See Barack Obama run. See Michelle Obama read Cat in the Hat: "If you ever have spots now and then, I will be very happy to come here again.''
by John L. Micek
ABINGTON, Pa. -- The wife of Democratic presidential hopeful Barack Obama built the case for her husband's candidacy here Thursday, courting the college students and suburban working mothers whom she hopes will help propel him to victory in the state's April 22 primary.
Appearing before a cheering throng at Abington High School, Michelle Obama reiterated her husband's promises to restore hope and economic opportunities to Americans struggling to make ends meet.
''The bar is shifting and moving on regular folks in a way that has got people tangled up, because it is hard to make it in this country when the bar is shifting and moving all the time,'' she said.
''Folks can't get a handle on getting ahead when the bar is always changing. And what happens when you live in a nation where the bar is shifting and moving is that sometimes it's easier to feel divided and isolated.''
In an apparent jab at her husband's rival for the nomination, New York Sen. Hillary Clinton, Obama told a crowd of 1,100 who packed the school auditorium and 500 more in two spill-over rooms that her husband had met every political challenge that has come his way.
See the rest of the story in today's Morning Call:
The Illinois senator put together a nationwide campaign organization, a skilled fundraising machine and critical primary wins when naysayers said he could not, Obama, 44, pointed out.
''He's won red states and blue states and big states and small states and swing states,'' she said. ''He's won independent votes and Republicans, and men and women.''
Obama's trip, which also included a midday visit to a church day-care center in Montgomery County and an evening rally at Villanova University on the Main Line, was her first to Pennsylvania.
At St. George's Episcopal Church in Haverford Township, Obama read Dr. Seuss' ''The Cat in the Hat Comes Back'' to 16 pre-kindergartners and participated in a roundtable with working mothers. Obama has two daughters, ages 9 and 6.
Danielle Foley, 38, whose 2-year-old son attends the day care, said she supports Clinton. Foley said she had come to the session with an open mind and might be inclined to support Obama.
When the session ended, Foley, a consultant, said she was ''very impressed'' by Obama's performance and ''it's definitely inspired me to go out and learn a little more'' about Sen. Obama.
Michelle Obama's Pennsylvania visit came on a day when her husband canceled a campaign trip to suburban Pittsburgh to return to Capitol Hill for a day of politically potent votes.
In his absence, his wife, who grew up on Chicago's working-class South Side, emphasized her family's ordinary roots and said Americans need someone in the White House who understands the concerns of working people.
A Princeton- and Harvard-educated lawyer, Obama was raised by a stay-at-home mother and a father who worked for the city of Chicago. Her husband, she said, was brought up by a single parent, ''an 18-year-old white woman who was raising a black kid in the '60s.''
''You know she was a dreamer,'' Obama said, drawing laughter from an Abington crowd that contained many blacks.
But the days when a single income was enough not only to make ends meet but also to save for retirement and send children to college was ''a long time ago -- to some of you,'' she said.
''What is clear to me is that most Americans are like my parents. They don't want much. They're not asking for much. They want the bar to be still. They want to know that if they get up and go to work every day -- every day -- and work hard that they'll earn enough to take care of their families.''
In an oft-fiery 50-minute address frequently interrupted by applause and cheers, Obama also emphasized the importance of health insurance, public education and, appropriately for a crowd that had college-bound students, easing the strain of student loans.
''The only reason we're out of debt is because Barack wrote two best-selling books,'' she joked.
She also defended her husband's resume as a community organizer and Illinois state legislator. Clinton has argued that only she has the requisite experience to lead the country.
Earlier Thursday, Clinton supporters, including Gov. Ed Rendell, took Obama to task for what they said was his apparent decision to downplay the state's importance in the Democratic nominating process.
Rendell, joined by Philadelphia Mayor Michael Nutter on a conference call with reporters, said Democrats need a candidate who can win the Keystone State if the party wants to win the White House in November.
''This is not a solid blue state,'' Rendell said. ''This is a purple state, and we need a candidate who can win here.''
But if the Obamas are downplaying the state in their electoral strategy, Michelle Obama made no mention of it.
''My question to you is, 'Can we do this?''' she asked, receiving in response a roared recitation of Obama's campaign slogan, ''Yes We Can.''
''We're going to need you to work hard,'' she said.
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Comments
What a First Lady she will make!!!
As compared to the Stepford Wife, Cindy "Budweiser" McCain.
Posted by: BobHusseininATL | March 14, 2008 9:02 AM
Will the pro-Obama media be asking Michelle Obama questions on the ABC news story?
We're doing an over and under bet on how long the Obama-lovers who write for the Swamp will avoid the blockbuster ABC News story of yesterday about the Rev. Jeremiah Wright, Obama's pastor, campaign staffer, the person who not only married the Obamas but suggested the title "The Audacity of Hope" for his book.
Turns out Obama has been attending for a decade a church where the pastor routinely gives anti-semetic rants, where he blames the United States for the 9/11 attacks, and who urges his congregation to sign "God Damn America" instead of God Bless America". See the whole thing at http://abcnews.go.com/Blotter/story?id=4443788&page=1
And lest anyone think Wright is merely Obama's spiritual mentor, last December Obama's campaign announced that Wright was a national leader of Obama's "African American Religious Leadership Committee."
Posted by: Cissy Patterson | March 14, 2008 9:33 AM
AT least Michelle Obama is now acknowledging her family is wealthy. Previously, she was saying things along the lines of "still waiting for that trust fund." Please. Her family -- working class roots or no -- is wealthier than 99 percent of other American families. She pulls in nearly 400 K a year, just on her own.
Posted by: Liz | March 14, 2008 9:45 AM
Liz | March 14, 2008 9:45 AM - YOU HAVE GOT TO BE KIDDING RIGHT???
The Obama's CURRENT success is because of all the hard work they put in. This is an AMERICAN couple who have made it with HARD WORK. Now Bill Clintons on the other hand is similar to the SPITZERS. And that is documented and undisputable.
The OBAMAS appeal to the Republicans is their MARRIAGE! Now that is an AMERICAN image to portray. All the Clinton photos should include Monica.
Posted by: Keith Lifetime Chicagoan and Southsider | March 14, 2008 10:09 AM
I was not saying they didn't get there by hard work. Their success is entirely by hard work and they deserve what they have. I'm talking about how, in past speeches, she's made great mention of how they're still waiting for their trust fund. (I believe, but can't recall precisely, that it's a reference to something John McCain has said.)
SOrry that wasn't clear.
And I get you support Obama, but please. Why do youhave to tear down the Clintons' marriage. Why is there no credit for working through problems and issues? Isn't that more commendable than splitting up? And is your marriage perfect.
Posted by: Liz | March 14, 2008 10:38 AM
Liz @ 9:45 a.m.,
Can Not say it better. Warren Buffet says the first step to becoming wealthy is "to be born in America". Like RINO Republicans in Texas, Socialist democrats that insist on pretending to be part of their special interest Poverty Constituent Class are extremely anoying to me. It would be disingenuous if only it were not so transparent. Maybe the cost of living is a bit higher in the Socialist Republic of Illinois, but I am certain that I could subsist, somehow, with a 400K paycheck.
Posted by: Scott - Houston, Tx | March 14, 2008 10:41 AM
Michelle, I recommend that Barack offer to pay for the Florida and Michigan primaries or at least to pay 50%. This will make a huge impact. Even if it doesn't happen, people will see him as faira and making an effort.
Good luck. The people are with you and your family,
David Charner
Posted by: David Charner | March 14, 2008 10:47 AM
If hard work were all it took to be making $400K a year, then we'd all be rich, wouldn't we? Plus, the huge jump in her salary (it almost doubled!) after her husband became a US Senator, clearly, that was not due to any hard work on her part, but rather to good old fashioned politics. I've heard some of Michelle's other remarks, like about how she encouraged blacks to vote for Obama just because he was black, and that it was okay to do so; if her husband does not support his pastor's arguments, I believe she clearly does. And, if anything can prevent Obama from becoming the next president, I think it will be her, just like Bill will be partly responsible for Hillary's downfall.
Posted by: lola | March 14, 2008 10:53 AM
Please help the Obamas! The Obama's attend the anti-American, racist church of Rev. Wright for 20 years. Don't tell me that some of that preaching form the pulpit hasn't gotten to them.
Posted by: jp,michigan | March 14, 2008 10:57 AM
Michelle Obama should thank America for providing her with a quality education, which helped her get a great job and mansion to live in, with her husband and 2 kids.
She's living the American dream...that should make her proud.
Posted by: mbs | March 14, 2008 11:15 AM
DON'T BE DUPED!!!
Large numbers of Republicans have been voting for Barack Obama in the DEMOCRATIC primaries, and caucuses. Because they feel he would be a weaker opponent against John McCain. And because they feel that a Hillary Clinton and Barack Obama ticket would be unbeatable. And also because with a Clinton and Obama ticket you are almost 100% certain to get quality, affordable universal health care very soon.
But first, all of you have to make certain that Hillary Clinton takes the democratic nomination and then the Whitehouse. NOW! is the time. THIS! is the moment you have all been working, and waiting for. You can do this America. “Carpe diem” (harvest the day).
I think Hillary Clinton see’s a beautiful world of plenty, and comfort for all. She is a woman, and a mother. And it’s time America. Do this for your-self, and your children’s future. You will have to work together on this and be aggressive, relentless, and creative. Americans face an even worse catastrophe ahead than the one you are living through now.
You see, the medical and insurance industry mostly support the republicans with the money they ripped off from you. And they don’t want you to have quality, affordable universal health care. They want to be able to continue to rip you off, and kill you and your children by continuing to deny you life saving medical care that you have already paid for. So they can continue to make more immoral profits for them-self.
Hillary Clinton has actually won by much larger margins than the vote totals showed. And lost by much smaller vote margins than the vote totals showed. Her delegate count is actually much higher than it shows. And higher than Obama’s. HILLARY CLINTON IS ALREADY THE TRUE DEMOCRATIC NOMINEE!
As much as 30% of Obama's primary, and caucus votes are Republicans trying to choose the weakest democratic candidate for McCain to run against. These Republicans have been gaming the caucuses where it is easier to vote cheat. This is why Obama has not been able to win the BIG! states primaries. Even with Republican vote cheating help.
Hillary Clinton has been out manned, out gunned, and out spent 2 and 3 to 1. Yet Obama has only been able to manage a very tenuous, and questionable tie with Hillary Clinton.
If Obama is the democratic nominee for the national election in November he will be slaughtered. Because the Republican vote cheating help will suddenly evaporate. All of this vote fraud and republican manipulation has made Obama falsely look like a much stronger candidate than he really is. YOUNG PEOPLE. DON’T BE DUPED! Think about it. You have the most to lose.
The democratic party needs to fix this outrage. I suggest a Hillary Clinton and Barack Obama ticket now! Everyone needs to throw all your support to Hillary Clinton NOW! So you can end this outrage against YOU the voter, and against democracy.
I think Barack Obama has a once in a life time chance to make the ultimate historic gesture for unity, and change in America by accepting Hillary Clinton’s offer as running mate. Such an act now would for ever seal Barack Obama’s place at the top of the list of Americas all time great leaders, and unifiers for all of history. But the time to act is soon.
The democratic party, and the super-delegates have a decision to make. Are the democrats, and the democratic party going to choose the DEMOCRATIC party nominee to fight for the American people. Or are the republicans going to choose the DEMOCRATIC party nominee through vote fraud, and gaming the DEMOCRATIC party primaries, and caucuses.
Fortunately the Clinton’s have been able to hold on against this fraudulent outrage with those repeated dramatic comebacks of Hillary Clinton’s. Only the Clinton’s are that resourceful, and strong. Hillary Clinton is your NOMINEE. They are the best I have ever seen.
“This is not a game” (Hillary Clinton)
Sincerely
jacksmith...
Posted by: jacksmith | March 14, 2008 11:35 AM
jacksmith @ 11:35 a.m.,
Your electorate primary voting analysis seems to be a bit off-center, to any extent that I could follow it. If Republicans did have a need to game the system, they would throw down on your side, for Hillary, to slow down the Obama Steamroller Movement and keep the embers aglow between the Magic Socialist Change Guy and the Experienced Socialist 3 a.m. Woman.
In addition to denying someone medical care in pursuit of "immoral profits", Republicans are, by your analysis, proping up the Great Obama. Ya givin' me a headache. Let me assure you that I personally have no interest in selecting either of your Socialist candidates. The surreal world of democrats is apparently non sans limits. There, I even choreographed a little Latin into the mix, too.
Posted by: Scott - Houston, Tx | March 14, 2008 1:06 PM
Liz,
Michelle's previous comment about a trust fund .. was in reference to Cheney I believe and it was a JOKE !!!!!
It had nothing to do with McCain
Posted by: Jenny Moretti | March 14, 2008 2:58 PM
Jacksmith
You're either really naieve or mistaking about the Clintons. You might want to google a couple of things:
Clinton dead friends
Clinton scams
Clinton convicts
Then read the information to truly find out what the Clinton's are like. When you do, I don't think you'll be so ancious to support them.
Posted by: Gerry | March 14, 2008 3:20 PM
Michelle Obama is attacked for being hardworking success.
Cindy McCain, a pill popping, homewrecking, thief, who has never has to earn anything in her life, is never criticized.
I'm glad to see that everyone still believes in the "american dream".
Posted by: Disgusted | March 14, 2008 3:48 PM
Jenny -- Cheney, that was it! You're so right about it being him. It may have been a joke, but the joke was about how the Obamas are still waiting for their trust fund. And that's my source of eye-rolling. The Obamas make way, way, way more than the average American family. They don't need a handout. (And before people get all mad, I know they earned it, they worked hard, they deserve it.That's not my point.)
Most people don't find it funny for someone whose family income exceeds $400,000 or $500,000 to joke about needing a trust fund. Don't pretend you're struggling to pay for college, when that that's not a concern and won't be. People are smarter than that.
Posted by: Liz | March 14, 2008 4:40 PM
most of the comments thus far are factually inaccurate amd mostly lifted from other comments. Objectively speaking, Michelle appears to be a more competent, professional, and straightforward spousal candidate in the White House than Bill Clinton would be. Regarding Hillary's marriage, I'm always amused when people mention poor Monica. Such memory failings! Miss Flowers testified that she had been having an affair with Bill for @20 years, and I forget the name of the girl in between that sued him for sexual harassment. If Hillary is as smart as you believe she is, then she obviously was smart enough to stay married to him for self-promoting reasons only, please don't make me barf over comments about them "working through' their problems. I suspect the last of marital connubiality occurred when Chelsea was conceived. (Notice that I said, I suspect...I'm not stating this as fact, merely my perception of shrewd Hil.
Posted by: Tony | March 14, 2008 4:43 PM
For those who question Barack Obama's relationship with is ex-pastor and church, enjoy.
Be educated on both sides before you make your choice.
Posted by: Tina | March 14, 2008 5:20 PM
Hillary has Bill; Barack has Michelle. Which spouse can indirectly advise the President in the event the chief advisors in the White House fall short or the President is in doubt? Bill or Michelle. Neither one is on the payroll, but somehow I would feel safer knowing that Bill is in the kitchen having a McDonald's hamburger, and if Hillary needed to call upon him, he would be there. That's just me folks remembering all the good point of the Clinton presidency - the 230 billion dollar surplus, no wars, healthy economy, health insurance for the children (CHIPS), the welfare to Work Act, and the fact, he brought actual peace negotiations (Rabin and Arafat face-to-face to shake hand).
Admittedly, I would feel so much safer having Bill the politician and only Rhodes scholar President (not the womanizer), in the next room of the Oval Office).
Posted by: the truth | March 14, 2008 5:56 PM
So happy to see and here Michelle Obama yesterday at Villanova. My son just returned from Ghana, and he was unable to join me. She was very inspiring,like her husband. I support Barack, and
hope he is able to gain Pennsylvania, even without the governor's support.
Posted by: Carolyn B. Yablon | March 14, 2008 6:06 PM
Michelle Obama is a winner! I so admire this woman and she and Barack have a wonderful marriage. How does one know if they are honest and caring? - it speaks loudly through both of them!! Her large salary is well deserved and she earns it. I would be thruilled if she becomes the next First Lady!
Posted by: P. Wiley | March 14, 2008 8:51 PM
All the people criticizing Rev. Wright's sermons apparently aren't familiar with the Old Testament Prophets. If you want to read some real condemnations of unfair, indecent societies, try the original Jeremiah (from which the noun jeremiad derives).
Posted by: Joyful Alternative | March 15, 2008 5:37 AM
I find it just amazing that some of you are still supportive of Mr. Obama after he stated on television that he had no idea his friend, his mentor, his spiritual adviser, the man that inspired his book, ...that he had no idea that this guy said these things from the pulpit. I find it amazing that you don't see the Rezco tie as what it is. Michele Obama so earned her mansion in Chicago by buying it in a collaborative deal with a crook. People, for goodness sake, wake up. This is a con job.
Posted by: annep | March 16, 2008 5:02 PM