Michelle Obama returns to Chicago after DNC

ByLaura Podesta WLS logo
Wednesday, July 27, 2016
Michelle Obama in Chicago
First Lady Michelle Obama is back in town after delivering an inspiring speech in support of Hillary Clinton at the Democratic National Convention.

CHICAGO (WLS) -- Michelle Obama woke up Wednesday at the first family's home in Chicago's Kenwood neighborhood.

She flew back to the city one day after delivering a heartfelt and inspiring speech in support of Democratic Presidential Nominee Hillary Clinton at the Democratic National Convention in Philadelphia.

The speech, which many say will re-energized the Democratic Party, was one of the most talked-about at the convention so far.

WATCH: Michelle Obama's full speech at the Democratic National Convention

"My daughters, and all our sons and daughters, now take for granted that a woman can be president of the United States," the first lady said.

Meet the woman behind Michelle Obama's powerhouse DNC speech

The first lady's motorcade rolled in around 9:15 p.m. Tuesday. There was more security than normal around the Obamas' South Side home as they prepared for her arrival Tuesday. Secret Service officers, Chicago police and Illinois state troopers all stood guard.

Bomb-sniffing dogs circled vehicles trying to drive onto Greenwood Avenue near the Obama residence Wednesday. Pedestrians were also stopped and questioned before they were allowed onto the block.

White House officials have not said why Mrs. Obama is in Chicago or how long she plans to stay. Funmi Olopade, a friend of Mrs. Obama who lives on the same street, said she doesn't know why the first lady is in town.

"Anytime and every opportunity they have to come home, they come home. We are happy to welcome them to our street. Everyone was blown away by her speech," Olopade said. "She's a friend, a role model, an amazing woman."

Sources told ABC7 Eyewitness News the first lady will be in town for the remainder of the week, with no public schedule.

That means she'll be missing President Obama's speech in Philadelphia at the DNC Wednesday night and neighbors should expect police and the secret service to stick around for a few more days.

"I teach dance classes at the synagogue, which is right across from the house. I talk to the secret service when I go in there. They are all really nice," said Haley McElwee, a nanny.

Malia Obama was also in town Wednesday. She and a friend stopped by a Walgreens in Kenwood before their motorcade headed north on Lake Shore Drive.