Caroline, Oprah, Michelle...and Maria

I was already impressed by Michelle Obama when I'd seen her speak at earlier appearances.  But after hearing her at the L.A. rally--speaking without notes--let me tell you...I felt ready to give Barack eight years in office and then start campaigning for Michelle.  :)  And just to add a little additional excitement, Michelle took the stage with Stevie Wonder on her arm.  He wasn't on the program, but chose to go to the rally to say a few words.  (I'd post Michelle's video here, too, but didn't see it up on YouTube yet.)  After she spoke so beautifully and brilliantly on why we should support her husband in Tuesday's primary, she announced that there was one more surprise...and then she introduced the First Lady of my state, Maria Shriver.  I started crying with joy--because imagine what courage it took for Maria to walk onto that stage at UCLA on Sunday afternoon in front of thousands of people to tell the world she's endorsing Barack Obama just days after her husband had endorsed John McCain.  And that is why many of us admire Maria Shriver in California--she is her own woman.  But, here, let Maria tell you in her own words...(this video is also 13 minutes long)...

Oprah quoted Toni Morrison, who said this of Barack Obama:

“In addition to keen intelligence, integrity and a rare authenticity, you exhibit something that has nothing to do with age, experience, race or gender and something I don't see in other candidates. That something is a creative imagination which, coupled with brilliance, equals wisdom.” 

Here are some other quotes:

“If Barack Obama was a state, he’d be California.  I mean think about it: diverse, open, smart, independent, bucks tradition, innovative, inspiring, dreamer, leader.”  ~Maria Shriver

“I’m voting for Barack Obama not because he’s black.  I’m voting for Barack Obama because he’s brilliant.”  ~Oprah Winfrey

“Obama is a poem, lyric and filled with possibility.”  ~Los Angeles Times endorsement

“I have never had a president who inspired me the way people tell me that my father inspired them. But for the first time, I believe I have found the man who could be that president — not just for me, but for a new generation of Americans.”  ~Caroline Kennedy Schlossberg

“I am convinced that Barack Obama is the one presidential candidate today who can…salve our national wounds and both inspire and pursue genuine bipartisan cooperation.”  ~Susan Eisenhower (grandddaughter of President Eisenhower and a life-long Republican)

“Of all the candidates who talk about change, Barack Obama has made the case most forcefully and most convincingly. He gets our endorsement for the Democratic nomination.”  ~San Francisco Chronicle endorsement

“I am proud to support Barack Obama, and look forward to him leading this country toward a brighter, more hopeful future.”  ~Ethel Kennedy

“I believe there is one candidate who has extraordinary gifts of leadership and character, matched to the extraordinary demands of this moment in history.”  ~Sen. Ted Kennedy

I have never been this excited about an election in my entire life--and never more excited to participate in a California primary.  Watching that rally in Los Angeles on Sunday afternoon right before the Super Bowl, I never felt more proud to be a woman listening to those four powerful, strong, very smart, dynamic women speaking their truth.  I believe it's moments like those at the rally that will re-energize us as a country and give new meaning to the United States of America.

I ask only this--that if you're a voter in one of the 23 states or American Samoa that will be voting in primaries and caucuses on February 5th, that you not take your fear to your polling place, but instead bring your truth (whatever it is).  Most importantly, please vote!  (And if you're a Democrat Abroad, don't forget you have a week to vote!)

P.S.  And if you haven't seen the "Yes We Can" song video that I put in the post below, check it out.  ;)