PROVIDENCE, R.I.—Michelle Obama says she's always been proud of her country, but for the first time that includes its political process.
The wife of Democratic presidential candidate Barack Obama was in Rhode Island Wednesday, and tried to clarify a controversial remark she made earlier this week.
On Monday, she told an audience in Milwaukee that "For the first time in my adult life, I am really proud of my country. Not just because Barack is doing well, but I think people are hungry for change." Cindy McCain, wife of Republican presidential candidate John McCain, later sought to capitalize on the remark, saying "I have, and always will be, proud of my country."
When asked by WJAR-TV if she would like to clarify her comment, Obama replied that she has been struck by the number of people going to rallies and watching debates, as well as record voter turnouts.
"What I was clearly talking about was that I'm proud in how Americans are engaging in the political process," she said.
"For the first time in my lifetime, I'm seeing people rolling up their sleeves in a way that I haven't seen and really trying to figure this out -- and that's the source of pride that I was talking about," she added.
When asked if she had always been proud of her country, she replied "absolutely" and said she and her husband would not be where they are now if not for the possibilities of America.
Michelle Obama's visit comes two weeks before Rhode Island's March 4 primary. She was also attending a rally later in the day with her brother, Craig Robinson, the coach of the Brown University men's basketball team.
Republican presidential candidate John McCain visited the Ocean State last week and Obama's opponent, Hillary Clinton, is due here on Sunday.
