While watching both the RNC and the DNC, and taking notes for my next article, I was struck by the similarity between Ann Romney and Michelle Obama’s speeches. Sure Ann was a little giddier and Michelle held her usual Ivy League composure, but all in all, there was not much of a difference between either their statements or their descriptions of their lives. Take a look. (Additional research has been done to note other similarities not mentioned in the speeches).
Father’s Family:
Ann Romney: Edward Davies came from a family of Welsh coal miners. Her father built a business in Michigan after immigrating to the United States with his family, and he eventually became mayor of their town.
Michelle Obama: Fraser Robinson III was a pump operator at a water plant, and a descendent of slaves from South Carolina. He was elected Democratic Precinct Captain in Chicago.
Youthful Living Conditions:
Romney: As a young married couple, Ann and Mitt lived in a basement apartment while they attended college (with an ironing board as a dining room table, specifically).
Obama: While Michelle was dating Barack, he owned a very rusty old car.
Multiple Sclerosis:
Romney: Ann was diagnosed in 1998.
Obama: Michelle’s father dealt with MS during their childhood.
Platform Defense:
Romney: “Dreams fulfilled help others launch new dreams.” And “For Mitt, helping others is an honor, not a political platform”.
Obama: “Many had a hand in our success, from the teachers who admired us to the janitors who kept our school clean.” And “For Barack, success isn’t about how much money you make, it’s about the difference you make in people’s lives.”
