Michelle Obama's emotional tribute steals show at Obama
Presidential Center grand opening
Michelle Obama brought the house down at the Obama Presidential Center grand opening in Chicago on Thursday with a deeply personal speech about her husband's character. The former first lady told the crowd that Barack Obama never let the pressure of the presidency harden him.
"Eight years in the crucible, and not once did you melt from the heat, not once did you let it harden you," Michelle said. "Instead, you used it to reveal your truest essence, your stubborn optimism and unflinching courage, your dazzling brilliance and unpretentious decency."
She addressed the lies and attacks Barack faced — the claims he wasn't qualified, the birther conspiracy, the attacks on his faith and patriotism. "Yet you were unflappable at every turn, always focused, always calm, always looking at the long view," she said.
Michelle also joked about a promise Barack made her years ago. "You told me all those years ago that you couldn't promise me the world, but you could promise me an interesting life," she recalled. "And of course, you outdid yourself and managed to give me both."
Barack Obama followed his wife's speech and immediately acknowledged her power. "To Michelle, she did me wrong. She wouldn't let me see her speech. She knew she was going to mess me up, and she did it anyway," he said, laughing. "She's always made me better."
He also addressed his daughters Sasha and Malia. "You mean everything to me," he said.
The event was a reunion of political heavyweights. Four former US presidents attended: Joe Biden, Barack Obama, George W. Bush, and Bill Clinton — all with their wives. Notably absent was current President Donald Trump.
International leaders also showed up. Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and former German Chancellor Angela Merkel were in the crowd. Media mogul Oprah Winfrey, singer Stevie Wonder, and actor Tom Hanks were among the famous faces.
The entertainment lineup was massive. Performers included Bruce Springsteen, Stevie Wonder, Bono and The Edge from U2, John Legend, Christina Aguilera, Jennifer Hudson, Common, Marc Anthony, Nigerian singer Tems, Eddie Vedder, Guitars Over Guns, Uniting Voices Chicago, and The Roots.
The Obama Presidential Center is located on Chicago's South Side, near where Barack Obama began his political career. The center includes a museum, public library, athletic facilities, and meeting spaces. It's designed to inspire the next generation of leaders.