When the Democratic National Convention opened on Monday to a chorus of boos from Bernie Sanders supporters, much of the attention focused on what the runner-up for the nomination would say to calm his faithful following.
But someone else stole the show.
First Lady Michelle Obama won praise for giving a stirring and optimistic speech in which she managed to attack Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump without once mentioning his name.
Praise for the speech came from across the political spectrum:
One of the loveliest things about Michelle's speech was watching my Twitter feed united in joy for what feels like the first time in AGES.
— Ed Yong (@edyong209) July 26, 2016
I'm naming all of my children Michelle.
— Clint Smith (@ClintSmithIII) July 26, 2016
I'm saying this as a partisan who takes the other side seriously; this speech is a grand slam for Dems. Over the back wall, ball in orbit.
— Rick Wilson (@TheRickWilson) July 26, 2016
michelle obama out there tonight like pic.twitter.com/QAtlwccx6t
— Hayes Brown (@HayesBrown) July 26, 2016
how can Bill ever hope to fill Michelle's shoes?
— Philip Gourevitch (@PGourevitch) July 26, 2016
seriously republicans are very lucky michelle obama says she has no interest in running for office
— andy levy (@andylevy) July 26, 2016
Michelle just Beyonceed that joint.
— Michael Ian Black (@michaelianblack) July 26, 2016
Michelle Obama just had a Jose Bautista moment. #BatFlip
— Jonathan Howe (@Jonathan_Howe) July 26, 2016
Wow. Michelle just sent haters of every stripe scuttling back under their damp rocks. Man, we are going to miss her.
— Garrett Oliver (@GarrettOliver) July 26, 2016
That Michelle Obama speech will go down as one of the all time great convention speeches. We'll be talking about it for years.
— Matthew Miller (@matthewamiller) July 26, 2016
A bunch of convention cops & security guys came into the hall to listen to Michelle's speech. They stood, riveted, at the top of the stairs.
— Molly Ball (@mollyesque) July 26, 2016
I don't think anyone can follow this. Michelle Obama. Wow. Van Halen opening for Sabbath in '78. #DemsInPhilly
— Patton Oswalt (@pattonoswalt) July 26, 2016
Michelle Obama’s speech was really well done. Exactly what she should have delivered.
— Mollie (@MZHemingway) July 26, 2016
I don’t think anyone is going to top that speech by Mrs. Obama.
— Erick Erickson (@EWErickson) July 26, 2016
Michelle Obama speech not just a great speech but one of the best speeches I've ever heard.
— Judd Legum (@JuddLegum) July 26, 2016
Michelle Obama owned tonight. An incredible speech.
— Ben Domenech (@bdomenech) July 26, 2016
John Podhoretz, editor of Commentary and speechwriter for presidents Ronald Reagan and George H.W. Bush, sent out a series of tweets praising both the first lady and the writer of her speech:
Man can Michelle give a speech. Hoo boy.
— John Podhoretz (@jpodhoretz) July 26, 2016
Whoever wrote this speech, I salute you. This is how you frame an attack with a scalpel.
— John Podhoretz (@jpodhoretz) July 26, 2016
As a former speechwriter, all I can do is listen to this and say--WHO WROTE THIS? YOU'RE MAKING US PROUD.
— John Podhoretz (@jpodhoretz) July 26, 2016
Maybe there's been a better convention speech.
— John Podhoretz (@jpodhoretz) July 26, 2016
A former president seemed to enjoy her speech:
My favorite part about day one of the #DNCinPHL: Bill Clinton laughing and clapping... pic.twitter.com/NPvuzvrBNH
— Tyler Fine (@tyler_fine) July 26, 2016
But nothing will top the very personal reaction from a certain other president:
Incredible speech by an incredible woman. Couldn't be more proud & our country has been blessed to have her as FLOTUS. I love you, Michelle.
— President Obama (@POTUS) July 26, 2016
President Obama is scheduled to deliver his own speech in support of Hillary Clinton on Wednesday night.
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