- 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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