Reported by: Bill Price, Scott Unes
Photographed by: Jason Garrison
Web produced by: Neil Relyea
As many as 10,000 delegates and guests at the National Baptist Convention in Cincinnati got to hear and see Michelle Obama talk about her husband, Illinois Senator Barack Obama, and his race for president.
Just before 5pm Wednesday, Michelle Obama, took to the stage in huge, third-floor ballroom at the Duke Energy Center.
While she addressed as many as 6,000 people there, several thousand more watched her address via closed circuit television in the convention center's large Hall C.
Mrs. Obama touched on religious and political themes as she addressed delegates to the oldest and largest Black Baptist organization in the country.
Michelle Obama was greeted with loud cheers and applause, and part of the crowd breaking out into a chant of, "Yes, We Can," which has become a signature slogan for the Obama campaign.
The mother of two told the convention congregation, "I come here today as a Christian, a person of faith, who believes that we've all been called to serve our fellow men and women, and to honor all of God's creation."
Obama says that what happens in this year's elections could well set the course for the nation for years to come, affecting not only our lives, but the lives of our children.
During her 20-minute address, Mrs. Obama also mentioned that the country's policy should mirror how it feels about and cares for individuals and families.
She says, "You know who I'm talking about. I'm talking about the young mother in your congregation who's struggling to make ends meet because her salary isn't keeping up with the cost of groceries. But if she takes a second job, she can't afford the additional cost of childcare."
She continues, "So the question we should ask is, shouldn't we have policies that reflect that reality, that we're all in this, together? Shouldn't we have policies that express our values and honor our common humanity?"
She urged the crowd to continue working to elect her husband president in November.
She asked her supporters in the crowd to talk to family, friends and neighbors about whether they are registered, how they feel about the election, and then help get them to vote in November.
She asked Ohio delegates to keep in mind that to vote on November 4th, they'll need to be properly registered in Ohio by October 6th.
Obama reminded the delegates that voting is a responsibility as Americans, as well as an opportunity.
There was no mention during Michelle Obama's address of her opponents, Republican Arizona Senator John McCain or vice presidential nominee, Alaska Governor Sarah Palin, or their policies or campaign platform.
