Michelle Obama held her first Clinton campaign rally on Friday, hours after Donald Trump acknowledged President Obama was born in the U.S. In a speech at George Mason University, the first lady rebuked birthers while simultaneously praising her husband's legacy.
"There were those who questioned, and who continue to question for the past eight years, and up to this very day, whether my husband was even born in this country," she told a crowd of college students. "Well, during his time in office, I think Barack has answered those questions with the examples he set, by going high when they go low. And he's answered these questions with the progress we've achieved together."
During Friday's speech, Obama held no punches against the GOP candidate, calling Trump "erratic and threatening."
But Michelle Obama dedicated most of her speech to Hillary Clinton, arguing she is one of the most qualified people on the planet to seek the presidency, "[She] has seen it from every angle, hear me, the staggering stakes, the brutal hours, the overwhelming stresses. And here's the thing: she still wants to take it on," she said.
As a rousing public speaker, the first lady is seen as a valued asset for a campaign struggling to arouse hope and enthusiasm.
"I hear folks saying they don't feel inspired in this election. Well, let me tell you, I disagree. I am inspired," she said. "Right now, we have an opportunity to elect one of the most qualified people who has ever endeavored to become president."
Here is a clip of Obama's speech, courtesy of ABC News:
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