Professor
04-17-2007, 03:56 PM
Source: http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/politics/chi-070416obama-chicago,0,2206556.story
Obama launches campaign initiative aimed at women
By KAREN HAWKINS
The Associated Press
Published April 16, 2007, 5:56 PM CDT
Noting that he is surrounded by tough women — from his national finance chair to his wife Michelle — Democratic presidential candidate Barack Obama Monday launched a campaign initiative aimed at garnering more female support.
Women for Obama raised about $750,000 at its inaugural event, a fundraising lunch in downtown Chicago attended by an overwhelmingly female crowd of about 1,200, organizers said.
Though none of the event's speakers mentioned Democratic front-runner Hillary Clinton by name, Obama finance chair Penny Pritzker hinted at his perceived disadvantage among women voters when she asked the cheering crowd, "And who says women don't support Barack Obama?"
Michelle Obama, who introduced her husband, said he knows what women like her are going through as they juggle careers, family and their own well-being.
"The reality is that my husband is a man who understands my struggle and the challenges facing women and families," she said. "He actually listens to me and has the utmost respect for my perspective and my life experience."
In asking for the crowd's support, she said Barack "recognizes that our society, our community is only as strong as our women and our families."
Barack Obama's speech touched upon some of the themes he has emphasized throughout his campaign — health care, education, energy policy, the economy and the war in Iraq. He said that Americans are hungry for political change and that women will play a part in bringing it about.
"I am absolutely convinced that part of that change is going to have to do with a spirit that is embodied in this room, a wisdom that is not unique to women but — in my life — I have found oftentimes it is stronger in women," he said.
Supporter Rosemary Jackson and her sister Erma Gray Davis said the fact that Barack Obama has launched the women's initiative shows that he recognizes how much power women wield, both in their families and in politics.
"When women believe in something, we will make sure that it happens," Jackson said. "We will put all of our energy and all of our focus into it."
Obama launches campaign initiative aimed at women
By KAREN HAWKINS
The Associated Press
Published April 16, 2007, 5:56 PM CDT
Noting that he is surrounded by tough women — from his national finance chair to his wife Michelle — Democratic presidential candidate Barack Obama Monday launched a campaign initiative aimed at garnering more female support.
Women for Obama raised about $750,000 at its inaugural event, a fundraising lunch in downtown Chicago attended by an overwhelmingly female crowd of about 1,200, organizers said.
Though none of the event's speakers mentioned Democratic front-runner Hillary Clinton by name, Obama finance chair Penny Pritzker hinted at his perceived disadvantage among women voters when she asked the cheering crowd, "And who says women don't support Barack Obama?"
Michelle Obama, who introduced her husband, said he knows what women like her are going through as they juggle careers, family and their own well-being.
"The reality is that my husband is a man who understands my struggle and the challenges facing women and families," she said. "He actually listens to me and has the utmost respect for my perspective and my life experience."
In asking for the crowd's support, she said Barack "recognizes that our society, our community is only as strong as our women and our families."
Barack Obama's speech touched upon some of the themes he has emphasized throughout his campaign — health care, education, energy policy, the economy and the war in Iraq. He said that Americans are hungry for political change and that women will play a part in bringing it about.
"I am absolutely convinced that part of that change is going to have to do with a spirit that is embodied in this room, a wisdom that is not unique to women but — in my life — I have found oftentimes it is stronger in women," he said.
Supporter Rosemary Jackson and her sister Erma Gray Davis said the fact that Barack Obama has launched the women's initiative shows that he recognizes how much power women wield, both in their families and in politics.
"When women believe in something, we will make sure that it happens," Jackson said. "We will put all of our energy and all of our focus into it."