Michelle Obama praises Hillary Clinton’s ‘guts and grace’

PHILADELPHIA — First lady Michelle Obama gave a ringing endorsement of Hillary Clinton for president Monday night, telling delegates at the Democratic National convention that Mrs. Clinton has “the guts and grace to keep coming back.”

“I want a president who will teach our children that everyone in this country matters,” Mrs. Obama said. “I am here tonight because I know that is the kind of president Hillary Clinton will be. And that is why, in this election, I’m with her.”

The delegates roared their approval, a rare sign of unity on an unruly day of division at the opening of the convention.

Mrs. Obama, who has never been particularly close to Mrs. Clinton, called her “our friend” and said the presumptive nominee “has never quit on anything in her life.”

“Hillary understands that the president is about one thing and one thing only — about leaving something better for our kids,” she said.

Referring to Republican nominee Donald Trump several times without naming him, Mrs. Obama spoke of raising her two daughters: “We urge them to ignore those who question their father’s citizenship or faith.”

“When someone is cruel or acts like a bully, you don’t stoop to their level,” the first lady said.

Commenting on Mr. Trump’s campaign slogan, “Make America Great Again,” Mrs. Obama retorted: “Don’t let anyone every tell you that this country isn’t great, that somehow we need to make it great again. This country right now is the greatest country on earth.”

She spoke of being the first black family in the White House, and representing Americans “who felt the lash of bondage” and “the stain of segregation.”

“Today, I wake up every morning in a house that was built by slaves,” Mrs. Obama said. “And I watch my daughters, two beautiful and intelligent black young women, playing with their dogs on the White House lawn.”

She said Mrs. Clinton has helped Americans to reach a moment when “we now take for granted that a woman can be president of the United States.”