Melania Trump opens up about Donald's softer side in first primetime convention speech

Melania Trump made her primetime debut on the national stage Monday night, kicking off the Republican National Convention with a speech that extolled Donald Trump's strength as a leader and softer side as a loving and kind father and husband.

The former model, who was introduced by her husband as America's next first lady, spoke about her heritage and the pride she felt when becoming an American citizen almost ten years ago.

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"Only July 28, 2006, I was very proud to become a citizen of the United States," she said, describing the honor as "the greatest privilege on planet Earth" to cheers from the audience in Cleveland.

"I cannot or will not take the freedoms this country offers for granted, but these freedoms have come with a price so many times," she said.

See photos of Melania's big speech to the RNC:

Melania took the opportunity to highlight one of the handful of high-profile Republicans in the convention hall this year, as she thanked former presidential candidate Bob Dole for his service.

She also opened up about Trump's softer side, talking about his caring and loyal nature as a husband and a father -- while also describing him as a tough businessman who achieves results.

"Donald is intensely loyal to his family, to his friends, to his employees, and to his country," she said.

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She also made a point to open her husband's campaign to all Americans.

"Donald intends to represent all the people, not just some of the people," she said. "That includes Christians and Jews and Muslims. It includes Hispanics and African Americans and Asians and the poor and the middle class."