USA Michelle Obama speaks out at Democrats convention 26/08/08 07:55 CET

The wife of the US Democratic presidential candidate Barack Obama has told the world how great a leader her husband would be, if he is elected in November.

Michelle Obama delivered a keynote speech at the Democratic convention, focussing on the couple’s working class roots, in a bid to fend off criticism that her husband is elitest.

“I come here as a wife who loves her husband and who thinks he will be an extraordinary President,” she said.

In a wide ranging speech, she praised his values and leadership ability.

“Barack and I were raised with so many of the same values; like you work hard for what you want in life; that your word is your bond; that you do what you say you are going to do; that you treat people with dignity and respect even if you don’t know them and even if you don’t agree with them,” she said.

The candidate’s dedication to his family was also emphasised in Michelle Obama’s address, as well as in a subsequent exchange with his daughters.

Overall, for a speech aimed at explaining Barack Obama, critics say it did the job.