Manafort’s explanation was obvious duh. “I love my mother, she is the salt of the earth and made me the person I am today” is not plagiarism it is common human experience.
The phrase “my word is my bond” did not belong to Michelle Obama.
Just silly.
It’s plain that the writer drew heavily on Obama’s speech. To deny it is silly.
There were at least 8 very similar sections/phrases, and the final sentences are nearly word-for-word identical.
I suspect sabotage.
The comparison is right after the picture of Donald & Melania.
The structure is what is most questionable. The words do not match up 100%.
But to me it is no big deal. Doesn't change how I feel about voting for Donald J. Trump. He will become our 45th President.