Women's rights took center stage at a Thursday campaign event in New Hampshire at which First Lady Michelle Obama delivered an impassioned speech denouncing sexism, using Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump's recent derogatory comments as an example.
On tape, Trump was caught advocating for sexual assault, explaining that when he wanted to date women, he could do anything including "grab them by the pussy." These comments were made 11 years ago and edited out of a taped Access Hollywood segment.
During her New Hampshire speech in support of Hillary Clinton, Obama's voice wavered with emotion recalling Trump's comments. "So many have worked for so many years to end this kind of violence and abuse and disrespect, but here we are in 2016 and we're hearing these exact same things every day of the campaign trail. We are drowning in it," the first lady said. "And all of us are doing what women have always done. We're trying to keep our heads above water. Just trying to get through it, trying to pretend like this doesn't really bother us. Maybe because we think that admitting how much it hurts makes us as women look weak. Maybe we're afraid to be that vulnerable."
Trump's bigotry has in fact elicited a backlash of vulnerability. Women began tweeting their experiences with sexual assault. Men are calling into radio stations and pledging to speak out next time they hear other men speaking about women in derogatory terms. Teens are talking about domestic violence in their locker rooms.
However, despite Trump's comments and prior and new allegations against of sexual assault against him, the presidential contest remains close, according to CNN polls.
"Too many are treating this as just another day's headline. As if our outrage is overblown or unwarranted," Obama said in her speech. She said Trump's comments are "disgraceful," regardless of his party affiliation. "None of us deserve this kind of abuse. And I know it's a campaign, but this isn't about politics. It's about basic human decency," she said.
Obama warned that electing Trump would send a message that it is OK to treat women with disrespect and that this message would resonate around the world.
"Because for so long America has been a model for countries across the globe -- pushing them to educate their girls, insisting that they give more rights to their women. But if we have a president who routinely degrades women, who brags about sexually assaulting women, then how can we maintain our moral authority in the world?"
In her speech she encouraged voters to rise up in support of Clinton to ensure that "values of equality and opportunity and sacrifice that have always made this country the greatest nation on earth" are preserved. Watch a clip below.
Michelle Obama Slams Trump's "Sexually Predatory Behavior"
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