As first ladies they could not have been more different.
But as Democrats looking to fire up women voters, Michelle Obama and Hillary Clinton were firmly bonded.
In their first joint appearance on the campaign trail, Mrs Obama and Clinton on Thursday talked up their shared respect, common values and singular goal - defeating Republican Donald Trump - and papered over a somewhat rocky history and their vastly different paths through public life.
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With Mrs Obama aiming to secure her husband's legacy and Clinton needing to drive women to the polls, the two women sought to celebrate their new political marriage of mutual interest, and reassure voters it's real.
"Seriously, is there anyone more inspiring than Michelle Obama?" Clinton asked, as a crowd in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, answered with cheers.
Mrs Obama declared the feeling mutual. She referred to Clinton as "my girl" and offered reassurance that her testimony for Clinton is both personal and political.
Since she's emerged as Clinton's headline-grabbing surrogate, people wonder one thing, Mrs. Obama noted.
"Yes, Hillary Clinton is my friend," she answered.
Even as she explained her passion for Clinton's bid on Thursday, Mrs Obama acknowledged she is a reluctant politician. "I would not be here," she said Thursday, if she didn't believe Clinton would be a president she would trust.
"I believe with all of my heart that Hillary Clinton will be that president," she said.
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Democrats have relished Mrs Obama's speeches in support of Clinton as high points of the campaign cycle.
Mrs Obama's passionate response to Trump's vulgar comments about women brought an emotional resonance to Clinton's bid that the candidate, who rarely gets personal on the stump, doesn't often deliver.
Mrs Obama's appearances have become a key part of Clinton's effort to fire up women - particularly black women, for whom she's a model and a source of pride.
The North Carolina event drew some 11,000 people, according to the fire marshal, one of largest crowds of Clinton's campaign. The audience roared as the two women walked onstage, turned to each other and embraced.
