Michelle Obama Criticizes 'Disturbing and Hateful Rhetoric'

— -- First Lady Michelle Obama offered a comment, which could have been a rare critique of the Republican presidential primary, lamenting, "disturbing and hateful rhetoric."

“We think America is strongest when we recognize our many traditions, when we celebrate our diversity, and when we lift each other up," the First Lady said today at a White House celebration of the Persian holiday, Nowruz. "In times like these, when we’re hearing so much disturbing and hateful rhetoric, it is so important to remember that our diversity has been and will always be our greatest source of strength and pride here in the United States."

Michelle Obama's remarks, which did not directly reference the presidential race, were part of her speech for the holiday celebration marking the beginning of Spring and the start of the Persian new year.

This year's celebration of Nowruz was belated, since the holiday occurred on March 20. During the actual holiday, the first family was on a trip to Cuba and Argentina.