Michelle and Ann, Secret Weapons in US Election

To American voters, Michelle Obama and Ann Romney embody starkly different ideals of womanhood -- and both of them are hugely popular, as much or more than the men they are try to help elect.

Published

7 months ago

Categories

US

Topics

US Politics, United States

People

Barack Obama, Michelle Obama, Mitt Romney, Ann Romney

Places

United States of America

Transcript

SCRIPT: Who will America's next First Lady be -- Michelle Obama or Ann Romney? As their two husbands make the final sprint to the White House, their secret weapons are always by their side. Decked out in red, Ann Romney stood out at the Republican convention with her memorable speech. The 63-year-old mother of five sons was the picture of a perfect housewife, with absolute faith in her multi-millionaire husband. SOUNDBITE 1 Ann Romney (woman), Wife of Mitt Romney (English, 3 sec): “This is the man America needs." And she's the woman Mitt needs to soften his cold, corporate image. Ann charms crowds with her maternal warmth, and helps humanize Mitt -- with stories of his support during her bouts with breast cancer and multiple sclerosis. SOUNDBITE 2 Ann Romney (woman), Wife of Mitt Romney (English, 12 sec): "I want you to hear what I'm going to say: Mitt doesn't like to talk about how he's helped others, because he sees it as a privilege, not a political talking point." Michelle Obama also puts in the work as one half of the world's ultimate power couple. The Harvard-trained lawyer came reluctantly into politics, but now is a force in her own right on the campaign trail. Like Barack, Michelle comes from a humble background -- a past she isn’t shy about sharing. SOUNDBITE 3 Michelle Obama (woman), First Lady of the United States (English, 13 sec): "Your president knows what it means when a family struggles. This is not a hypothetical situation for him. He knows what it means to want something better for your kids and your grandkids. That's why I love him. That's why I married him." 48 years old, Michelle Obama is a modern mother -- both career-driven and physically fit. Along with raising her two daughters, she's leading programs to fight childhood obesity and poverty. SOUNDBITE 4 Michelle Obama (woman), First Lady of the United States (English, 13 sec): "You can be the generation that brings opportunity and prosperity to forgotten corners of the world and banishes hunger from this continent forever." As First Lady she's become a global fashion icon. The whole world watches what Michelle wears, and they're now watching Ann too. But beyond setting style trends, these two women could this year influence which husband voters choose. -------------- SHOTLIST: BOCA RATON, FLORIDA, OCTOBER 22, 2012, SOURCE: US POOL **NO RESALE for non-editorial purposes** - WS of the room where the third and final presidential debate was just held with both candidates on stage with their wives - andidates shake hands, to applause - Michelle Obama and Ann Romney come on stage, hug spouses TAMPA, AUGUST 28, 2012, SOURCE: POOL **NO RESALE for non-editorial use** - various shots of Mitt Romney joining Ann Romney onstage - various shots of Ann Romney onstage during her speech - shots of the audience SOUNDBITE 1 Ann Romney CHANTILLY, VIRGINIA, MAY 2, 2012, SOURCE: AFPTV - shots of Mitt Romney and Ann Romney during a campaign stop - shot of Ann waving to the cameras as the car departs DES MOINES, IOWA, JANUARY 3, 2012, SOURCE: AFPTV - shot of Mitt hugging Ann after a speech TAMPA, AUGUST 28, 2012, SOURCE: POOL **NO RESALE for non-editorial purposes** SOUNDBITE 2 Ann Romney - shots of audience listening WASHINGTON, JULY 2012, SOURCE: POOL **NO RESALE non-editorial purposes** - Barack and Michelle Obama kissing during a basketball game DUBUQUE, IOWA, AUGUST 15, 2012, SOURCE: POOL **NO RESALE for non-editorial purposes** - various shots of Barack and Michelle Obama walking onstage, hugging each other SOUNDBITE 3 Michelle Obama LONDON, JULY 27, 2012, SOURCE: AFPTV - shot of Michelle Obama running toward the stage - shot of Michelle waving to Olympic athletes WASHINGTON, APRIL 9, 2012, SOURCE: POOL **NO RESALE for non-editorial purposes** - shot of the Obama family during an Easter celebration WASHINGTON, OCTOBER 11, 2011, SOURCE: POOL **NO RESALE for non-editorial purposes** - shot of Michelle Obama exercising with kids in front of the White House SOWETO, SOUTH AFRICA, JUNE 22, 2011, SOURCE: AFPTV - shot of youths listening to Michelle Obama SOUNDBITE 4 Michelle Obama - shot of Michelle Obama walking with Nelson Mandela's wife RICHMOND, VIRGINIA, MAY 5, 2012, SOURCE: AFPTV - shots of Michelle Obama arriving onstage, waving to a crowd TAMPA, AUGUST 30, 2012, SOURCE: POOL **NO RESALE for non-editorial purposes** - shot of Ann Romney onstage with Mitt Romney after his final speech at the Republican convention