The Jewish speechwriter behind Michelle Obama's address to the Democratic National Convention has revealed how she penned the emotional address.

Sarah Hurwitz has worked with Mrs Obama for nearly seven years.

The speech the First Lady delivered on Monday night was hailed as a high point of this week's convention and sent her popularity soaring.

Mrs Obama appeared close to tears as she described her family's time in the White House and told delegates: "I wake up every morning in a house that was built by slaves."

Ms Hurwitz, a 38-year-old Harvard law graduate, worked as Hillary Clinton's chief speechwriter in 2008 before being asked to join Barack Obama's team. She now works permanently for Mrs Obama.

She said she had looked to change the view of Mrs Obama after a period where she had been portrayed as angry, elitist and unpatriotic.

Ms Hurwitz told the Washington Post: "As I write for her now, I'm sort of editing the speech with her voice in my head because she's given me so much feedback over the years and been so clear about what she wants."

Ms Hurwitz, who spends her time outside work taking Judaism classes, said Mrs Obama always knew her own mind and was clear on what points she wanted to make in an address.

Meanwhile Mrs Clinton's choice of running mate is a long-standing vocal supporter of Israel.

Tim Kaine, a Virginia senator, has met Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu three times in as many years and last visited Israel in January.

During the trip he emphasised the importance of Israeli security and a two-state solution.

As a member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, Mr Kaine co-sponsored a resolution celebrating the accomplishments of the US-Israel economic partnership.

Speaking after the resolution was passed, he praised the "innovative, entrepreneurial spirit of the Israeli people".

He has also spoken at Jewish American Heritage Month events for the past two years.