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LONG BEACH, Calif. -- Michelle Obama returned to The Women’s Conference today to address a group of 14,000 attendees, most of whom were women. She noted the last time she was at the conference was a few years ago in which she appeared in a panel with four other wives of presidential candidates. It was one of the highlights of being on the campaign, she said, because it was a “chance to step back and breathe.”
“It had taken a little convincing to persuade me that this whole running-for-president thing was a good idea,” she said. “And by ‘a little’ convincing, I actually mean it was a lot. We had two young daughters at home.”
She said that even once she was on board she was reluctant to go out on the campaign trail. “I didn’t like the idea of leaving my girls for days on end. I didn’t have a whole lot of experience on the stump. And to tell you the truth, I was scared. I was worried that I’d say the wrong thing. I was nervous that someone might ask a question that I didn’t know that answer to.”
She was criticized by her husband’s opponents for comments she made during the 2008 campaign and became a lightning rod for the right.
“I have a tendency to do that thing that a lot of women do," she said, "where you get 99 things right, but spend all your time beating yourself up about the one thing you messed up."
She also took the opportunity to speak about an issue that has become a priority for her as first lady. It was an issue, she admits, she wasn’t aware of before she hit the campaign trail: military families.
She highlighted their struggles: having to move every few years; helping kids adjust to new schools; finding jobs in new towns with no connections or how to ace an interview with an employer who’s reluctant to hire someone who might move in a few years.
These were issues that many women face but Obama sought to portray the additional challenges added when there are other obstacles unique to military families.
“How do you keep your fears and anxieties from your kids when, as one mother wrote me – and this is a quote: ‘A good day is when a military chaplain does not knock on my door.’”
Or, she said, when for Christmas, “The only gift your little girl asks for is for her father to come home.”
“I had no idea,” Obama said.
She acknowledged Jill Biden as a strong partner with her on the issue. “With Joe Biden came Jill Biden, who is a blue star mom and knows a thing or tow about military families,” she said.
Jill Biden, who spoke moments before the first lady, talked about her own experiences being a military mom.
“I will never forget the day when my son told me he was joining the National Guard,” Biden said. “I was worried every single day he was deployed in Iraq.”
She noted the troops she has come across as she’s traveled to military bases. “I am particularly humbled by the female soldiers I meet,” adding that women make up 15% of the military and serve in leadership positions of every branch of service.
Maria Shriver, who introduced the first lady, noted that it was the last time she’d be standing before the crowd as the first lady of California. It was a kind of farewell speech for her, as she thanked her staff and conference organizers who have helped put on the conference for the last seven years. At the same time, it was an introspective look at her time as first lady of California and the journey leading up to it.
“I was wrong trying to talk Arnold out of running for governor,” she admitted. “I, myself, didn’t like growing up in a political family.” She was afraid, she said. “I thank him for not listening to me.”
She recalled her mother telling her not to stand in the way of someone else’s dream. In many ways, her speech was a tribute to her late mother, Eunice Kennedy Shriver.
She thanked her kids for handling their situation with “grace,” saying that her family 1 democrat 1 republican and 2 decline to states.
She said at first, she was reluctant to accept a job that she was told was to design the governor’s Christmas ornaments. She was afraid of giving up her career at NBC News. But in the end, she says, she’s grateful for the experience. “The role of first lady,” she said, “forces you to define not just the role, but yourself as well.”
“My past and my present have prepared me well for my future.” She said she’s learned not to be afraid. “Being outside your comfort zone doesn’t mean you can’t handle it, doesn’t mean you can’t do it,” she said. “It means you’re uncomfortable.”
“I’ve struggled a bit this year,” she said, since her mother died. She also talked about her father’s struggle with Alzheimer’s and how painful it is for her at times.
On the closed circuit feed in the press-filing center there were cutaways of women in the audience wiping tears from their faces.
As for what she’ll do after her time as first lady of California is up. “I’ve never made a big decision in my life without my mother,” she said.
“People here are dreamers,” she said. “I feel comfortable here.”
“I’m going to let go of my need to jump into action, my need to have a perfect plan.”
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Nonevent - nonstory! Who cares about this drivel?
Just for your information, Barney Frank was the person most responsible for the current housing mess. He forced banks through Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, to lend money to unqualified buyers. Thanks to Barney, you could buy a house with no money down, and no credit history, because to deny anyone a mortgage was discriminatory. Many of
those unqualified buyers have chosen to walk away from their obligation to pay their mortgage and property tax bills. The high unemployment rate has left some unable to pay, but
many of the people walking away from their obligations are irresponsible and dishonest. When the value of the house went below the mortgage amount, and they had no equity they just squatted in the house without making payments. As to your remarks about Tarp---The government was forced to rescue the banks, and the American financial system-- and it has turned out to be a great investment. The money has been paid back and the government actually made money on the interest. Without the intervention we would have had not chance for a recovery, and the world would be in much worse shape. The last point is the current unemployment problems have been exacerbated by the lack of business hiring. Most companies do not want to increase their workforce until they know the cost of the new "Obama care" and the new proposed tax hikes. American corporations are hoarding their money because they are
afraid of what the government might to to their bottom line next. If a company cannot
make a profit for their stockholders they need to cut expenses to the bone. It is called
capitalism, and it works much better than Socialism or Communism. It is not perfect, but
what is???
hello newsvine?/very long narrative-it is always amazing how many interact and swear@each other-waste of energy-these presidents women have to follow their husbands-must be hell on their marriages-too many yanks continuosly worried about state of usa survival-this accellerates diseases-soon electric autos will rid all fuel friven autos-the budgets will slowly balance again-with downward trend of oil bought offshore-hell-alberta ready to supply plenty oil to get rid of venezuela permanently-chavez knows this-thats why he is supporting belarus/etc-lotsa jobs in canada-just see consulate and apply-but keep usa citizenship/jdenishuggardhotmail.com[thanks newsvine]
Maybe another trip to Spain at our expense like the last grand one.
She is very much in place, and is doing what any real woman would do to support her husband. If she decided to run for the office herself I definitely would vote for her. She is graceful, intelligent, and well mannered. I just can't understand why the Obama's are the focus point of so many Americans.
All these negative remarks and comments are not called for. This first lady hasn't done a thing to anybody, but she reaches out to everyone.
We just refuse to allow racism and bigotry die in this country. Sad sad sad
Mark, Your statement is so true. The fact that we have a Black president has driven many people over the edge.
Mr Wesley that says a lot for your intellengence. All the rock is going to do is sit there then you will still be mad. LOL
Once again President Obama didn't put us in this mess. This is the Bull that mainstream America has thrown on us to use as momentum to regain the Whitehouse. Would you say the same thing if Micheal Steele was elected for President and had to make some difficult choices such as this.
Then again would you have voted for him (Micheal Steele) if he had been the republican nonminee. You know he is black.
Maybe Sarah Palin would have done it differently and she is a woman. My Question then is simply this, What and who is your ideal candidate? John Bohiener, Eric Cantor, maybe Rush Limbough, naw I bet ya it's Glen Beck. Naw I'm wrong again. Bill OReilly yeap he's the one.
racist jerk
Maybe he didn't get us into this mess, but he sure added more to the POT and has no plans to get us out!!!!!!!!!!! Oh the trickery he will try for the next two years of his term. RELIEF is on the way in 2012.
With a name such as Witch say a lot Hazel. Got any black cats?
she might have hesitated, but once she learned about all the White House employees at her disposal to assist her with daily chores, she is lovin life!
Good thing Michelle doesn't work for NPR - she'd be fired for expressing her fears.
I think Biden said it best. Quit your whining, Michelle.
Talk about pandering to the crowd... sheesh!!! Tell them what they want to hear... after all.. they are paying your fee...
I think Michelle is duplicitous. I don't trust her, and I think she eeds to remember that this is a FREE country.
Then pat what would you do as first lady?
Plant another garden in the back of the White House.
This goes out to anybody that wants the challenge.
Role play: You are the President of the United states you have all the same decissions to make and you need to make them how would you as the president handle them. You can't use the current President as a crutch. We have just elected you__________________— the President. Now solve the problems. This is going to very interesting.
Role play: You are the 1st Lady and your husband just asked you____________________— to join him on the campain trail for your party. What would you do?
We understand Floyd, but I happen to like Cornflake and eat them a lot. I use plenty of toilet paper to wipe my my behind. The party that I know will loose is the Republicans. Year 2012 we will re-elect President Obama cornflakes and all.
My fellow Americans, we will follow all the laws that are on the books. Starting today every US citizen will have the option to enroll or stay enrolled in Social Security. Social Security will not be a retirement plan for all, it will be a social safety net for those who face hardship due to health or death. The govt health care bill is repealed. Tax cuts for all US citizens are extended another four years. The death tax is abolished. Immediately all personnel in the US will be carded for citizenship. Those here illegally will be taken into their repective homeland and dropped off. Those caught coming into the US over the border wil be shot on sight no questions asked. What else do you want to hear?
Mr Penguin you would be impeached in one month. Good try though. LOL
At least you were man enough to take the challenge Penguin. Batman would be proud of you.
At some point in time someone is going to have to make those decisions that are similiar to my comments. They may not be exactly as I stated them, but face it, things will change on the govt's spending.
Puhleeze! The Obamas LOVE the limelight and will do anything to stay there. Him on the campaign trail ((2 campaign stops this year I heard today- 9 per month avg? where does he find the time to be pres?), her speaking and promoting.... please. These two love it.
They have to be out there to try to keep the goddamned useless evil Republicans out of office.
If the First Lady chooses to campaign she is then fair game for the pundits.
Release your college thesis, college records, and while you're at it.... showw us how you and Barry could afford Ivy League schools... the rest of us want to know the trick......... we got kids heading to college soon........
Have your kids apply for and get selected for a ROTC scholarship...tuition, books, and a monthly stipend.
Talented and Sincere, are you kidding, Michelle and Jill are as clueless as their husbands, It's Obama's train full speed ahead, that will be crashing soon,... Obama pushes a health plan through right after Brown was elected and this the country was not behind it. (because it was then or never and Obama wanted his name on it)
King Obama has NO COMMON SENSE. Court jesters Reid and Pelosi, just as clueless, the health bill, 1995 pages democrats had not read before they voted for it...... costing hundreds of billions, written by special interests.
Pelosi said they will find out what's the bill after they voted..... , is there something better, of course. how about a IRS tax credit for 40% of medical expenses, including health plan costs, simple, less expensive , choose your own doctor..... and create competition. Can you imagine a top medical school graduate working for the government if they have a choice not too?
Pelosi thinks welfare and food stamps are stimulus, what a joke.. Democrats can't see billions of wasted dollars because they have pennies on their eyeballs, or they have no practical business experience, or they, your party surround themselves with idiot yesmen, or yeswomen.
Steinbrenner, owner of the Yankees died this year and his heirs will not have to pay close to a billion $ in taxes because democrats, who are in power, let the estate tax expire, Why didn't Reid introduce an extension? hmm, hmm. Doesn't he have a calendar He certainly has the power.. Steinbrenner, 1 of many in the loophole, (DON'T BLAME THE REPUBLICANS for these lost uncollected taxes)
I love how this turned from an intelligent discussion to an insult-fest. God forbid someone from the "other side" of the political field from you get shown as a decent person or get voted in to office for that matter.
In order for the country to come back both sides need to work together. The reason the US is in such bad shape is because everything that our president has tried to do to get us out of the mess that GEORGE BUSH got us into in the first place has been fought against by the Republicans in office simply because our president is a Democrat. Say whatever you want to, spout off "catchy" (translation childish) slogans like "Obamacare" all you want to but he could've come up with a plan that you would've supported full-heartedly when Bush was in the Whitehouse and you'd argue about it on principle and don't tell me that it's because Bush thought things out and was a great president, he wasn't. The man destroyed our country, and I'm not saying that because he was a supposed republican (which he isn't) or a conservative (which he also isn't) but because he made choices that weren't even based in reality. For example: other than to "fight terrorism" in some weird way that's never even been explained to us, why exactly are we in Iraq? And you want to make an argument about Michelle Obama never having worked, REALLY? That's a woman who was incredible and passionate at/about her job, our last president was barely capable of holding a job and the jobs he did have he got because of his father pulling strings for him.
There seem to be a lot of you willing to jump on everything that Obama has tried to do from the beginning, but tell me something, I know what you all disagree with, what do you actually think should happen huh? Instead of "Obamacare" should we really keep healthcare going the way it is? Instead of giving bail-out money to the banks should we have let them fall? What's your brilliant plan? Because honestly I'm sick of all of this whining, if you're going to complain at least be constructive about it. Try it, you'll look less like an idiot. trust me, you want that.
As I read through the comments on this article, I'm absolutely horrified by the approach many of us are taking with name calling, etc. Honestly, what does this say about the individual? And does either side ever listen to the other? I have many friends that have differing politial ideals than I but we still manage to get along and listen to one another's ideas and opinions without resorting to ugliness. I am disgusted every two years by the ads on tv, the ridiculous statements I hear coming from people's mouths, the absolute ignorance of the majority. Let's quit labeling people as democrats, republicans, liberals, conservatives, socialists, etc. and learn to get along. Also, perhaps to represent oneself in a good light by acting decent in public. This includes posts and comments like this one.