Have you noticed a shift in the usage of Michelle Obama’s “proud of my country” remark? She said it twice in one day back in February. The first time, she said:
For the first time in my adult life I am proud of my country, because it feels like hope is finally making a comeback.
Later, at another appearance, she said:
For the first time in my adult lifetime, I am really proud of my country. And not just because Barack has done well, but because I think people are hungry for change.
Which is the correct version? Well, she said them both. But it seems most accounts these days, like the new cover story in Time and this new piece in the New Republic, use the “really proud” quote. Is that because it softens Obama’s sentiments just a bit? I don’t know. But the more the “really proud” version is used, the more it will become the accepted version of what Mrs. Obama said.