Michelle Obama, wife of Democratic Presidential hopeful Barack Obama, got her first look at the Pepsi Center arena this morning where she will deliver her prime time speech tonight in support of her husband’s candidacy.
Obama, looking svelte in an olive green blazer, black pants and black satin flats, was accompanied by her mother Marian Robinson, daughters Malia, 10, and Sasha, 7, and her brother Craig Robinson, who will introduce her tonight.
Giving her mother a helping hand, Malia banged the gavel on the podium and called, “order!” In answer to a reporter’s questions, Obama said she was excited to be in Denver and that she expected the Democratic National Convention to go smoothly.
Obama will be the last speaker tonight and is expected to take center stage between 7 and 9 p.m. She will try to explain to her fellow Americans why she believes her husband will be an excellent president. She’s also expected to discuss her own life experience. Obama came from working class beginnings in Chicago, went on to graduate from Princeton University and Harvard law school, eventually becoming a successful lawyer and businesswoman.
Michelle Obama has been the subject of virulent attacks by conservatives for who have questioned her patriotism, seizing upon comments about her pride in America as well as some of her earlier writings as a college student.
Her speech tonight will be part of a continuing strategy in the campaign’s efforts to portray the candidate’s wife’s softer side. She’ll get plenty of moral support from the Illinois delegation which will be front and center on the convention floor.
Barack Obama, who is still putting the finishing touches on his keynote speech, will address the convention via satellite feed from Kansas after his wife speaks.
