Michelle Obama Quotes Hillary's "18 Million Cracks In Glass Ceiling" Line
Michelle Obama, who just wrapped up her speech, throws a big sop to Hillary and her supporters, and makes a broad-based pitch for female support, quoting a line directly from Hillary's concession speech in which Hillary alluded to the 18 million cracks in the glass ceiling her candidacy created.
"I stand here today at the crosscurrents of that history -- knowing that my piece of the American Dream is a blessing hard won by those who came before me," Michelle said, adding...
People like Hillary Clinton, who put those 18 million cracks in the glass ceiling, so that our daughters -- and sons -- can dream a little bigger and aim a little higher.
Michelle humbled herself before Hillary here, casting her own presence on the stage as the result of the work of pioneers like Hillary before her -- even though they faced off against each other in bitterly adversarial camps only weeks ago.
The speech overall was a clear success. It was perfect in tone -- she came across as modest and self-effacing but simultaneously driven and unabashedly bullish on her husband's chances and talents. Full script here.
Late Update: More of our take on her speech here.
Michelle - 9.7
Sasha 10
August 25, 2008 11:04 PM | Reply | Permalink
i can totally see Sasha high-fiving Dick Cheney...
August 25, 2008 11:08 PM | Reply | Permalink
That girl is awesome...
August 25, 2008 11:18 PM | Reply | Permalink
Sasha is LITERALLY the reason everyone who NOW thinks they are "just like that" think that. She came out on top in the entire segment.
August 26, 2008 12:22 AM | Reply | Permalink
like us* I meant to say
August 26, 2008 12:22 AM | Reply | Permalink
That was Malia!
August 26, 2008 8:48 AM | Reply | Permalink
How fortunate is was that the doctors were able to save the limb!
August 26, 2008 12:26 AM | Reply | Permalink
Haha! YES! She was the cutest little girl, I swear.
August 25, 2008 11:08 PM | Reply | Permalink
Sorry John, that was Malia...Sasha is the oldest.
August 26, 2008 8:47 AM | Reply | Permalink
No, it's the other way. Wikipedia (and other sources) document that Malia was born in 1998 and Sasha in 2001:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Barack_obama
August 26, 2008 10:22 AM | Reply | Permalink
Michelle did an awesome job. I liked hearing from her mother in the intro, too.
August 25, 2008 11:05 PM | Reply | Permalink
Amazing speech. I had high hopes, but they were pretty much shattered.
August 25, 2008 11:06 PM | Reply | Permalink
WOW
August 25, 2008 11:10 PM | Reply | Permalink
WOW is an understatement.
It was beautifully written and beautifully delivered, yet at the same time authentic and not the least bit slick.
She is something else. I hope they have her out on the campaign trail every possible day.
August 26, 2008 9:13 AM | Reply | Permalink
All right - who had "the Hillary Clinton line" in the office pool for what Greg would focus on after Michelle's speech?
August 25, 2008 11:10 PM | Reply | Permalink
Right. I can't believe that, after that speech, his headline is about Hillary.
Will it never end?
August 25, 2008 11:47 PM | Reply | Permalink
LOL
August 26, 2008 12:05 AM | Reply | Permalink
Greg nailed the tone -- "modest and self-effacing but simultaneously driven."
That's it. And the tone is more important than content, even.
August 25, 2008 11:11 PM | Reply | Permalink
Greg nailed the tone but the headline is unfortunate.
Michelle's own words should be in the headlines the ones where she said Vote your Hopes Not your Fears.
I am sick of this being about Hillary!!
August 26, 2008 8:49 AM | Reply | Permalink
Too bad your first thoughts of the speech were about Hillary Greg.
Geez! Did you hear ANYTHING else? Like how she and her family survived, how Barack and his family survived? Their dreams for America? That thread that holds us all together?
Anything but words about Hillary?
August 25, 2008 11:11 PM | Reply | Permalink
It was a gracious gesture. I didn't mind it at all. And I'm not a Hill fan. But it's never wrong to be kind, and magnanimity is a sign of character.
August 25, 2008 11:15 PM | Reply | Permalink
did you miss our earlier post on michelle's speech? talking about its broader goals?
August 25, 2008 11:15 PM | Reply | Permalink
The speech wasn't about HILLARY CLINTON -- it was about Michelle Obama and Barack Obama -- GET OVER HILLARY -at least for ONE story please.
August 26, 2008 12:00 AM | Reply | Permalink
No, greg, we caught all of your earlier posts. We can read. We can read between the lines, even. Two points, and they both relate to how far into the Villager's rabbit hole you've gone-
1. "a big sop to Hillary and her supporters"? Why not veiw it as an honorable acknowledgement of the hard and groundbreaking work Hillary has put in these last few decades? Is it all just back-scratching and ass-kissing in your mind?
2. "Michelle humbled herself before Hillary". Words fail me. WTF? A strong, proud, successful woman takes advantage of her rightful place on the national stage to point out the accomplishments of another strong, proud, successful woman, and your first impulse is to frame it in your own personal Delta-male veiw of Dominant/Submissive? That says more about you, than it does about either Michelle, or Hillary.
IMHO, both you and Josh need to get your heads out of the Village sand you've lately fallen into. I know your site traffic is up, your're getting mentioned on TeeVee alot, and all the Serious People Who Matter are prolly treating with less-than-usual contempt, but don't let it go to your head, OK? I'm just saying....
August 26, 2008 2:25 AM | Reply | Permalink
You are so right Kordo,
Why was the entire focus of the speech shifted to Hillary?!
What about when Michelle said VOTE your HOPES not YOUR FEARS?!
That was right headline to focus on the OBAMAS.
But no they just gotta make everything about the friggin Clintons.
August 26, 2008 8:51 AM | Reply | Permalink
Come on... Give him a break and read the whole post. It's a great response to the speech. I wouldn't have picked that headline either, but who cares? It was a great speech and quoting Hillary was newsworthy. I'm just happy it went so well. Amazing speech.
August 25, 2008 11:16 PM | Reply | Permalink
Too bad your first thoughts of the Greg's post were about Hillary coonsey.
Geez! Did you read ANYTHING else? Like how he wrote earlier about her broader goals?
Methinks you're the one with Hillary on the brain.
August 25, 2008 11:19 PM | Reply | Permalink
Rob,
We read what Greg wrote..but this is a campaign. And while Michelle talked about her family and Barack as a father..the take away point was clear also.
Vote your Hopes not YOUR fears!
Stop Doubting and Start Dreaming!
Those were the essence of her speech...not friggin Hillay's 18M votes!!
The Obamas are the sunrise.
Billary is the sunset.
Focus the talking points on the campaign not the loser!
August 26, 2008 8:54 AM | Reply | Permalink
And I would add that the media is focusing relentlessly on The Rift, so anything that speaks to that, especially that which undermines it, should be highlighted.
August 25, 2008 11:20 PM | Reply | Permalink
I so agree. In that ENTIRE speech, you had to bring out the Hillary?? Why? IT AIN'T ABOUT HER ANYMORE???
August 25, 2008 11:23 PM | Reply | Permalink
Twinkee,
I am so disappointed with the front page headline. It is STILL about Hillary. Not about Michelle and not about the Obama's.
And you know what...tomorrow after she speaks the headline will STILL be about Hillary.
I'm sorry but TPM is as bad as the mainstream press...they tooo focus on the Clintons and not the Obamas. Just like the surveys said...Obama gets a lot of press but it is mostly negative.
August 26, 2008 8:56 AM | Reply | Permalink
michelle rocks! she was awesome....this lady is an asset, not a liability...in fact, i prefer her speeches....kennedy was equally awesome!!!
red meat tomorrow or i will scratch my eyes out!
August 25, 2008 11:11 PM | Reply | Permalink
My expectations were met. And then blown away. Michelle Obama did an absolutely phenomenal job. There is nothing negative I can say about that speech. As Greg said, it accomplished all that was needed and then some. Barack and their daughters' presence at the end made things so real. I felt truly connected to them, and if that was the goal of it all, it was accomplished beautifully.
August 25, 2008 11:12 PM | Reply | Permalink
Barack may have some competition in the house for speechifyin'.
Outstanding.
Home run.
August 25, 2008 11:12 PM | Reply | Permalink
I actually thought that parts of the speech during the beginning and the end came off as too cloying. Parts felt a little unnatural—it's pretty clear that Michelle Obama has something of an edge to her (something I like and respect) and the speech didn't give any voice to that part of her personality. Politically, I think this was a very smart move (a no-brainer, really), but the delivery felt a bit unnatural at times.
That said, I thought the end of the speech was great. She was very clearly wholly invested in what she was saying and she exuded earnestness and emotionally-charged optimism.
But I need to keep this all in perspective. Considering that Michelle is by trade neither an orator nor a politician, the speech was a great performance and a resounding success.
August 25, 2008 11:14 PM | Reply | Permalink
"I actually thought that parts of the speech during the beginning and the end came off as too cloying."
I meant to say "...during the beginning and the MIDDLE..." Not the end! I thought the end was excellent.
August 25, 2008 11:16 PM | Reply | Permalink
You are absolutely correct Runaway.
But I dont think it took away from the speech. Their is definitely a fire in Michelle and whoever helped her with her speech refrained from using words that she normally use, or that she likes. You can just tell by how she had to slow down(aside from nervousness) to get some things out, it didnt "fit" her.
But she did a great job. I actually ENJOYED LISTENING to her. Unlike watching a speech and I just want to fast forward through the "drivel".
Anyways, you and I both could hear and see that "uncomfortableness" if you will in her. Which isnt a bad thing, it was more of getting use to a new speaking style. I mean she worked at a law firm for a # of years, its hard to shake that "forcefulness" off. Even harder to hide it if your a woman(imo).
I noticed something else in the speech, but I dont want to bring it up, it may appear "unflattering" to some others. But I think its GREAT! :P
August 25, 2008 11:30 PM | Reply | Permalink
I rather prefer the Michelle Obama that sounds "forceful" to the more calculating sounding all-American candidate's spouse. (And I like my impression that she in fact is an all-American woman.)
Maybe my cynicism is out in full force today, but I also felt the speech was cloy. I don't like to see children paraded out to score points. Of course, I don't remember convention speeches that didn't make me wince (except Barack's speech at the 2004 Dem convention). I'm glad that the poster here feel differently and I hope the speech helps the Dem. ticket.
August 25, 2008 11:42 PM | Reply | Permalink
Across the aisle we have the iridescent and masterfully evocative speechifying of John Sidney "That's Not Change We Can Believe In!" McCain. Can you imagine John, let alone Cindy McCain, making a speech as crisp, honed, and appealing as Michelle's tonight? I certainly can't. I would be very surprised if Michelle's performance doesn't help, at the very least by drawing a contrast with McCain & Co.
August 25, 2008 11:50 PM | Reply | Permalink
I'm not nutty about it either, but in some way, I think it symbolizes how McCain has infantilized the campaign with his constant refrain of the POW defense.
August 26, 2008 10:39 AM | Reply | Permalink
Just another perspective:
I loathe cloying, and it didn't strike me personally as cloying. Just one guy's reaction.
August 26, 2008 12:14 AM | Reply | Permalink
All i need to say is wow!!! That was emotional and i love every bit of it. The family is adorable...
August 25, 2008 11:15 PM | Reply | Permalink
Gbenga, there was a moment towards the end (just before they left the stage) where Sasha was looking up at her mom. And I was waiting for her to smile, she was looking up, wait for it, and then BAM! The brightest most beautiful smile ever. That was my moment of the night right there.
August 26, 2008 10:40 AM | Reply | Permalink
Come on folks, that was a "Holy Shit!!!!!" moment. Best speech I've ever heard. The "Hillary" shout-out was necessary, well-timed, and completely in-line with the overall message. But it was not what this speech was about. She knocked it out of the park. And this speech will be remembered for a long time.
August 25, 2008 11:15 PM | Reply | Permalink
Absolutely.
August 25, 2008 11:18 PM | Reply | Permalink
I want to punch everyone at CNN. Specially Carville and Gergen. Thank god they didn't bring Dobbs.
Rachel Maddow: Please marry me. I don't care you're a lesbian. Just by the way you hit Buchanan, I know I just love you. My girlfriend is going to kill me, if Halperin doesn't do it first.
August 25, 2008 11:15 PM | Reply | Permalink
My boyfriend has the same crush on Rachel Maddow. And I don't mind at all because I have a total girl crush on her, too. She's awesome.
August 26, 2008 12:08 AM | Reply | Permalink
i have a crush on Rachel too!
August 26, 2008 1:20 AM | Reply | Permalink
Hey! I asked her first! If Rachel ever decides to try playing for the other team, I have dibs! LOL, did you see the look on Bucky's face? That woman is beyond priceless. I can't wait for her show to start.
August 26, 2008 2:34 AM | Reply | Permalink
I, too, am mad about Maddow.
August 26, 2008 7:35 AM | Reply | Permalink
She scored a 10/10. She killed the routine and stuck the landing. amazing job. Hopefully the press gives her performance an appropriate treatment. I don't fully expect it, but we can hope.
August 25, 2008 11:17 PM | Reply | Permalink
If the press are analogous to the crappy Olympics judges..we're screwed.
August 26, 2008 12:33 AM | Reply | Permalink
She is definitely not your standard First Lady. I just kept thinking "dynamic." There is so much to this woman. I can't wait to see her in the White House. She certainly has much to offer this country. Yay for us!
August 25, 2008 11:17 PM | Reply | Permalink
lol...hillary rosen just socked cnn one in the face...they whine too much!
August 25, 2008 11:17 PM | Reply | Permalink
Stop watching CNN...David Brook tried to inject a bit of skeptism on PBS but all the analysts disagreed with him.
Folks, this is home run. She did great... even Adrew Sullivan thought this was the best moment of the night.
August 25, 2008 11:23 PM | Reply | Permalink
Brooks is a complete tool. I watched him on PBS for a while (because MSNBC refused to show the other speeches, and because it was in HD) and he pissed me off completely. It seems like he just makes up stuff to say against the Obama campaign.
August 25, 2008 11:27 PM | Reply | Permalink
Brooks is no longer simply a Talking Head nor a Hack - he is now, officially, a douchebag.
August 25, 2008 11:30 PM | Reply | Permalink
We've got posters above complaining that the speech was "cloying" and then there was Brooks whining that she didn't humanize Barack enough. Brooks had to work in the "messiah" nonsense. Glad to see all the others on the program set him straight.
Michelle sunk the three-pointer. Nothing but net.
August 26, 2008 9:05 AM | Reply | Permalink
Awesome speech. Way to go to Michelle. She rocks.
August 25, 2008 11:18 PM | Reply | Permalink
I have to admit, Michelle Obama gave a great speech. She comes across as much more passionate, genuine, and down to earth than her husband. I only wish she could transplant some of that into her husband.
August 25, 2008 11:19 PM | Reply | Permalink
That was fantastic. The family values crowd just got a heck of a wake up call. What a great family.
August 25, 2008 11:19 PM | Reply | Permalink
Nice way to put it.
August 25, 2008 11:25 PM | Reply | Permalink