Michelle, Hillary form ‘odd political couple’

Washington, Oct 27: When Hillary Clinton secured her place in the history as the first woman to win a major-party nomination for President, Democratic politicians around Washington marked the historic moment with barrage of statements, formal endorsements and public cheers.

One political figure, however, was notably silent — Michelle Obama.

The First Lady let her husband speak for her during that moment in June, choosing to wait weeks to lend her voice to Ms Clinton’s cause at the Democratic National Convention in what would become one of the most memorable moments in the campaign. It was the sort of careful choice that illustrated the gulf of differences between the current and former first ladies, women who have chartered very different paths through public life and are now locked in a marriage of mutual interest.

When they campaign together for the first time, the event in WinstonSalem, North Carolina, will bring together one of the least traditional first ladies in modern history with one who has fully embraced tradition.

Ms Clinton dove into policy, undertook a massive project and failed under a harsh spotlight. Ms Obama largely steered clear and enjoyed quieter, modest success. Both Ivy League-trained lawyers with their own careers, Ms Clinton bridled under the stereotypes associated with the office, Ms Obama declared herself “momin-chief”

Ms Obama’s appearances have become a key part of Ms Clinton’s effort to fire up women, particularly black women for whom she’s a model and a source of pride. (Ms Clinton even quotes Obama’s DNC speech on the stump — “When they go low, we go high.”) Ms Obama, meanwhile, has her own reasons for stumping for Ms Clinton and campaigning against Republican Donald Trump.

The partnership has on one level made for a striking political odd couple.