Editorials

Michelle Obama's speech Monday night at the Democratic National Convention was transcendent, but not necessarily in the way many observers think.

There was much talk about the passing of a "mantle" from the Kennedys to the Obamas.

That short-changes Mrs. Obama, however. The Kennedy name is now more of a symbol than a significant political force. And it represents an older, more negative form of liberalism -- a liberalism of anger and chants and demands.

Mrs. Obama, on the other hand, represents something much more: hope and opportunity. As her speech demonstrated, she represents the best of our country, where a young girl from the south side of Chicago can attend college and law school, and succeed with hard work and determination.

"That is the thread that connects our hearts," she said Monday night. "That is the thread that runs through my journey and Barack's journey and so many other improbable journeys that have brought us here tonight, where the current of history meets this new tide of hope."

Regardless of who wins the election in November, Michelle Obama will remain a powerful role model -- not just for young African-American girls, but for all young people.

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