Boulder, Colo. (AP) Michelle Obama told 8,500 people at a rally in Boulder that her husband is the only candidate who understands the struggles of the middle class. She says it was only a few years ago that Barack Obama finished paying his student loans.

Michelle Obama encouraged the crowd at the University of Colorado on Wednesday to register to vote. She said they play an important role in deciding who becomes president.

She also underscored the importance of Colorado in the election.

Former Denver bronco Rod Smith, an Obama supporter, also spoke and urged students to register to vote before Monday's deadline.

CU said the crowd was the largest ever for Farrand Field, a sprawling lawn surrounded by dormitories.