Michelle: With all of the attention that’s been placed on our family, I think it’s easy for people to forget that I come from a very ordinary background. I grew up on the south side of Chicago, in a working-class family, living in a one-bedroom apartment. I didn’t grow up with a lot of advantages, but I did have a warm and loving family, and access to public schools that put me on the pathway to success. So my life really has been the American Dream. And that’s why I believe so strongly in my husband’s candidacy. As president, Barack will make sure that every single American is given that same chance to succeed, and to live that dream.  

Lesley: This has been a long, grueling, incredible campaign. What have you learned about the country? About your husband? And about yourself?

Michelle: This has definitely been a long and intense campaign. But our family, even our girls, get energy from the thousands of incredible people we’ve met across the country. This experience has really reaffirmed for me that people are so decent – with so many of the same concerns and shared experiences – and so many hopes for our families and our country. We’re all so much more alike than we are different.

Whenever I’m feeling a little sluggish on the campaign trail, I get such energy from the people I meet. Their hugs and words of encouragement always keep me going. And really, who can rest when you meet folks who are tearing up because they never thought they’d live to see this moment? Or the young folks who are so passionate about the political process and focused on working together for change? They keep me going. And they’ve taught me so many lessons about our country and our world.  ‘ve seen again and again that, despite our many differences, and no matter how much we may disagree about the issues, all of us — Democrats, Republicans, Independents — we all love our country. We all care about our families. And we all want to make this world a better place.

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