Michelle Obama recently took to the stage to deliver a deeply personal tribute to her husband, former US President Barack Obama. Speaking under the Chicago sun, she joked that only a project by her husband could ensure such perfect weather.
She told the crowd she wanted to fully sing his praises, something she knew the former president would be too modest to do himself.
An Interesting Life
Michelle recalled a conversation from the early days of their relationship. She told the audience that Barack had promised her an interesting life rather than the world.
“You told me all those years ago that you couldn’t promise me the world, but you could promise me an interesting life. Of course, you outdid yourself and managed to give me both," she said, looking directly at him.
"Eight years in the crucible and not once did you melt from the heat. Not once did you let it harden you. Instead, you used it to reveal your truest essence: your stubborn optimism and unflinching courage, your dazzling brilliance and unpretentious decency.”
Facing the Heat
The former First Lady did not shy away from the difficulties they faced during their time in the White House. She mentioned the "higher standard" placed upon Barack as the first Black president. She listed the "lies" about his birthright and faith, and the outrage that followed his comments about race.
Michelle praised his ability to remain unflappable and always look at the long view. She noted it was "absurd" to imagine him lashing out in frustration despite the immense pressure of the office.
Michelle listed several key achievements, including:
- Rescuing the US economy during the financial crisis.
- Expanding healthcare to millions of citizens.
- Ordering the raid that led to the death of Osama bin Laden.
- Standing up for marriage equality and listening to science.
She added that he performed these tasks with such grace and class that he made the "hardest job in the world look like a walk in this beautiful park."
"You always gave us the very best within you and in doing so, you reminded the rest of us that we could, too,” she added.
Roots in Chicago
The setting of the speech in Chicago was significant. Michelle reminded the audience of Barack’s early days in "union halls and church basements" where he first tested his ideals. She fondly recalled their first meeting, when he showed up as an idealistic summer associate on a rainy day without an umbrella.
She concluded by saying that his mother and grandparents would be "grinning and hugging" to see what he had become.
"It has been an honour to be by your side," she told him, leaving the crowd and her husband visibly moved.
