- Michelle Obama opened by paying tribute to Barack Obama, saying she wanted to “fully sing his praises” at the presidential center grand opening in Chicago, saying, “Eight years in the crucible, and not once did you melt from the heat. Not once did you let it harden you.”
- She referenced criticism and conspiracy theories Barack faced during his time in office, including false claims about his birthplace, faith and patriotism.
- Michelle praised her husband's composure amid attacks, saying, "You were unflappable at every turn, always focused, always calm and always looking at the long view.”
- She also reflected on their life together, recalling a promise he made early in their relationship: “You told me all those years ago that you couldn’t promise me the world, but you could promise me an interesting life ... and managed to give me both.”
- Closing her speech, she said: “How absurd it is to imagine that you would do anything but make our family and this entire country proud.”
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