Wow! DNC Fundraising Continues In Fiery and Capitvating Fashion

First Lady Michelle Obama Workin' It Well!

Those attending last evening's DNC fundraising event at New York's St. James Theatre witnessed nothing short of a spectacular event.

With the likes of Patti LaBelle and actress Sarah Jessica Parker as supporters at this event, you can bet a good time was had by all.

As one report puts it "Dems In The City".  Michelle Obama, Sarah Jessica Parker, Dr. Jill Biden in NYC at last evening's DNC Fundraiser event at the St. James Theater.

Noah Rosenberg of The New York Times gives a very detailed account of the last night's fundraiser at the St. James Theater (Located where else? On 44th Street. Something magical about that isn't?) in New York City. 

Rosenberg's report highlights the power of the First Lady as she continues to be well received on the campaign trail as she drums up support for her husband and the Democrats for the upcoming mid-term elections.

It made me wish I was there!

Here's Noah's take...

First Lady Michelle Obama was greeted with a standing ovation by a sell-out crowd during a fundraiser at Manhattan’s St. James Theater Tuesday night.

The event, hosted by actress Sarah Jessica Parker and featuring live music by Patti Labelle, also included remarks from Dr. Jill Biden, wife of Vice President Joseph Biden. After an electric performance that Ms. Labelle concluded with her rendition of “Somewhere Over the Rainbow,” Parker, of “Sex and the City” fame, introduced Dr. Biden as a “remarkably dedicated citizen and person.”

Dr. Biden, who spoke for around five minutes in a tight-fitting purple dress, underscored the spirit of American women and emphasized the Obama Administration’s commitment to education, particularly its emphasis on community colleges. She added, however, that “there is so much more to do.”

Parker, in a black and white dress, returned to the stage to welcome Mrs. Obama, whom she described as “a role model, an inspiration” and a woman who “doesn’t need a pair of heals to stand tall.” The crowd exploded in laughter. As the First Lady walked onto the stage in a form-fitting, sleeveless gray dress, the audience rose to its feet in applause. “You’re fired up!” Mrs. Obama said with a smile, before quickly adding, “Rest yourselves – we have a lot of work to do.” Mrs. Obama, whose remarks lasted close to 20 minutes, emphasized the importance of the American Dream and said that Americans are unified in their desire for a better life for themselves and their children. She noted that despite the “fear, doubt, setbacks and disappointments” that go hand-in-hand with pushing change, America needs to keep moving forward.

“We have come much too far, much too far, to turn back know,” she said to enthusiastic agreement from the crowd. “But it’s not going to be easy. Because real change never, never, comes easy.”

Mrs. Obama emphasized the President’s accomplishments with regard to tax cuts for the middle class and small businesses, his investments in clean energy and scientific research like stem cells, his health care reform and dedication to war veterans.

“These are just some examples – some – of the kind of change that we’re already making,” she said, noting that she and Mr. Obama need the help of passionate supporters  because it was “never about just putting one man in the White House.”

The First Lady encouraged supporters to knock on doors, make phone calls, get involved. “I know that we can keep the American dream alive,” she said before adding, “I just have one question: Can we do this?”

Mrs. Obama, flanked by Ms. Parker and Dr. Biden, walked off the stage, smiling, to chants of “Yes We Can,” echoing in the West 44th Street theater.

Tickets to the event ranged from $2,500 down to a limited-option $100 for supporters of Gen44, the Democratic National Committee’s program to cultivate the next generation of Democratic donors and leaders.

The event followed Monday fundraising appearances by the First Lady in Connecticut, in support of Democratic Senate Candidate Richard Blumenthal, and a private event at a Manhattan residence, where 85 guests paid $10,000 each.

The two Manhattan events were expected to generate a combined $1 million, according to the DNC, with 20 percent coming from the concert.

(End pool report)

Thanks again to Noah for providing the coverage.

As we've stated before here Politics. On Point. we absolutely love First Lady Michelle and all that she does.  She is a Tour de Force not to be reckoned with!  And looks gorgeous playing her role (as she did last evening)!

Back here in Washington, on tomorrow (Wednesday), the First Lady (honorary chair of the President’s Committee on the Arts and the Humanities (PCAH)), will speak about the importance of after-school and out-of-school arts and humanities education by hosting the PCAH’s National Arts and Humanities Youth Program Awards – the country’s highest honor in this field.

October is National Arts and Humanities Month with several events going on in the city in its honor.

The awards focus national attention on exemplary programs currently fostering the creative and intellectual development of America’s children and youth through education, and practical experience in the arts and the humanities. And, on Wednesday, awards will be given to 15 successful programs across the country that reach under served children and youth. In addition to the First Lady’s and PCAH members’ involvement, the ceremony will also include PCAH cultural agency partners:  the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA), the National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH) and the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS), and be complemented by select performances from awardees. This event will be live streamed starting at 11:00 AM at www.whitehouse.gov/live.

Later in the day, The First Lady will host students from local Washington, D.C. schools to participate in the White House Kitchen Garden Fall Harvest. As part of her Let’s Move! campaign to reduce childhood obesity.

The First Lady will speak about the importance of eating fruits and vegetables, and will share with the youth  lessons about where their food comes from and how that impacts their health.

She will also emphasize her Chefs Move to School program by inviting the students from Tubman Elementary, the school which White House chefs have adopted. Students from Bancroft Elementary, a long-term partner in Mrs. Obama’s work on the garden, will participate in this harvest.