Michelle Obama has denounced Donald Trump’s “hate” while backing Hillary Clinton for president at the Democratic National Convention.
In her speech in Philadelphia, the first lady said to loud cheers and applause: “The hateful language… from public figures on TV does not represent the true spirit of this country.
“Don’t stoop to their level. Our motto is, when they go low, we go high.”
Earlier, Bernie Sanders urged Democrats to back Hillary Clinton.
Hillary Clinton will accept the Democratic presidential nomination on July 28, when a roll call of how states’ delegates are voting is to be read out.
“While Donald Trump is busy insulting one group after another, Hillary Clinton understands that our diversity is one of our greatest strengths,” Bernie Sanders said.
Some of Bernie Sanders’ supporters booed at mention of Hillary Clinton’s name; others wore duct tape with the word “silenced” over their mouths.
Michelle Obama’s speech was widely seen as an attack on Donald Trump, although she did not mention the Republican nominee by name.
The first lady said she wanted her husband to be succeeded by “somebody who knows this job and takes it seriously” and that could only be Hillary Clinton.
Because of the Democrats’ candidate, Michelle Obama said, “my daughters and all our sons and daughters now take for granted that a woman can be president of the United States.”
In other remarks, Michelle Obama praised Hillary Clinton as a “true public servant” who had shown “devotion to our nation’s children” and “never buckles under pressure”.
After the first lady’s speech, President Barack Obama tweeted: “Incredible speech by an incredible woman. Couldn’t be more proud & our country has been blessed to have her as FLOTUS [first lady]. I love you, Michelle.”
Donald Trump, who has criticized his rivals, both Republican and Democrat, in sometimes colorful language on Twitter, said Bernie Sanders had “sold out” to Hillary Clinton.
The Republican billionaire also condemned other speakers at the Democratic convention including senators Cory Booker and Elizabeth Warren, but made no mention of Michelle Obama.
