President Obama’s spokesman backed away from suggestions Tuesday that Melania Trump copied portions of her Republican National Convention speech from an address by Michelle Obama in 2008, but urged reporters to delve into the matter.
“I’ll let all of you weigh in on that and try to learn more about how exactly it was written,” White House press secretary Josh Earnest told reporters.
He said Mrs. Obama’s message about hard work and keeping your promises, similar to passages in Mrs. Trump’s address, “received an enthusiastic reception and strong reviews” at the Democratic National Convention eight years ago.
“These are American values and they’re what we all strive for,” Mr. Earnest said. “These are the kinds of values that have animated his two terms as president.”
Mr. Obama didn’t watch the convention Monday night, his spokesman said.
• Dave Boyer can be reached at dboyer@washingtontimes.com.
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