Michelle Obama Gives Grassroots Campaign Speech in Dale City

More than 700 people—some of whom waited in line for hours—came to see first lady Michelle Obama at Dale City VFW 1503 on Thursday.

. for the noon event. 

Introducing her were local representatives Del. Luke Torian (D-52) and Neabsco District Supervisor John D. Jenkins and Sen. Mark Warner’s wife, Lisa Collis.

“Grassroots is at the core of everything we do,” said Obama, who met with local volunteers before speaking at the VFW. “We are doing it for the values we believe in. “

The first lady spoke on President Barack Obama’s work in areas of equal pay for equal work, the Affordable Health Care act, the military and the future for children.

“When so many women are now breadwinners in our families,” said Obama of the need for equal pay, “women’s success in this economy is our success in this economy.” 

Obama reminded the crowd that her husband “kept his promise—he brought troops home from Iraq. Brought to justice the man behind the 9/11 attacks.”

While listing off the President’s accomplishments, Obama also named gaining private-sector jobs, his work and belief on the Dream Act, which helps high school graduates who are undocumented immigrants get help with college or jobs, and the need for greater educational opportunities.

“We want to restore basic middle class security for our families,” said Obama. “You shouldn’t lose your house because someone lost a job—not in America."

Obama said that President Barack Obama wants to see education opportunities expand.

“Believe me—today, he knows as a father what it means to want something better for your kids. Those are the experiences that have made him the man and the President he is today,” said Obama.

“All of this, all these wonderful accomplishments and so much more are all at stake this November,” said Obama. "It all boils down to one question: Are we going to continue the change we’ve begun?"

Editor's Note: This article has been updated to reflect a typo. We regret the error.