Reflections on the 2016 Election: Michelle Obama’s speech in Phoenix All StoriesRebecca Noble10/20/20160 First Lady Michelle Obama speaks about the importance of maintaining hope and the nation as whole at the Phoenix Convention Center in Phoenix, Ariz. on Thursday, Oct. 20, 2016. (Photo by Rebecca Noble / Arizona Sonora News) A support waves a t-shirt reading “Madam President” at the Phoenix Convention Center in Phoenix, Ariz. on Thursday, Oct. 20, 2016. (Photo by Rebecca Noble / Arizona Sonora News) First Lady Michelle Obama speaks about the importance of maintaining hope and the nation as whole at the Phoenix Convention Center in Phoenix on Thursday, Oct. 20, 2016. (Photo by Rebecca Noble / Arizona Sonora News) Lady Michelle Obama greets an excited crowd at the Phoenix Convention Center in Phoenix on Thursday, Oct. 20, 2016. (Photo by Rebecca Noble / Arizona Sonora News) A supporter wearing a Clinton button looks on within the packed crowd for Michelle Obama’s speech at the Phoenix Convention Center in Phoenix on Thursday, Oct. 20, 2016. (Photo by Rebecca Noble / Arizona Sonora News) Congressman Ruben Gallego speaks to the crowd before Michelle Obama’s speech at the Phoenix Convention Center in Phoenix on Thursday, Oct. 20, 2016. (Photo by Rebecca Noble / Arizona Sonora News) Congressman Ruben Gallego speaks to the crowd before First Lady Michelle Obama’s speech at the Phoenix Convention Center in Phoenix, Ariz. on Thursday, Oct. 20, 2016. (Photo by Rebecca Noble / Arizona Sonora News) Arizona senate candidate Ann Kirkpatrick addresses the audience before Michelle Obama’s speech at the Phoenix Convention Center in Phoenix on Thursday, Oct. 20, 2016. (Photo by Rebecca Noble / Arizona Sonora News) Jeff Fisher, left, and Diana Vangellow, right, hold a sign together before Michelle Obama’s speech at the Phoenix Convention Center in Phoenix on Thursday, Oct. 20, 2016. “I think it’s wonderful to have a woman as the President, but that’s not the key issue,” said Fisher. “It is critical that we have the proper leadership in the world and we just want to make sure the most qualified person is able to lead our nation.” (Photo by Rebecca Noble / Arizona Sonora News) A Clinton support holds up signs before Michelle Obama’s speech at the Phoenix Convention Center in Phoenix on Thursday, Oct. 20, 2016. (Photo by Rebecca Noble / Arizona Sonora News) Derosette McClain (center) cheers before Michelle Obama’s speech at the Phoenix Convention Center in Phoenix on Thursday, Oct. 20, 2016. “Hillary has my full support,” said McClain. “The support, the encouragement she gives to women. It just doesn’t get any better.” (Photo by Rebecca Noble / Arizona Sonora News) “It’s the dirtiest [election] I’ve seen in my years. The most bitter and probably one of the most important. I think you’re seeing a real shift in the Republican party and I just think Trump is a nasty man. He’s anti-LGBT, anti-women, he lies.I wish Michelle were running and not Hillary, but given the choices – no question,” said Nick Leech of Peoria, Arizona. “I’m very proud that we’re going to have a woman the same age as me being the President and it’s time. I’m appalled at the hate and racism that has come out of friends and family people I know, well thought I knew, and [people] I don’t know,” said Vickie Wyatt, a Marine Corps veteran.## All photos may be reproduced, with credit to Rebecca Noble / Arizona Sonora News is credited. Download high resolution images here.