10 best moments from Michelle Obama and Hillary Clinton’s first rally together.
By: Brian Mcbride
Tags: Hillary Clinton, Politics, Michelle Obama, 2016 Election, North Carolina

“This election is about something much bigger.”

Today, Hillary Clinton and First Lady Michelle Obama brought more than 11,000 people to Winston-Salem, North Carolina for their first-ever joint rally.

As the two pointed out, this election has become more than just a difference between political parties — it’s about the moral fiber of our country.

At the rally, both Hillary and Michelle talked about why this election is so personal. Here’s what they had to say:

1. Hillary hailed Michelle’s years of work advocating for girls education and healthy eating.

“She has spent eight years as our first lady advocating for girls around the world to go to school and have the same opportunities as boys. She has worked for healthier childhoods for our kids here at home, better nutrition, more exercise — and we are seeing the results.”

2. And she gave a shout out to Michelle’s awesome dance moves.

“Among the many real privileges I’ve had is to see the president and the first lady dance. Wow, one could only hope.”

3. She said what we all know is true:

“Let’s be real — as our first African-American first lady, she’s faced pressures I never did. And she’s handled them with pure grace. By any standard, she has been an outstanding first lady who has made us all so proud.”

4. Michelle was touched by Hillary’s words.

“Hillary’s mini tribute to me was … very generous. But I just want to take this moment publicly to thank Hillary. It takes a level of generosity of spirit to do what Hillary has done in her career and her life for our family, for this nation. And if people wonder, yes, Hillary Clinton is my friend, she has been a friend to me and Barack and Malia and Sasha, and Bill and Chelsea have been supportive from the very day my husband took the oath of office.”

5. The first lady laid out all the reasons Hillary is beyond qualified for the job.

“I admire and respect Hillary, she has been a lawyer, a law professor, first lady of Arkansas, first lady of the United States, a U.S. senator, secretary of state. Yeah, that’s right. Hillary doesn’t play. She has more experience and exposure to the presidency than any candidate in our lifetime. Yes, more than Barack, more than Bill, so she is ready to be Commander-in-Chief on day one and, yes, she happens to be a woman.”

6. And touched on what’s at stake in this election.

“That is the choice we face between those who divide this country into us versus them and those who tell us to embrace our better angels and choose hope over fear.”

7. And made the case that this election extends far beyond partisan politics.

“Let me tell you, this is not about Republicans versus Democrats. None of that matters this time around. This election is about something much bigger: it is about who’ll shape our children and the country that we leave for them. Not just for the next four or eight years, but for the rest of their lives. Because as Hillary pointed out, we know the influence our president has on our children. How they turn on the TV and they see the most powerful role model in the world — someone who shows them how to treat others.”

8. Michelle brought up their shared experience of growing up in working-class families.

“I know that Hillary was raised like Barack and I in a working family. Hillary’s mother was an orphan abandoned by her parents. Her father was a small-business owner staying late night working and keeping her family afloat. Hillary knows what it means to struggle for what you have and want something better for your kids. That’s why since the day she launched her campaign, Hillary has been laying out concrete, detailed policies that’ll actually make a difference for kids and family in this country.”

9. She called on all of us to make sure Hillary wins.

“If Hillary does not win this election, that’ll be on us. It will be because we did not stand with her. It will be because we did not vote for her — and that’s exactly what her opponent is hoping will happen. … They are trying to convince you that your vote does not matter. Saying that this election is rigged. Understand they are trying to get you to stay home. They are trying to convince you that your vote does not matter — that the outcome already has been determined and you should not bother to make your voice heard. They are trying to take away your hope.”

10. And, finally, implored all of us to take the ultimate high road:

“I want you to remember that folks marched and protested for our rights to vote. They endured beatings and jail time, they sacrificed their lives for this right. I know you can get yourself to the polls to exercise that right because make no mistake about it casting our vote is the ultimate way ‘we go high, when they go low.’ Voting is our high, that’s how we go high — we vote!”

Check out the entire campaign event here.

So, are you with Hillary and Michelle? If so, make sure you’re registered and make your plan to vote.