First Lady Michelle Obama misspoke several times Friday afternoon, while campaigning for the Democratic U.S. Senate candidate at a Drake University ‘Get Out the Vote’ rally in Des Moines.
She referred to Congressman Bruce Braley, as "Bruce Bailey" in front of a crowd of about 1,200 people.
“If you want a leader who shares your values and will stand up for your families in Washington,” said Obama, “then you need to elect Bruce Bailey to the U.S. Senate.”
The crowd eventually corrected the first lady while she was giving out the candidate’s website.
“Braley. What did I say?” asked Obama. “I’m getting old. I’ve been traveling too much.”
Obama’s visit is part of a Midwest tour. Earlier this week she campaigned for Democratic candidates in Michigan, Wisconsin and Illinois.
In an email, University of Northern Iowa political scientist Donna Hoffman says Obama’s visit is about energizing the Democratic base.
“It is not unusual for first ladies, who are often more popular than their husbands, to hit the campaign trail, especially in midterm elections where often the partisan base needs to be reminded of the importance of turning out to vote.”
Gallup puts the first lady's favorability rating at good 20 points higher than her husband's job approval rating.
Braley is running against state Sen. Joni Ernst in a tight race Democrats desperately hope to win to maintain control of the U.S. Senate.