video transcript

U.S. First Lady Michelle Obama was preaching to the converted at the opening night of the Democratic National Convention. But she wooed her husband's supporters nevertheless with the speech that kicked off the three-day convention. The first lady spoke of the challenges facing the nation and the administration, and the need to move forward. She urged voters to give president Barack Obama another term and recalled personal anecdotes from her early days with him. As audience members left the convention centre in Charlotte, North Carolina, they were aglow with praise for Michelle. (SOUNDBITE) (English) CHARLETA PIERCE, DELEGATE, SAYING: "I think Michelle Obama lit the audience on fire. Her sincerity and certainly her passion about her husband, but also about the work that's left to be done." (SOUNDBITE) (English) JOE RUGOLA, OHIO DELEGATE SAYING: "Her speech was about the spirit of a diverse country that's trying to find its way through some real challenges and real problems and I think it incorporated all of the hopes and aspirations that the American people have about the dreams for their children" It was a night for women at the convention, as the Democrats pressed their advantage with female voters -- a gender gap that is a sore point for Republicans. But just nine weeks before the elections, the race is close with Republican candidate Mitt Romney.