Is imitation really the sincerest form of flattery?
Social media exploded Monday night with allegations that Melania Trump borrowed part of her convention speech from First Lady Michelle Obama.
@TheDemocrats Melania Trump plagiarized Michelle Obama's 2008 speech..
— Precious Oladipo (@crystle_queen) July 19, 2016
Melania Trump plagiarized Michelle Obama's speech ?. #RNCinCLE
— Lily Yekoye (@LilyYekoye) July 19, 2016
That time you plagiarized a speech about hard work and honesty https://t.co/8eKFibRcL4
— Paul Blumenthal (@PaulBlu) July 19, 2016
Now we know why #MelaniaTrump had to hurry up and leave right after her speech - to put Sasha to Malia to bed #RNCinCLE
— David Zlutnick (@DavidZlutnick) July 19, 2016
The fact is, whether intentional or not, Melania Trump’s speech at the Republican National Convention bears a striking similarity to that of Michelle Obama’s in the 2008 Democratic National Convention.
See the similarities for yourself below, courtesy of Variety.
Melania Trump’s speech on Monday:
From a young age, my parents impressed on me the values that you work hard for what you want in life, that your word is your bond and you do what you say and keep your promise, that you treat people with respect. They taught and showed me values and morals in their daily life.
That is a lesson I continue to pass along to our son, and we need to pass those lessons on to the many generations to follow. Because we want our children in this nation to know is the only limits to your achievements is the strength of your dreams and your willingness to work for them.
Michelle Obama’s speech in 2008:
And Barack and I were raised with so many of the same values: that you work hard for what you want in life; that your word is your bond and you do what you say you’re going to do; that you treat people with dignity and respect, even if you don’t know them, and even if you don’t agree with them.
And Barack and I set out to build lives guided by these values, and pass them on to the next generation. Because we want our children — and all children in this nation — to know that the only limit to the height of your achievements is the reach of your dreams and your willingness to work for them.
Jason Miller, Senior Communications Advisor for the Trump campaign, released a statement addressing the speech's contents:
"In writing her beautiful speech, Melania's team of writers took notes on her life’s inspirations, and in some instances included fragments that reflected her own thinking. Melania’s immigrant experience and love for America shone through in her speech, which made it such a success.”
Plagiarized, or not? Your decision.
