Michelle Obama waves at the crowd during a rally at the Ohio Statehouse, Sunday, Nov, 2, 2008, in Columbus, Ohio. (AP Photo/Terry Gilliam)
by John McCormick
COLUMBUS, Ohio - If you are on the brink of the biggest day in your life, it probably helps to have a supportive wife.
Before speaking to a crowd his campaign said totaled 60,000, Barack Obama got a lot more than just a hug and a kiss from his wife, Michelle, who joined him yesterday and will continue on for one more stop in Cleveland.
The potential first lady apologized at one point for being braggadocios, as she told a story about what she told her husband when he started his presidential campaign.
"There is this beautiful thing about my husband... He thinks he can really do everything. He does. With his own power and will, he's like, 'I can fix it.' I said, but you know this time, on this one, maybe you can get us 70 percent of the way there, maybe 80 percent of the way there," she told the crowd outside the state capitol.
"When I look at this year and I think about, we all think about, what Barack, with all of your efforts, has built over this year, let's just run it down. Barack has built one of the most powerful political organizations, recruiting millions of folks from all different kind of backgrounds. In addition to that, he has built one of the most powerful political fundraising machines that has raised millions and broken records, not just with big donations, but with folks writing $5 checks....
Barack has selected a phenomenal running mate in Joe Biden. Barack has helped to unify a party that some said could not be unified. He's participated in three national debates and has been outstanding in every single one of them. And to top it off, he has done it, if I might just brag a bit, he's done it with a level of grace and poise and honesty and respect and consistency. When I look at what Barack has done this year, I know in my heart that without a shadow of a doubt, Barack is ready. He is more than ready to be the next president of the United States....The other 15 percent is on us. If we want a leader like Barack Obama, our job is to send him to the White House."
Comments
Si se puede!
!OBAMA/BIDEN '08!
Posted by: Doug Hussein Zook | November 2, 2008 3:37 PM
The Clintons once had a powerful political machine. All I have to say is enjoy it while you got it, because some young man or woman will catch the eye of the public/party and like Bill & Hillary, Michelle & Barack will by then be the establishment and they will be old news. Time in the spotlight is so fleeting.
Posted by: vla | November 2, 2008 3:40 PM
It was watching one of the campaign rallies done by Michelle Obama that I decided that I was going with the Senator. I had been leaning his way based on economic policy bur Michelle had a big influence on me. The deal was totally sealed for me When Paul Volcker who never involved himself in partisan politics came out for Obama.
Never before has a candidates wife had any positive influence on me. I do not have a particular affection for her but I could really identify with her values even though her history is quite different than mine.
I will be relieved when this election is over. I am tired of canvassing for Obama. But in my lifetime this is the only candidate that won the nomination that I have voted for. In the past it has always been a vote against.
Posted by: Ron M | November 2, 2008 5:43 PM
droppin the O-bomb eh? i'll Bet he got more than a just a hugnkiss...but what is this whole "i just came from Kmart" wardrobe deal? maybe she should try Palin's thrift store. just sayin
Posted by: niceefresh | November 2, 2008 6:06 PM
Why are the Bush-McCain Republicans such sore losers !!? Is it because, we may really find out how corrupt, how incompetent they really are, that is, if Senator Obama and Senator Biden win the election, on Tuesday !!? I think we will be astounded by the corruption, the malfeasance that the Bush-Cheney left behind !! There may even be a need for a special prosecutor !!
Give Mrs. Obama great praise, she has been a great partner in Senator Obama's incredible achievements. She has brought to his campaign grace and with humility !! She will make a great First Lady and a wonderful Ambassador to the world and to our nation !!
Go Obama/Biden, in '08.
SUPPORT OUR TROOPS, BRING THEM HOME, ALIVE AND WHOLE. NOW.
Posted by: Don Fitzgerald, Chicago | November 2, 2008 6:20 PM
It will honor our country to have Michelle Obama as First Lady.
Posted by: JNagarya | November 2, 2008 7:37 PM
As a Canadian, watching all the venim spewed this campaign, it was really nice to read some great possitive comments for a change.
Posted by: Terry | November 2, 2008 8:26 PM
I could care less what Michelle Obama wears - I'm blown away by the fact that it's NOVEMBER and people are in lightweight jackets or sweaters. . . what happened to winter?
Posted by: Cym | November 2, 2008 9:08 PM
Michelle is wearing the same sweater she had on with a great outfit on Jay Leno Oct. 27. I love that she would appear twice in one week in the same sweater. As beautifully as she puts her outside together, it's her inside that's important.
Posted by: Sarah Friedel | November 2, 2008 11:00 PM