bury their best friend.
Michelle understood from a

Michelle understood from a
very visceral and very personal

very visceral and very personal
level how horrific the violence

level how horrific the violence
was.

Was.
She couldn't solve it by

she couldn't solve it by
herself but she had to try and

herself but she had to try and
create some hope and some

create some hope and some
inspiration for kids in

inspiration for kids in
community that were living on a

community that were living on a
daily basis with a level of fear

daily basis with a level of fear
and trauma that is unacceptable.

And trauma that is unacceptable.
It's not right.

It's not right.
What it takes to build I.

What it takes to build I.
Michelle has been spending

Michelle has been spending
time with young people

time with young people
traumatized by gun violence, and

traumatized by gun violence, and
they provide the motivation for

they provide the motivation for
her next initiative.

Her next initiative.
Every scar that you have is a

every scar that you have is a
reminder not that just you got

reminder not that just you got
hurt, but that you survived.

Hurt, but that you survived.
It is about creating a sense

it is about creating a sense
of opportunity.

Of opportunity.
When that opportunity is unseen

when that opportunity is unseen
instead of letting the

instead of letting the
feelings defeat you, let it

feelings defeat you, let it
motivate you.

Motivate you.
She could have gone eight

she could have gone eight
years and never talked about

years and never talked about
education.

Education.
There was probably no better

there was probably no better
spokesman on the planet than her

spokesman on the planet than her
for this issue.

For this issue.
It was like a match made in

it was like a match made in
heaven.

I never thought I would be at
the white house trying to get

the white house trying to get
approved a script for the first

approved a script for the first
lady to do a rap video with

lady to do a rap video with
someone from Saturday night

someone from Saturday night
live.

Live.
People were a little worried.

People were a little worried.
Are we going to make Mrs. Obama

are we going to make Mrs. Obama
look foolish?

Look foolish?
Are people go to say that is not

are people go to say that is not
what a first lady should be

what a first lady should be
doing?

Doing?
We get the edit back.

We get the edit back.
People in the office were like I

people in the office were like I
don't know, is this going to be

don't know, is this going to be
okay?

Okay?
I knew something was going right

I knew something was going right
when it was trending in Italian

when it was trending in Italian
and had 23 million views in 24

and had 23 million views in 24
hours.

Hours.
Michelle's campaign is aimed

Michelle's campaign is aimed
at kids who might think college

at kids who might think college
is out of reach.

Is out of reach.
Tell US where you are going

tell US where you are going
next with the hashtag reach

next with the hashtag reach
higher.

Higher.
While the administration

while the administration
offers grants, loans and tabs

offers grants, loans and tabs
credits --

credits --
education is the economic

education is the economic
issue of all time.

Issue of all time.
Michelle's approach is more

Michelle's approach is more
personal.

Personal.
I want you all to succeed.

I want you all to succeed.
I want you to understand how

I want you to understand how
people like me go from being

people like me go from being
kids like you to standing here

kids like you to standing here
as first lady of the united

as first lady of the united
states?

States?
Mrs. Obama feels that sense

Mrs. Obama feels that sense
of luck and the sense of

of luck and the sense of
privilege.

Privilege.
If I can do it, you can do

if I can do it, you can do
it.

It.
That is why she spent her

that is why she spent her
life and her career trying to

life and her career trying to
make sure everyone had the same

make sure everyone had the same
opportunities she had.

Opportunities she had.
She was visceral and

she was visceral and
emotional and it stems from her

emotional and it stems from her
own life experience.

Own life experience.
I set my sights high.

I set my sights high.
I decided I was going to

I decided I was going to
Princeton.

Princeton.
She was that public school

she was that public school
kid who had a college counselor

kid who had a college counselor
that she wasn't good enough to

that she wasn't good enough to
get into Princeton.

Get into Princeton.
They told me I would never

they told me I would never
get into a school like

get into a school like
Princeton.

Princeton.
I still hear that doubt ringing

I still hear that doubt ringing
in my head.

In my head.
So if there is anybody telling

so if there is anybody telling
you that you are not college

you that you are not college
material, I want you to brush

material, I want you to brush
them off, prove them wrong.

Them off, prove them wrong.
This was not just some issue

this was not just some issue
that was important to her.

That was important to her.
This was her life story.

This was her life story.
This defined her.

This defined her.
This was who she was.

This was who she was.
I remember it like it was

I remember it like it was
yesterday.

Yesterday.
And feeling like what am I doing

and feeling like what am I doing
here.

Here.
In her memoir, Michelle

in her memoir, Michelle
recalls arriving at Princeton

recalls arriving at Princeton
from the southside and feeling

from the southside and feeling
like a pop see seed in a bowl of

like a pop see seed in a bowl of
rice.

Rice.
I never stood out in a crowd or

I never stood out in a crowd or
a classroom because of the color

a classroom because of the color
of my skin.

Of my skin.
Princeton in 1981 was very

Princeton in 1981 was very
white and until recently

white and until recently
entirely male.

Entirely male.
Princeton was a wonderful but

Princeton was a wonderful but
not always welcoming

not always welcoming
environment.

Environment.
She was viewed as someone that

she was viewed as someone that
there because of affirmative

there because of affirmative
action and seen somewhat through

action and seen somewhat through
suspicious eyes.

Suspicious eyes.
When it came time for

when it came time for
Michelle to write her senior

Michelle to write her senior
thesis she said Princeton made

thesis she said Princeton made
her more aware of her blackness

her more aware of her blackness
than any time in her life and at

than any time in her life and at
times she felt other students

times she felt other students
saw her as a black person first

saw her as a black person first
and student second.

And student second.
Her thesis was very obvious

her thesis was very obvious
about the way racial exclusion

about the way racial exclusion
shapes educational experience.

Shapes educational experience.
But during the 2008 campaign, it

but during the 2008 campaign, it
was used to fuel a narrative

was used to fuel a narrative
that Michelle Obama is racist,

that Michelle Obama is racist,
anti-white, essentially angry.

Anti-white, essentially angry.
It was gibberish.

It was gibberish.
Boring.

Boring.
Resentful.

Resentful.
Slightly sinister.

Slightly sinister.
Qualities in a white

qualities in a white
potential first lady would have

potential first lady would have
been celebrated.

Been celebrated.
Deep curiosity, Ivy league

deep curiosity, Ivy league
education.

Education.
All of these qualities were

all of these qualities were
degraded.

Degraded.
Michelle's response to these

Michelle's response to these
attacks is mirrored in the

attacks is mirrored in the
message she shared with these

message she shared with these
students, work harder, reach

students, work harder, reach
higher.

Higher.
Some young African-Americans are

some young African-Americans are
being attacked by more than

being attacked by more than
words.

Words.
We begin with the latest in

we begin with the latest in
the travyon Martin case.

The travyon Martin case.
Unarmed teen, Michael brown.

Unarmed teen, Michael brown.
Eric garner's death at the

Eric garner's death at the
hands of a police officer.

Hands of a police officer.
His last words, I can't

his last words, I can't
breathe.

Breathe.
The road ahead is not going

the road ahead is not going
to be easy.

To be easy.
It never is, especially for

it never is, especially for
folks like you and me.

Folks like you and me.
Michelle doubles down on her

Michelle doubles down on her
message of hope.

Message of hope.
After the 2012 election the

after the 2012 election the
caution that really defined the

caution that really defined the
obamas during the first

obamas during the first
administration, some of that

administration, some of that
goes by the wayside.

Goes by the wayside.
No matter how far that you

no matter how far that you
rise in life and how hard that

rise in life and how hard that
you work to be a good person and

you work to be a good person and
a good parent and a good

a good parent and a good
citizen, for some folks it will

citizen, for some folks it will
never be enough.

Never be enough.
We see a Michelle Obama that

we see a Michelle Obama that
is less coy about race.

Is less coy about race.
It can make you feel like
%-PR

and those feelings are playing
out in communities like

out in communities like
Baltimore and Ferguson and so

Baltimore and Ferguson and so
many others across this country.

Many others across this country.
You can say it would have

you can say it would have
been massive opportunity to say

been massive opportunity to say
something transformative, but at

something transformative, but at
the same time she's still

the same time she's still
operating within the boundaries

operating within the boundaries
of the white house.

Of the white house.
She's quite clear about the

she's quite clear about the
role of poverty and sexism and

role of poverty and sexism and
racism, but she is also not

racism, but she is also not
going to let anybody off the

going to let anybody off the
hook.

Hook.
She's going to tell you all,

she's going to tell you all,
look, it sucks, it's bad, but

look, it sucks, it's bad, but
you are born for more than that.

You are born for more than that.
Today I want to be very clear

today I want to be very clear
that those feelings are not an

that those feelings are not an
excuse to just throw up our

excuse to just throw up our
hands and give up.

Hands and give up.
They are not an excuse to lose

they are not an excuse to lose
hope.

Hope.
Five, four, three, two, one.

Five, four, three, two, one.
One month later, the spirit

one month later, the spirit
of yes, we can that has taken

of yes, we can that has taken
the obamas so far will be

the obamas so far will be
brutally challenged.

Brutally challenged.
At 9:05 we received a call

at 9:05 we received a call
of a shooting here.

Of a shooting here.
On Calhoun street.

On Calhoun street.
In the summer of 2015, a

in the summer of 2015, a
21-year-old white man joins a

21-year-old white man joins a
Bible study at the episcopal

Bible study at the episcopal
church and starts shooting.

Church and starts shooting.
It is unfathomable someone in

it is unfathomable someone in
today's society would walk into

today's society would walk into
a church when people are having

a church when people are having
a prayer meeting and take their

a prayer meeting and take their
lives.

Lives.
The shooter accused the black

the shooter accused the black
congregation of taking over the

congregation of taking over the
country.

Country.
Nine people are killed.

Nine people are killed.
Too long we have been blind

too long we have been blind
to the way that past injustices

to the way that past injustices
continue to shape this

continue to shape this
-- the present.

-- The present.
What does it mean to be proud

what does it mean to be proud
to be the first African-American

to be the first African-American
inhabitants in the white house

inhabitants in the white house
and know that it's linked to

and know that it's linked to
movements and individuals that

movements and individuals that
see that as an affront to things

see that as an affront to things
that are rightfully theirs.

That are rightfully theirs.
Their progress riled up some of

their progress riled up some of
the worst forces in our world.

The worst forces in our world.
It really does create, I think,

it really does create, I think,
this deep existential sense of

this deep existential sense of
our presence may lead to the

our presence may lead to the
absence of others.

Absence of others.
The way to defeat hope is to

the way to defeat hope is to
make people angry and resentful.

Make people angry and resentful.
We're going to make you angry

we're going to make you angry
that these people are in the

that these people are in the
white house and we're going to

white house and we're going to
make you certain that every

make you certain that every
problem you face, every

problem you face, every
misfortune is the fault of

misfortune is the fault of
people like that.

People like that.
At the end of t hatred is rean

at the end of t hatred is rean
a different octave.

A different octave.
At the end of the term she was

at the end of the term she was
using her voice to speak to the

using her voice to speak to the
hatred and the fear that she

hatred and the fear that she
had.

Had.
Here in america we don't give

here in america we don't give
into our fears and build up

into our fears and build up
walls to keep people out.

Walls to keep people out.
We know that our greatness has

we know that our greatness has
always depended on contributions

always depended on contributions
from people that are born

from people that are born
elsewhere but sought out this

elsewhere but sought out this
country and made it their home.

Country and made it their home.
It was an expectation that

it was an expectation that
they in particular would lead

they in particular would lead
the conversation about race.

The conversation about race.
That is the American story.

That is the American story.
People didn't think they did

people didn't think they did
it enough.

It enough.
It is the story that I

it is the story that I
witness every day when I wake up

witness every day when I wake up
in a house that was built by

in a house that was built by
slaves, and I watch my

slaves, and I watch my
daughters, two beautiful black

daughters, two beautiful black
young women, waving good-bye to

young women, waving good-bye to
their father, the president of

their father, the president of
the United States.

The United States.
They kind of talked about it

they kind of talked about it
all the time in subtle ways and

all the time in subtle ways and
often in ways that just kind of

often in ways that just kind of
went right over people's heads.

Went right over people's heads.
You are the living, breathing

you are the living, breathing
proof that the American dream

proof that the American dream
endures in our time.

Endures in our time.
It's you.

It's you.
You might have heard someone

you might have heard someone
jumped the white house fence

jumped the white house fence
last week, but I have to give

last week, but I have to give
secret service credit.

Secret service credit.
They found Michelle, brought her

they found Michelle, brought her
back.

Back.
She is safe, back at home now.

She is safe, back at home now.
Only nine more months, baby.

Only nine more months, baby.
Settle down.

Settle down.
The obamas' time in the white

the obamas' time in the white
house is coming to a close.

House is coming to a close.
Last question, make it a good

last question, make it a good
one.

One.
Michelle makes no secret of

Michelle makes no secret of
her relief.

Her relief.
Were you going to work after

were you going to work after
you be the first lady?

You be the first lady?
I don't know.

I don't know.
She was ready.

She was ready.
My kids are growing up.

My kids are growing up.
In her opinion, it was time

in her opinion, it was time
to go.

To go.
It was hard to believe that

it was hard to believe that
it has been eight years.

It has been eight years.
In Michelle's final

in Michelle's final
convention appearance, she

convention appearance, she
delivers a rebuke to Donald

delivers a rebuke to Donald
trump's attack on their family,

trump's attack on their family,
sharing the mantra they used in

sharing the mantra they used in
the years in the white house.

The years in the white house.
I told you about our

I told you about our
daughters, how we urged them to

daughters, how we urged them to
ignore those that question

ignore those that question
their's father citizenship or

their's father citizenship or
faith.

Faith.
How we explain that when someone

how we explain that when someone
is cruel or acts like a bully,

is cruel or acts like a bully,
you don't stoop to their level.

You don't stoop to their level.
No, our motto is when they go

no, our motto is when they go
low, we go high.

Low, we go high.
For two terms, for eight

for two terms, for eight
years, she had been criticized

years, she had been criticized
for tiny little things.

For tiny little things.
Both of them bent over backwards

both of them bent over backwards
to respect presidential norms,

to respect presidential norms,
and yet in the campaign they see

and yet in the campaign they see
someone who doesn't care about

someone who doesn't care about
them.

Them.
I am automatically attracted

I am automatically attracted
to beautiful -- I just start

to beautiful -- I just start
kissing them.

Kissing them.
You can do anything.

You can do anything.
She felt she had to say

she felt she had to say
something.

Something.
Knowing that people looked to

knowing that people looked to
her for inspiration.

Her for inspiration.
I can't believe I am saying

I can't believe I am saying
that a candidate for president

that a candidate for president
of the United States has bragged

of the United States has bragged
about sexually assaulting women.

About sexually assaulting women.
She shook off her supreme

she shook off her supreme
caution that she had exercised

caution that she had exercised
for eight years.

For eight years.
Too many are treating this as

too many are treating this as
just another day's headline.

Just another day's headline.
She became a great first lady

she became a great first lady
because she spoke for so many.

Because she spoke for so many.
As if our outrage is

as if our outrage is
overblown or unwarranted.

Overblown or unwarranted.
As if this is normal.

As if this is normal.
Just politics as usual.

Just politics as usual.
I think she reached Eleanor

I think she reached Eleanor
roos as well

Michelle spends election
night watching a movie.

Night watching a movie.
As the messages start coming in

as the messages start coming in
she heads off to bed.

She heads off to bed.
Donald Trump wins the

Donald Trump wins the
presidency.

Presidency.
The day after election day

the day after election day
was extremely difficult, and I

was extremely difficult, and I
think that none of US wanted to

think that none of US wanted to
go to work but we all picked

go to work but we all picked
ourselves up.

Ourselves up.
We came into the office.

We came into the office.
Mrs. Obama e-mailed the chief of

Mrs. Obama e-mailed the chief of
staff and I at the time and said

staff and I at the time and said
I would like to talk to the

I would like to talk to the
staff.

Staff.
The first lady brought US all

the first lady brought US all
together and she said I want to

together and she said I want to
hear from you all.

Hear from you all.
How do you feel?

How do you feel?
People were afraid that a lot

people were afraid that a lot
of the work that we poured our

of the work that we poured our
hearts and souls into would be

hearts and souls into would be
unwound.

Unwound.
She assured US what we did

she assured US what we did
was remarkable and to go on and

was remarkable and to go on and
continue that.

Continue that.
This house was just the

this house was just the
beginning for some of US, but it

beginning for some of US, but it
is not the end.

Is not the end.
The trump's came to the white

the trump's came to the white
house the next day.S came to th

house the next day.S came to th
house the next day.

House the next day.
It was the same day that

it was the same day that
LeBron James and the cavaliers

LeBron James and the cavaliers
were coming, too.

Were coming, too.
We didn't have much time to

we didn't have much time to
think until it was done.

Think until it was done.
We celebrated the last few

we celebrated the last few
months at the white house and we

months at the white house and we
accomplished more than we ever

accomplished more than we ever
could have imagined with the

could have imagined with the
spotlight on US no other

spotlight on US no other
administration ever had.

Administration ever had.
Maybe you still can't believe

maybe you still can't believe
we pulled this whole thing off.

We pulled this whole thing off.
Let me tell you, you are not the

let me tell you, you are not the
only ones.

Only ones.
Michelle.

Michelle.

You took on a role you didn't

you took on a role you didn't
ask for with grace and with grit

ask for with grace and with grit
and with style and good humor.

And with style and good humor.
You made the white house a place

you made the white house a place
that belongs to everybody and a

that belongs to everybody and a
new generation sets its sights

new generation sets its sights
higher because it has you as a

higher because it has you as a
role model.

Role model.
She was exhausted.

She was exhausted.
We were all exhausted.

We were all exhausted.
I mean, the dogs were probably

I mean, the dogs were probably
exhausted.

Exhausted.
It's like you're running a mayor

it's like you're running a mayor
than for eight years and then

than for eight years and then
all of a sudden it stops.

All of a sudden it stops.
January 20, 2017 Michelle

January 20, 2017 Michelle
Obama walks out of the white

Obama walks out of the white
house for the last time.

House for the last time.
One of the things that struck

one of the things that struck
me knowing her as I do was how

me knowing her as I do was how
chilly Michelle was toward the

chilly Michelle was toward the
new president.

New president.
And she sent a very strong

and she sent a very strong
message, I thought, through her

message, I thought, through her
body language.

Body language.
On inauguration day 2017 we

on inauguration day 2017 we
see Michelle Obama who has

see Michelle Obama who has
slicked back her hair and shows

slicked back her hair and shows
none of the usual care we see in

none of the usual care we see in
moments of political import.

Moments of political import.
It's such a clear moment.

It's such a clear moment.
It's such a clear moment that

it's such a clear moment that
she's over it and done.

She's over it and done.
Michelle stays out of the

Michelle stays out of the
limelight for a time and then

limelight for a time and then
bursting back on to the scene.

Bursting back on to the scene.
More than any other first lady,

more than any other first lady,
Michelle Obama has become a

Michelle Obama has become a
symbol of hope and possibility

symbol of hope and possibility
for millions across the united

for millions across the united
states and beyond.

States and beyond.
She redefined the role of

she redefined the role of
first lady on her own terms.

First lady on her own terms.
Her background is something

her background is something
that she celebrates as much as

that she celebrates as much as
her accomplishments.

Her accomplishments.
I think that is one of the

I think that is one of the
reasons why she is such a unique

reasons why she is such a unique
first lady.

First lady.
Each of US has a mission in

each of US has a mission in
this world.

This world.
She gave a lot of kids around

she gave a lot of kids around
the country permission to be

the country permission to be
themselves.

Themselves.
Walk a little taller, think a

walk a little taller, think a
little bit bigger, dream a

little bit bigger, dream a
little bit higher.

Little bit higher.
My story can be your story.

My story can be your story.
I think that is her legacy.

I think that is her legacy.
Are you listening to me?

Are you listening to me?
Do you hear what I'm telling

do you hear what I'm telling
you?

You?
As great as Michelle Obama

as great as Michelle Obama
was in the white house, she's

was in the white house, she's
free now and you have not heard

free now and you have not heard
or seen anything yet.

Or seen anything yet.
I always knew from the first

I always knew from the first
time that I met her that she was

time that I met her that she was
special.

Special.
She always had this inner

she always had this inner
strength and tenacity and

strength and tenacity and
conviction and compassion.

Conviction and compassion.
So don't be afraid.

So don't be afraid.
Do you hear me?

Do you hear me?
Young people, don't be afraid.

Young people, don't be afraid.
Be determined.

Be determined.
Lead by example with hope.

Lead by example with hope.
Never fear.

Never fear.
Yes, she has grown mightily.

Yes, she has grown mightily.
But the core essence of Michelle

but the core essence of Michelle
Robinson who I met in 1991 is

Robinson who I met in 1991 is
still there today.

Still there today.
Being your first lady has

being your first lady has
been the greatest honor of my

been the greatest honor of my
life, and I hope I've made you

life, and I hope I've made you
proud.