Michelle Obama knows he’s drawing a crowd, but at a rally in Michigan over the weekend, he fumbled and then introduced the Democratic nominee Kamala Harrisshe dressed for success while making it clear that Harris was the main event.

On Saturday night, Obama spoke before Harris at a rally in Kalamazoo, Michigan, dressed unlike we have seen her in recent years. This is the first time that Obama has joined the campaign as a speaker speech at the Democratic National Convention in Augustand this was not the same jovial warrior, clad in a navy blue armor-like Monse ensemble, that I had seen in Chicago. This wasn’t the jewel-toned, J.Crew-clad Obama of her White House years either, exuding capability and playfulness at the same time, approachability and practicality at the same time, a working mom at an extraordinary job. Saturday’s Obama was not the same as we saw her either book tour in 2018essential in canary yellow Balenciaga and sparkly thigh-high boots.

The former first lady took to the stage wearing a separate RTW Theory turtleneck print pantsuit over a black silk top paired with black pumps. She wore her hair braided back in a long, thick braid and kept her make-up minimal. Her deep blue manicure and bejeweled hoop earrings were her only concession to whimsy of any kind, perhaps a nod to the Democratic Party’s signature color, perhaps just the rationality of solid color theory to add some interest among all those neutrals .

It’s no mistake that we haven’t seen Obama take on Harris in nearly two months: He’s known to be a reluctant campaigner, despite his obvious public speaking skills and popularity. When Obama comes out, we know she means business, and her candid remarks in Michigan, reflecting the fear and distrust many feel living third. Donald Trump candidacy for as many elections, showed that.

“Why the hell is this race even close?” Obama asked the crowd. “I lay awake at night wondering what the hell was going on in the world.”

She implored the masses, again and again, to “do something” and pointed out the double standard Harris is being held to.

“Now, don’t get me wrong, voters have every right to ask tough questions of any candidate seeking office,” she said. “But can someone tell me why, once again, we’re holding Kamala to a higher standard than her opponent?” Harris, she said, is being asked to “prove over and over again that he belongs.”

“But for Trump, we expect nothing, no understanding of politics, no ability to put together a coherent argument, no honesty, no decency, no morals. Instead, too many people are willing to write off their childishness and meanness by saying, “Trump is just being Trump.” Instead of questioning his horrible behavior, some people think it’s funny.”

Obama flat out said he “hates politics” in his speech. This is a job for her, and a necessary job at that. He does it because he has to, a duty in the service of the democracy of this country, not because he wants to.