A group of high-profile female Democratic politicians gathered to speak at the DNC Women’s Caucus. Among these women was Michelle Obama, the wife of Presidential nominee Senator Barack Obama (D-IL). Also in attendence at the caucus was Senator Barbara Boxer (D-CA), who emphasized Senator John McCain’s (R-AZ) negative voting record on issues such as abortion rights and equal pay for women. She stated that he has a “zero-percent voting record in favor of issues important to women.” Boxer declared, “[Obama] is a hero, McCain is a zero.”

During the caucus, a group of anti-abortion protesters broke into the meeting. Every delegate in attendence stood up and started chanting “Obama.”

Congresswomen Debbie Wasserman Schultz (D-FL) and Rosa DeLauro (D-CT) drew attention to the importance of the female vote in the coming election: DeLauro stated “[women] set the agenda, and [women] make history,” referring to the so-called gender gap (in which women are more likely to vote for a Democratic candidate, and influence the election) in the current world of politics .

Mrs. Obama cited the hardships Senator Obama watched his hard-working mother and grandmother endure during his childhood as making him understanding and compassionate about female issues and ideals. She discussed Mr. Obama’s legislative plans, such as ending wage discrimination against women and supporting pro-choice legislation.

Possible first lady to be, Michelle Obama, raised her voice today at the Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America gathering in support of veterans. She joined families and veterans of the Middle Eastern wars to assemble care packages with destinations in Iraq and Afghanistan.

Michelle began her speech by encouraging people to commit to the veteran cause and to serve America by supporting soldiers on the front and at home. “You have an obligation to your community,” Michelle stated to the crowd of blue t-shirts, “I’m pleased to see all our blue shirt families here today.” The blue t-shirts were emblazoned with “SUPPORTING OUR TROOPS” and were worn by the majority of the audience.

“I’m very pleased with Michelle attending this meeting,” said Paul Rieckhoff, Executive Director and founder of IAVA, a nonpartisan organization.

Also present was Jill Biden, Senator and Vice Presidential Candidate Joe Biden’s wife, supporting the veterans. “I’m honored to have the Biden family on the team,” said Michelle Obama expressing her happiness that they both share the interest of improving the community service and the situation for veterans all over America. Michelle also announced her happiness that her husband, Barack Obama, wants to focus on these issues

Michelle Obama,, says that if American people are satisfied with the world as it is, they will stay home instead of voting this coming November. However, she says that she doesn’t think that is the case. Mrs. Obama says people are ready to believe in something else, they are ready to believe in a world that includes fairness and opportunity and possibility. She says that Americans needs people to join this movement and vote in order to make a difference. (1:37)

 

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During a conference call held to kickoff the Obama campaign’s nationwide voter registration efforts in African American communities, Michelle Obama, wife of presumptive nominee Senator Barack Obama (D-Illinois), talked about the importance of voting in African American communities. She explained that over 26 million African Americans are eligible to vote, yet 32 percent, about eight million of them, are not registered. (more…)

At the National Partnership for Women and Families’ annual luncheon, Michelle Obama explains the struggles of military families. She also refers to two women who spoke at the luncheon. Tammy Edwards, an airline stewardess, cannot receive the benefits of the Family and Medical Leave Act. Jennifer Hunt, whose husband was seriously injured in Iraq, depended on the Family and Medical Leave Act to have six months of time off work to care for her husband. Obama wonders when policies will truly endorse women and families. (0:53)

 

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At the National Partnership for Women and Families’ annual luncheon, Michelle Obama says that it is time for “the leaders of this country…to fight for the issues every single day.” She praises the Partnership for prioritizing problems of families and women. She also expresses the urgency of handling issues like medical leave, pay equity, and universal healthcare. (1:01)

 

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The National Partnership for Women and Families held its annual luncheon to celebrate its accomplishments over the past year and address the issues it still faces. Michelle Obama and Deval Patrick spoke at the luncheon. Debra Ness, president of the Partnership, said that the Partnership helped to expand the Family and Medical Leave Act this year. She is very optimistic for more progress, despite so many more challenges. She said that women can still be fired over pregnancies and that nearly half of all private sector workers do not get paid sick leave.

Michelle Obama said that she understands the plights of women and families today. She has met with women who are scared of not being able to pay for food, scared to take time off for sickness, and scared of being fired for pregnancies. She said that the National Partnership for Women and Families has been an advocate and a leader when it comes to these issues.

At the luncheon, the Partnership honored Deval Patrick, governor of Massachusetts. Patrick listed his grievances with the policies of the current Presidential administration. With the success of Senator Barack Obama (D-Ill.), he said that he believes people once again believe in their abilities to make change.