There is shade. And then, there are intricately constructed avenues of shade so dense that entire shadow-loving plants germinate, sprout and flourish at triple speed.

The latter is what Michelle Obama cast in the direction of Donald Trump on Monday night at the Democratic National Convention while reserving a special, at points emotional, type of praise for Hillary Clinton. Trump, an unnamed cartoon-character-like villain was referenced only indirectly as a kind of ego-driven, undisciplined potential president uninterested in both the rigors and goals of public service — a sharp and telling contrast to Clinton, according to Obama's speech.

The combination was enough to make Obama's the first speech of the night during which a mention of Clinton's name did not elicit cross chants and boos from Sanders supporters, according to several people in and around the convention hall.

Democratic National Convention 2016 in pictures Show all 15 1 /15 Democratic National Convention 2016 in pictures Democratic National Convention 2016 in pictures First Lady Michelle Obama called on Democratic party members to trust in the 'steady and measured' Mrs Clinton, in a speech critics described as "show-stealing" Getty Images Democratic National Convention 2016 in pictures The first day of the convention was attended by a vast crowd of approximately 50,000 as the event got into full swing in Philadelphia Getty Images Democratic National Convention 2016 in pictures Senator Bernie Sanders delivered an impassioned speech endorsing Mrs Clinton, and asking the party to unite for their prospective candidate REUTERS Democratic National Convention 2016 in pictures Two advocates of the former candidate Sanders were reduced to tears as details of an alleged conspiracy against his nomination were gradually revealed REUTERS Democratic National Convention 2016 in pictures Senator Elizabeth Warren was repeatedly heckled and booed as she endorsed Hillary Clinton for the Democratic presidential candidacy Getty Images Democratic National Convention 2016 in pictures Former president Bill Clinton (left) looks pensive as the resentment against his wife's nomination appeared to grow during day one of the convention Getty Images Democratic National Convention 2016 in pictures A Bernie Sanders supporter taped her mouth shut in protest against his perceived mistreatment at the hands of the Democratic party AFP/Getty Images Democratic National Convention 2016 in pictures Senator Cor Brooker called for unity within the party, saying: "We are called to be a nation of love" REUTERS Democratic National Convention 2016 in pictures Actress Eva Longoria gave a heartfelt speech in which she called upon members to trust in Mrs Clinton as their candidate Getty Images Democratic National Convention 2016 in pictures Senator Al Franken was joined on stage by comedian and actress Sarah Silverman, with critics praising their double act Getty Images Democratic National Convention 2016 in pictures Delegates danced joyously at the convention in the Wells Fargo Center as musical entertainment was provided Getty Images Democratic National Convention 2016 in pictures Pop singer Demi Lovato told the DNC she was "living with mental illness" before performing her hit single 'Confident' Getty Images Democratic National Convention 2016 in pictures Legendary singer-songwriter Paul Simon was another high-profile performer to entertain the crowd on day one Getty Images Democratic National Convention 2016 in pictures Anastasia Somoza, an international disability rights advocate, also delivered remarks on the first day of the convention Getty Images Democratic National Convention 2016 in pictures A delegate holds a sign that reads "Stronger together" as the first day of the convention drew to a close Getty Images

It was, to put it frankly, a rather skillful take down of one Donald J. Trump.

Obama started in the anodyne terrain of parenthood, leadership and behavior modeling. Obama wound up reminding America that hers is a country she knows to be imperfect but great precisely because she — a black woman and the descendant of slaves — wakes up in a grand national house built by slaves. That is how far the country's sometimes difficult to sustain or fulfill commitment to universal equality has brought us, Obama told those listening.

Why, the question was almost implied, would anyone think it would be a good idea to go in an entirely different direction now? In times of crisis, both Obama and Sen. Cory Booker (D-N.J.) said in separate speeches Monday night, the country has essentially doubled down on those ideas.

Who, really who, had any doubt at all that Obama was referring to Trump when she reminded America that complex problems are rarely resolved with simple solutions or absolute declarations and never properly handled in 140 characters or less?

There are reasons that a Boston Globe political cartoonist promptly dispatched an image in which the Trumps are seated in front of a TV with Michelle Obama on the screen. Donald Trump beseeches Melania Trump to stop taking notes.

This address is how political spouse speechmaking can and should be done.