Philadelphia (CNN) Michelle Obama cast the presidential race as one between a positive role model for children -- in Hillary Clinton -- and a damaging one -- in Donald Trump -- in the marquee speech on the Democratic National Convention's opening night.

The first lady never mentioned Trump by name, but leveraging her popularity, she made a rare, if not unprecedented, foray into partisan politics to knock the Republican nominee.

Obama condemned "the hateful language that we hear from public figures on TV," saying that "our motto is, when they go low, we go high."

And in a shot at Trump's "Make America Great Again" campaign slogan, Obama discussed raising her children in a White House that was built by slaves.

"Don't let anyone tell you that this country isn't great. This right now is the greatest country on earth," the first lady said.

Obama electrified the crowd at the Wells Fargo Arena in Philadelphia, taking the stage just after 10 p.m. ET and -- in a departure from the political attacks on display all day -- making the case that, because of her character and temperament, Clinton is the role model she'd like her daughters to see in the Oval Office.

Even Trump, who Obama was implicitly criticizing, praised her remarks.

"I thought her delivery was excellent," Trump told The Hollywood Reporter . "I thought she did a very good job. I liked her speech."

It was a remarkable embrace of the prime-time stage for Obama, who was reluctant about the spotlight that came when her husband, then-Illinois Sen. Barack Obama, launched his presidential campaign against Clinton in 2007.

"To understand the journey she's taken as a reluctant conscript on the public scene, to come here and command that stage the way she did tonight was extraordinary -- and I think did for Hillary Clinton what no one else has done to this point," said David Axelrod, a top Obama strategist on the 2008 campaign and now a CNN political commentator.

Photos: The Democratic National Convention Hillary Clinton, the Democratic Party's presidential nominee, takes the stage before giving a speech Thursday at the Democratic National Convention in Philadelphia. Hide Caption 1 of 76 Photos: The Democratic National Convention Clinton walks on stage with her running mate, U.S. Sen. Tim Kaine. Hide Caption 2 of 76 Photos: The Democratic National Convention Balloons fall from the ceiling of the Wells Fargo Center after Clinton's speech. Hide Caption 3 of 76 Photos: The Democratic National Convention Clinton arrives for her speech. Hide Caption 4 of 76 Photos: The Democratic National Convention During her speech, Clinton ripped into Republican nominee Donald Trump for his convention pitch "I alone can fix it." She said: "He's forgetting every last one of us. Americans don't say: 'I alone can fix it.' We say: 'We'll fix it together.' " Hide Caption 5 of 76 Photos: The Democratic National Convention Clinton acknowledges the crowd before her speech. Hide Caption 6 of 76 Photos: The Democratic National Convention Clinton's husband, former U.S. President Bill Clinton, applauds along with their daughter, Chelsea. Hide Caption 7 of 76 Photos: The Democratic National Convention Clinton is the first woman in U.S. history to lead the presidential ticket of a major political party. "It's true," she said in her speech, "I sweat the details of policy -- whether we're talking about the exact level of lead in the drinking water in Flint, Michigan; the number of mental health facilities in Iowa; or the cost of your prescription drugs. ... Because it's not just a detail if it's your kid, if it's your family. It's a big deal. And it should be a big deal to your President." Hide Caption 8 of 76 Photos: The Democratic National Convention Clinton gives a thumbs-up to the crowd. Hide Caption 9 of 76 Photos: The Democratic National Convention Clinton embraces her daughter before speaking. Hide Caption 10 of 76 Photos: The Democratic National Convention Bill Clinton becomes emotional Thursday as he listens to Chelsea introduce her mother. Hide Caption 11 of 76 Photos: The Democratic National Convention Chelsea Clinton said her mother is a "listener and a doer, a woman driven by compassion, by faith, by kindness, a fierce sense of justice, and a heart full of love." Hide Caption 12 of 76 Photos: The Democratic National Convention Singer Katy Perry performs "Rise" on Thursday. Hide Caption 13 of 76 Photos: The Democratic National Convention Khizr Khan holds his personal copy of the U.S. Constitution as he speaks Thursday. His son, Humayun S. M. Khan, was one of the 14 American Muslims who have died serving their country since 9/11. In his remarks, Khan criticized the Republican nominee: "If it was up to Donald Trump, (my son) never would have been in America. ... Donald Trump, you are asking Americans to trust you with our future. Let me ask you: Have you even read the U.S. Constitution? I will gladly lend you my copy." Hide Caption 14 of 76 Photos: The Democratic National Convention Basketball legend Kareem Abdul-Jabbar talks at the convention on Thursday. Hide Caption 15 of 76 Photos: The Democratic National Convention House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi speaks to the crowd at the Wells Fargo Center. Hide Caption 16 of 76 Photos: The Democratic National Convention Delegates cheer on Thursday. Hide Caption 17 of 76 Photos: The Democratic National Convention LGBT rights activist Sarah McBride takes the stage. Hide Caption 18 of 76 Photos: The Democratic National Convention Delegates hold up signs in support of presidential nominee Hillary Clinton. Hide Caption 19 of 76 Photos: The Democratic National Convention Clinton and U.S. President Barack Obama wave to the crowd Wednesday after Obama gave a speech. Hide Caption 20 of 76 Photos: The Democratic National Convention Obama and Clinton hug after Obama's speech. Hide Caption 21 of 76 Photos: The Democratic National Convention Obama and Clinton acknowledge the crowd. Hide Caption 22 of 76 Photos: The Democratic National Convention Clinton points to Obama as she walks on stage after his speech. Hide Caption 23 of 76 Photos: The Democratic National Convention Delegates stand as Obama speaks. Hide Caption 24 of 76 Photos: The Democratic National Convention "This year, in this election, I'm asking you to join me -- to reject cynicism, reject fear, to summon what's best in us; to elect Hillary Clinton as the next President of the United States, and show the world we still believe in the promise of this great nation," Obama said. Hide Caption 25 of 76 Photos: The Democratic National Convention Obama told the crowd at the Wells Fargo Center that he is "more optimistic about the future of America than ever before." He contrasted it with the "pessimistic vision" of America he heard during the Republican convention last week. "There were no serious solutions to pressing problems -- just the fanning of resentment, and blame, and anger, and hate," he said. Hide Caption 26 of 76 Photos: The Democratic National Convention Obama said Clinton is more ready than he was to become President. "For four years, I had a front-row seat to her intelligence, her judgment and her discipline," Obama said, referring to her stint as secretary of state. Hide Caption 27 of 76 Photos: The Democratic National Convention The crowd welcomes Obama. Hide Caption 28 of 76 Photos: The Democratic National Convention Clinton's running mate, Tim Kaine, waves to the crowd along with his wife, Anne Holton, after giving a speech on Wednesday. Hide Caption 29 of 76 Photos: The Democratic National Convention During his speech, Kaine said: "Hillary Clinton and I are compañeros del alma. We share this belief: Do all the good you can. And serve one another. Pretty simple. That's what I'm about. That's what you're about. That's what Bernie Sanders is about. That's what Joe Biden is about. That's what Barack and Michelle Obama are about. And that's what Hillary Clinton is about." Hide Caption 30 of 76 Photos: The Democratic National Convention Delegates hold posters during Kaine's speech. Hide Caption 31 of 76 Photos: The Democratic National Convention Kaine comes out to the stage on Wednesday. Hide Caption 32 of 76 Photos: The Democratic National Convention Former U.S. President Bill Clinton, right, cheers during the speech of former New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg. Hide Caption 33 of 76 Photos: The Democratic National Convention "I understand the appeal of a businessman President. But Trump's business plan is a disaster in the making," said Bloomberg, an independent. He said the Republican nominee is a "risky, reckless, and radical choice." Hide Caption 34 of 76 Photos: The Democratic National Convention U.S. Vice President Joe Biden also went after Trump, saying "this guy doesn't have a clue about the middle class -- not a clue. Actually, he has no clue, period." Hide Caption 35 of 76 Photos: The Democratic National Convention Biden walks to the podium before delivering his speech. Hide Caption 36 of 76 Photos: The Democratic National Convention A delegate wears a Bernie Sanders mask on Wednesday. Sanders finished second to Clinton in the presidential primaries. Hide Caption 37 of 76 Photos: The Democratic National Convention Broadway performers sing "What the World Needs Now Is Love" on Wednesday. Hide Caption 38 of 76 Photos: The Democratic National Convention Former U.S. Rep. Gabby Giffords waves to the audience before speaking on Wednesday. Hide Caption 39 of 76 Photos: The Democratic National Convention People hold up prints that pay respect to those who were killed in the Charleston, South Carolina, church shooting of June 2015. Two survivors of the shooting were speaking to the crowd. Hide Caption 40 of 76 Photos: The Democratic National Convention A delegate wears stickers in support of Clinton. Hide Caption 41 of 76 Photos: The Democratic National Convention Senate Minority Leader Harry Reid is escorted to the podium by his wife, Landra, on Wednesday. Hide Caption 42 of 76 Photos: The Democratic National Convention Clinton appears live on a video screen Tuesday night. Just a few hours earlier, she officially became the party's presidential nominee. She is the first woman to lead a major party's presidential ticket. "I can't believe we just put the biggest crack in that glass ceiling yet," she told the crowd. Hide Caption 43 of 76 Photos: The Democratic National Convention Actress Meryl Streep addresses the crowd before Clinton's video message. Streep said Clinton will be the first female President of the United States, "but she won't be the last." Hide Caption 44 of 76 Photos: The Democratic National Convention Former U.S. President Bill Clinton waves to the crowd before giving a speech on Tuesday. Hide Caption 45 of 76 Photos: The Democratic National Convention The former President told the crowd about how he met his wife for the first time. He also called her "the best damn change-maker I've ever met in my entire life." Hide Caption 46 of 76 Photos: The Democratic National Convention Bill Clinton arrives on stage to give his speech. In his speech, he portrayed his wife as a woman who tirelessly ran a family and a career. "She always wants to move the ball forward," he said. "That is just who she is." Hide Caption 47 of 76 Photos: The Democratic National Convention Former U.S. secretary of state Madeleine Albright waves to the crowd after speaking on Tuesday. Hide Caption 48 of 76 Photos: The Democratic National Convention Former Vermont Gov. Howard Dean re-enacts his infamous "Dean Scream" during his speech. Hide Caption 49 of 76 Photos: The Democratic National Convention Actresses America Ferrera, right, and Lena Dunham walk on stage to deliver remarks. Hide Caption 50 of 76 Photos: The Democratic National Convention Florida delegate Bernard Jennings holds a cardboard cutout of Hillary Clinton over the face of his young son Ethan on Tuesday. Hide Caption 51 of 76 Photos: The Democratic National Convention "Mothers of the Movement" -- mothers whose unarmed children have been killed by law enforcement or due to gun violence -- take the stage Tuesday. Hide Caption 52 of 76 Photos: The Democratic National Convention Actress Elizabeth Banks walks onto the stage Tuesday. Hide Caption 53 of 76 Photos: The Democratic National Convention U.S. Sen. Bernie Sanders waves to the crowd after the Vermont delegation cast its roll-call votes Tuesday. Hide Caption 54 of 76 Photos: The Democratic National Convention Sanders smiles while attending roll call. He moved to name Clinton the official nominee. Hide Caption 55 of 76 Photos: The Democratic National Convention The crowd cheers after Clinton was formally nominated. Hide Caption 56 of 76 Photos: The Democratic National Convention A delegate cries during the roll-call vote Tuesday. Hide Caption 57 of 76 Photos: The Democratic National Convention A staff member tallies Alabama's votes during roll call on Tuesday. Hide Caption 58 of 76 Photos: The Democratic National Convention Delegates hold up signs referring to Indiana Gov. Mike Pence, the running mate of Republican nominee Donald Trump. Hide Caption 59 of 76 Photos: The Democratic National Convention Sanders delivers the headline speech on Monday. "I understand that many people here in this convention hall and around the country are disappointed about the final results of the nominating process," Sanders said. "I think it's fair to say that no one is more disappointed than I am. But to all of our supporters -- here and around the country -- I hope you take enormous pride in the historical accomplishments we have achieved." Hide Caption 60 of 76 Photos: The Democratic National Convention Sanders spoke out against Republican nominee Donald Trump and said Clinton must become President. "If you don't believe this election is important, if you think you can sit it out, take a moment to think about the Supreme Court justices that Donald Trump would nominate and what that would mean to civil liberties, equal rights and the future of our country," Sanders said. Hide Caption 61 of 76 Photos: The Democratic National Convention Sanders acknowledges the crowd at the Wells Fargo Center. Hide Caption 62 of 76 Photos: The Democratic National Convention U.S. Sen. Elizabeth Warren talks to the crowd in Philadelphia. "We are not going to be Donald Trump's hate-filled America," she said. "Not now. Not ever." Hide Caption 63 of 76 Photos: The Democratic National Convention First lady Michelle Obama gives a speech. "This election -- every election -- is about who will have the power to shape our children for the next four or eight years of our lives," she said. "And I am here tonight because in this election, there is only one person who I trust with that responsibility -- only one person who I believe is truly qualified to be President of the United States. And that is our friend, Hillary Clinton." Hide Caption 64 of 76 Photos: The Democratic National Convention Obama waves to the crowd. Hide Caption 65 of 76 Photos: The Democratic National Convention In his speech Monday, U.S. Sen. Cory Booker included a message about togetherness. "Patriotism is love of country. But you can't love your country without loving your countrymen and countrywomen," he said. Hide Caption 66 of 76 Photos: The Democratic National Convention Singer Paul Simon performs "Bridge Over Troubled Water." Hide Caption 67 of 76 Photos: The Democratic National Convention Delegates hold up signs Monday. Hide Caption 68 of 76 Photos: The Democratic National Convention U.S. Sen. Al Franken appears on stage with comedian Sarah Silverman. Franken, of course, has a comedic background as well, having once starred on "Saturday Night Live." Hide Caption 69 of 76 Photos: The Democratic National Convention Anastasia Somoza, an advocate for people with disabilities, comes out to speak. Hide Caption 70 of 76 Photos: The Democratic National Convention Former pro basketball players Jason Collins, left, and Jarron Collins wave to the crowd. Jason Collins, the first openly gay player in the NBA, said he told the Clintons about his sexual orientation before coming out publicly. Hide Caption 71 of 76 Photos: The Democratic National Convention A delegate wears a pin showing her support of Clinton. Hide Caption 72 of 76 Photos: The Democratic National Convention Delegates hold signs reading "Love trumps hate" on Monday. Hide Caption 73 of 76 Photos: The Democratic National Convention A delegate supports Sanders at the convention. Hide Caption 74 of 76 Photos: The Democratic National Convention Tape on a delegate's mouth makes a statement Monday about the Democratic National Committee. Recently leaked committee emails appeared to show favoritism toward Clinton in the primary race, and many Sanders supporters entered the convention upset. The controversy has caused Debbie Wasserman Schultz to step down as the committee's chairwoman at the end of the convention. Hide Caption 75 of 76 Photos: The Democratic National Convention Members of the media stand during the event. Hide Caption 76 of 76

Symone Sanders, former national press secretary for the Bernie Sanders campaign, praised Obama's speech for its historical significance.

"The Obamas were the first African-American First Family that we had and they did not eradicate racism in this country. We do not live in this post-racial society, where race doesn't matter, where the struggle is not there for people of color in this country," she told CNN's Chris Cuomo Tuesday on "New Day."

"And I think Michelle Obama went up on that stage and embodied everything that is great about America," Sanders added. "She gave us hope but she also told us we still have work to do."

New Jersey Sen. Cory Booker, who spoke before Obama, praised her speech for its "spirit."

"She spoke from the heart. You felt her energy. You felt her spirit," he said Tuesday on "New Day."

"I think that what people expected was a speech but what they really got was a sharing, a convening of spirit. And when she talked about her kids, that really affected me."

The first lady began discussing watching her daughters grow up in the White House -- saying she remembers watching them go off to school for the first time.

"At that moment, I realized that our time in the White House would form the foundation for who they would become, and how we managed this experience could truly make or break them," she said.

She added: "This election -- every election -- is about who will have the power to shape our children for the next four or eight years of our lives. And I am here tonight because in this election, there is only one person who I trust with that responsibility -- only one person who I believe is truly qualified to be President of the United States. And that is our friend, Hillary Clinton."

Obama told the electrified audience that "we are always stronger together," saying she wants a president "who will teach our children that everyone in this country matters."

"I am here tonight because I know that that is the kind of president that Hillary Clinton will be, and that's why in this election, I'm with her," Obama said.

JUST WATCHED Who to watch in DNC prime time Replay More Videos ... MUST WATCH Who to watch in DNC prime time 01:46

In a nod to Clinton's historic status as the first female presumptive nominee of a major U.S. political party, she said: "Because of Hillary Clinton, my daughters, and all our sons and daughters, now take for granted that a woman can be president of the United States."

She called Clinton "a leader who will be guided every day by the love and hope and impossibly big dreams that we all have for our children."

Temperament and experience is something Michelle Obama has been referencing a lot these days -- dipping her toe into 2016 politics by taking veiled shots at Donald Trump in speeches over the past few months.

"Right now, when we're hearing so much disturbing and hateful rhetoric, it is so important to remember that our diversity has been -- and will always be -- our greatest source of strength and pride here in the United States," Mrs. Obama said at a Nowruz celebration at the White House in April.

"Here in America, we don't give in to our fears. We don't build up walls to keep people out," she said during a commencement address at City College of New York this June.

Powerful surrogate

Michelle Obama is seen as having a unique and essential role to play for Clinton, key to keeping the Obama coalition of women, African Americans, Hispanics and young people engaged.

First lady Michelle Obama waves to the crowd before delivering remarks on the first day of the Democratic National Convention at the Wells Fargo Center, July 25, 2016 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

‎The first lady could turn into a powerful surrogate to boost the presumptive Democratic nominee, with her high favorability ratings.

"I think Hillary Clinton is a phenomenal woman," the first lady said when asked about her at a White House event in April, "and I've gotten to know her, and I think she's made some pretty major contributions over the course of her life."

However, she took the stage to make the case for a woman she hasn't always supported.

During the bruising 2008 Democratic primary fight, Michelle Obama often took veiled swipes at her husband's opponent.

"They said there was an inevitable candidate, that there was someone who was going to make this race virtually impossible. And I thought, wow, it's over already?" Obama said in an interview with CBS in the fall of 2007, in the throes of the Democratic primary.

"So, our view is that if you can't run your own house, you certainly can't run the White House," Michelle Obama said from the campaign trail in the early state of Iowa in August of 2007.

JUST WATCHED Michelle Obama: I wake up in a house built by slaves Replay More Videos ... MUST WATCH Michelle Obama: I wake up in a house built by slaves 01:19

But theirs was a relationship that grew once the campaign came to a close.

Shortly after Hillary Clinton suspended her campaign and endorsed then-Sen. Barack Obama, Michelle praised Clinton for the way she came around to supporting her husband.

"From the minute after this was done, right, she has always been just cordial and open. I've called her. I've talked to her. She's given me advice about the kids," Obama told Larry King in October of 2008, "We've talked at length about this kind of stuff, how you feel, how you react. She has been amazing. She is a real pro and a woman with character."

The convention stage is a platform that Obama is familiar with by now, delivering high-profile speeches in both the 2008 and 2012 conventions for her husband, speeches that drew heavily on the Obama family's personal story.

"Every step of the way since that clear day, February, 19 months ago, when, with little more than our faith in each other and a hunger for change, we joined my husband, Barack Obama, on the improbable journey that has led us to this moment," Mrs. Obama said in Denver at the DNC in 2008. "But each of us comes here also by way of our own improbable journey."

She hit similar themes, weaving in their personal narrative, four years later.

"Barack knows the American Dream because he's lived it and he wants everyone in this country to have that same opportunity, no matter who we are, or where we're from, or what we look like, or who we love," she said in 2012 in Charlotte.