Last week, I wrote that the Democrats needed to take back family and student loans from the Republicans. And Michelle did that last night. 

Michelle Obama's speech was nearly perfect. Interesting, gripping, full of new personal stories, relatable. As she talked about dumpster diving for furniture, I thought, "I did that, too. I still have a few of those pieces." When she talked about growing up in a small home in Chicago, I thought, "Gee, five of us lived in a two bedroom Cape Cod." When she talked about student loan debt, I thought, "Yeah, yeah, yeah." 

That's what she needed to do. Ann Romney could talk about tuna fish and pasta, but that was her only young and poor story. Michelle had more.

I have some concerns about this election narrative that only people who have financially struggled can run for office. That takes Sasha and Malia out of the picture, right? The Kennedys are plenty rich. The Clintons are making millions from Bill's speaking fees. Just seems like this narrative has the potential to bite someone in the ass soon. On the other hand, it's clearly working right now. 

Michelle really pissed off a certain section of my twitterfeed by using the mom word over and over again. She didn't mention her Ivy league education, her law career, and all the policy work that she does without pay right now. When she said "Mom in Chief," I could hear gagging sounds coming from my iPad. 

But Michelle was very, very smart to frame herself as a mom first and foremost. While Ann Romney's job was to humanize Mitt, Michelle's job was to sneak votes away from moderate Republicans and Independents. She wasn't trying to appeal to my Twitterfeed. Others at the convention are talking to them. She needed to go for my sister and my mom, who self-identify as "moms." 

For the Democrats to win in  November, they have to open the tent to everyone, including people who define themselves through their relationship with family members rather than by their career. 

Also, critics of the mom speech seem to forget that Michelle wasn't there to tout her resume or her professional accomplishments. She's not running for office. Her husband is. Now you might not like that Michelle isn't running for office, but that's the way it is. Nominate a chick next time. Please. 

Finally, Michelle did what Ann couldn't. She talked about her own student loan debt. She didn't have to say too much about it, just that she and Obama had it when they finished college. A subtle jab to the Romneys who had none. 

Sacrifice is a huge part of the American narrative. We sacrifice ourselves for our country and for our family. We go to work with MS to earn enough money to send our kids to school. We fight in wars and lose our legs. We give up high paying salaries to fight for the poor. We put ourselves last and take care of everybody else first. Americans love martyrs. And Michelle gave it to us last night in that perfect dress with her perfect arms.