U.S. First Lady Michelle Obama was preaching to the converted at the opening night of the Democratic National Convention.<br/> <br />But she wooed her husband's supporters nevertheless with the speech that kicked off the three-day convention.<br/> <br />The first lady spoke of the challenges facing the nation and the administration, and the need to move forward.<br/> <br />She urged voters to give president Barack Obama another term and recalled personal anecdotes from her early days with him.<br/> <br />As audience members left the convention centre in Charlotte, North Carolina, they were aglow with praise for Michelle.<br/> <br />(SOUNDBITE) (English) CHARLETA PIERCE, DELEGATE, SAYING:<br/> <br />"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."<br/> <br />(SOUNDBITE) (English) JOE RUGOLA, OHIO DELEGATE SAYING:<br/> <br />"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"<br/> <br />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.<br/> <br />But just nine weeks before the elections, the race is close with Republican candidate Mitt Romney.
