Advance excerpts of Craig Robinson's remarks

Oregon State University basketball coach Craig Robinson will introduce his sister, Michelle Obama, tonight at the Democratic National Convention. Below are some advance excerpts from his prepared remarks. 

"But when I really think back, I can also see how the person she is today, was formed in the experiences we shared growing up: working hard, studying hard, having parents who wanted more for us than what they had. And always being reminded that in this country of all countries – those things were possible."

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"We lost my father in 1991.

And I know he’s looking down on us tonight, so proud of his daughter, not because of who she married, though he was a big fan of Barack – but because of the hard-working, brilliant woman she is, what she’s accomplished in her own right, the mother she’s become, and the values she’s instilled in her daughters.”
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“She has continued to follow that passion.  She gave up a job in a big law firm to work in her community. With a group called Public Allies, she trained a new generation of community leaders.

She developed the University of Chicago's community service center - connecting the university to the neighborhood that was blocks away - but often worlds away - from its gates.”
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“My sister had grown up hearing my father and me talk about how to judge a person’s character by what type of sportsman they are, so she asked me to take Barack to play basketball.

If you're looking for a political analysis based on his playing, here it is:  he's confident but not cocky, he'll take the shot if he's open, he's a team player who improves the people around him, and he won’t back down from any challenge.

Together, I've watched Barack and Michelle strengthen each other.  I've watched them create a home filled with love, and grounded in faith.

During challenging times I've watched Michelle and Barack stand by each other.  And I know, they'll stand by you -- the American people -- now and in the future."