RENO, Nev.—First lady Michelle Obama made a special appeal Wednesday in Nevada to women and students she says are among those with the most to lose if her husband is beaten in the November election.
“When it comes to understanding the lives of women … standing up for our rights and opportunities, we know my husband will always have our backs,” the first lady said told a crowd of about 3,800 on the campus of the University of Nevada, Reno.
She also noted that her husband has been a champion for student grants and loans.
The first lady made her plea as President Barack Obama and Republican Mitt Romney prepped for their first debate in Colorado.
The Obamas also were celebrating their 20th anniversary on Wednesday, and Michelle Obama recalled her husband back then as “gorgeous” and talented but said she married him for his character, decency, passion and conviction.
“He turned down high-paying jobs and instead started his career fighting to get folks back to work in struggling communities,” she said. “I love that about him.’
Without naming Romney, the first lady painted a sharp contrast between the Republican’s wealth and the working class roots on both sides of the Obama family.
Michelle Obama said she and her husband were both raised in families that “weren’t asking for much” and “didn’t mind if others had more than they did, in fact they admired it.”
