“You were unflappable at every turn. Always focused. Always calm. Always looking at the long view. How absurd it is to even imagine that you might have buckled under the pressure even once, lashed out in frustration, or lost your temper,” Michelle said.
She made the remarks at the opening of the Obama Presidential Center in Chicago.
While listing Barack Obama’s achievements, she noted that he had won a Peace Prize, in what appeared to be an indirect dig at Trump. Her remarks drew smiles from former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, who was present at the event.
Trump was reportedly unhappy after not winning the Nobel Peace Prize last year, which went to Venezuelan opposition leader Corina Machado. Trump has frequently claimed that he should have received the prestigious honour, citing his role in international negotiations and peace efforts during his presidency.
Addressing the crowd, Michelle reflected on her husband’s roots in Chicago and the values he has upheld over the years. She praised his resilience during his eight years as president, recalling the personal attacks and challenges he faced while in office.
Speaking directly to Barack Obama, Michelle said she had remained in awe of him throughout their years together. “You told me all those years ago that you couldn’t promise me the world, but you could promise me an interesting life, and of course you outdid yourself and managed to give me both,” she was quoted as saying by CBS News.
“I know it hasn’t always been easy, but there hasn’t been a single second through this experience that standing by your side hasn’t left me in awe.”
During her speech, Michelle highlighted what she described as his “unshakeable values”, including equality, empathy, honesty, inclusion and fairness, which she said he had upheld throughout his life.
Her remarks moved Barack Obama to tears as she told him it had been an honour to stand by his side and praised the example he had set for others.
One of the most talked-about moments of the speech came when Michelle praised her husband’s composure under pressure. Referring to the criticism and obstacles he faced, she said it was “absurd” to imagine that he would have buckled under pressure, lashed out in frustration, or lost his temper.
“How absurd it is to imagine that you might have done anything but make our family and this entire country proud,” she added.
Michelle also highlighted several key achievements of the Obama administration, including efforts to rescue the economy, expand healthcare coverage, support marriage equality, and oversee the operation that led to the death of Osama bin Laden.
“And you did it all with such grace and class and cool that you made the hardest job in the world look like a walk in this beautiful park,” the former first lady said.
She stressed that while the centre is rooted in their personal stories, it was never intended to be solely about them. According to Michelle Obama, the centre is intended to serve as a symbol of hope and a place that will continue serving communities long into the future.
