Michelle Speaks of Obama's Personal Side

• Speech designed to humanize husband, attract skeptical voters

Michelle Obama declared "I love this country" on Monday as she sought to reassure the country that she and her husband Barack share Americans' bedrock values and belief in a dream of a better future.

In the first major address at the Democratic National Convention, Michelle Obama described herself as a daughter, a sister, a wife and a mother, "how this time, we decided to stop doubting and to start dreaming," she said.

Barack Obama has repeatedly faced questions about whether he is a real American.

Republicans have criticized her comments earlier this year that she was "really proud" of her country for the first time in her adult life. Her answer at the convention was to express her love of country.

The Obamas' two daughters joined their mother on stage after the speech as Stevie Wonder's Isn't She Lovely blared inside the convention hall.

They spoke to Barack Obama,who appeared by satellite connection from Missouri.

"Barack doesn't care where you're from, or what your background is, or what party- if any- you belong to. That's not how he sees the world", she said. "He knows that thread that connects us - our belief in America's promise, our commitment to our children's future - is strong enough to hold us together as one nation even when we disagree."

She also described her husband's upbringing by a  single mother and grandparents who "scrimped and saved so that he could have opportunities they never had themselves".

Michelle Obama did not explicitly address race, but allaying concerns among white voters was part of the strategy for the first black nominee of a major party.

She said little about his policies beyond quickely mentioning his goal of ending the Iraq war, improving the economy and providing health care for those who need it.