As millions of people watched the Democratic and Republican National Conventions on their televisions and computers, arguably the most buzzed-about speeches were not from the candidates themselves, but from their wives.

Now, party members believe in their presidential nominee, but they have also come to believe in his other half. Despite the highly divisive nature of this campaign, both

Michelle Obama and Ann Romney had the same goals when talking about their husbands. While the candidates are expected to focus on their party’s platform and to attack their opponents, the spouses can focus on less partisan topics, like morality and patriotism. They serve as glorified cheerleaders in political pep rallies.

Both Michelle Obama and Ann Romney emphasized their husbands’ trustworthiness and compassion for everyday Americans.

“I see the concern in his eyes and hear the determination in his voice,” Michelle Obama said of the presidential incumbent.

If each first lady (Ann Romney is the former first lady of Massachusetts) is to be believed, her husband is the only one who will preserve the American Dream, and both women offer a message along the lines of “Think of the children!”

A clear narrative emerged from each speech, one of a man who came from a good upbringing and ran for office to make his country a better place. Each wife described humble beginnings early on as a young married couple.

According to them, Barack and Mitt are still the same men they were before getting into politics, and are still committed to their families.

Having significant others give speeches at conventions is a relatively new concept, so the level of rhetoric expected is not clearly established.

Even with similar messages, Ann Romney’s speech was stylistically less formal than Michelle Obama’s, which was praised in the ratings.

Since there is not much of a precedent to follow, neither first lady was doing it incorrectly. To be fair, Michelle Obama had the benefit of previous experience, having spoken at the DNC in 2008.

Both Michelle’s and Ann’s speeches fired up audience members in their respective convention centers. Of course, these women wanted to give a shout-out to the female constituents.

“I love you women!” Ann Romney said with singsong enthusiasm. In an unexpected move, Michelle Obama made allusions to gay rights and marriage equality in her speech. Both ladies ended with the standard, “God bless you, and God bless America.”

Many people found these speeches to be fascinating, because the candidates’ spouses emerged from the background and reminded us that, at the end of the day, these politicians are real people with real families. Married couples are usually ideologically compatible, so chances are, if you like what one says, you will probably like what the other says.

Plus, if his own life partner doesn’t support the campaign, who will?