Michelle Obama hits two fund-raisers: "Barack has been fighting for us."

Michelle Obama visited her hometown today to raise money at a pair of fund-raising events including one at Harpo Studios and another at the home of a Democratic mega donor.

The First Lady began her day at NBC Tower to tape the Steve Harvey Show, which is to air next Wednesday.

At the two fund-raisers, tickets started at $250.

At Harpo Studios, Mrs. Obama defended her husband’s administration, saying he helped create jobs at a time when the threat of depression loomed.

“Barack has been fighting for us. He has been struggling with us,” she said. “See, and together, slowly but surely we have been pulling ourselves out of that hole that we started in. For three-and-a-half years we’ve been moving forward and making progress and we’re beginning to see that change we all can believe in.”

“Like so many families in this country, our families weren’t asking for much. They didn’t want much. They didn’t begrudge anyone else’s success. They didn’t mind if others had much more than they did. In fact, they admired it. That’s why they pushed us,” she said. “They simply believe in that fundamental American promise that even if you don’t start out with much, if you work hard and do what you’re supposed to do then you should be able to build a decent life for yourself and an even better life for your kids and grandkids. And they believe that when you’ve worked hard and done well and walked through that doorway of opportunity, you don’t slam it shut behind you. You know, you reach back and give other folks the same chance.”