At this year’s Democratic National Convention, speaker after speaker offered paeans to American greatness. One of the most memorable was Michelle Obama, the first lady, who spoke movingly of America’s story as “the story of unwavering hope grounded in unyielding struggle.” There was something particularly striking about Mrs. Obama’s celebration of what she called “the greatest nation on earth.” Many will no doubt remember that in 2008, when her husband was competing for the Democratic presidential nomination, she briefly betrayed a certain ambivalence about America’s virtues, remarking before the Wisconsin primary that, “for the first time in my adult life, I am really proud of my country, because it feels like hope is finally making a comeback.”
Taken literally, this remark implied that Mrs. Obama hadn’t been proud of her country for decades, a sentiment that many Americans found less than relatable. In short order, she clarified her remarks, emphasizing that she was expressing her delight and amazement at the enthusiastic public response to her husband’s campaign, which is fair enough. Campaigning can be a grueling experience, and the occasional slip of the tongue is to be expected.
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