Michelle Obama for gay community

"One of the goals of Obama's visit was to reach out to the gay community...and to raise money in the process. So without further ado, here's the pool report, which has its own kind of straightforward style:

Michelle Obama, wife of Barack Obama, spoke at two fund raisers in front of heavily entertainment industry crowds on Wednesday night.

Dressed in a purple tank top with a purple floral skirt and black high heels, Obama first addressed a largely gay and lesbian audience at the home of Bryan Lourd, managing partner of Creative Artists Agency (CAA), and Bruce Bozzi, Lourd’s companion. The event was described by the Obama campaign as an “LGBT Reception.”

Approximately 300 donors attended the fund raiser, which took place in the wealthy, Los Angeles neighborhood of Holmby Hills. Minimum contribution for a guest was $1,000 to get through the door. Supporters who raised $25,000 were given access to a VIP room, where Obama met with them and briefly spoke. All money went to the Obama Victory Fund.

Some of the entertainment industry figures who attended the fund raiser were Kevin Huvane, managing partner of CAA, actress Kate Bosworth, actress Helen Hunt, producer Paula Weinstein, actress Salma Hayek, openly gay fashion designer Tom Ford, openly gay producer Bruce Cohen, and actress Reese Witherspoon.

[...] Mindful of the audience in front of her, she then touched up gay and lesbian issues. “In a world as it should be,” Obama said, “we repeal laws like DOMA (the Defense of Marriage Act) and ‘Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell.’” She also said an Obama Administration would “recognize” gay adoption rights. Both lines received loud applause. Another crowd pleasing line was about the Iraq war. “In a world as it should be,” Obama said, “we end this war responsibly.”

Obama then asked the audience to get involved in the campaign. “You’re going to have to share your passion,” she said. “You’re going to have to advocate.”

She ended her 20-minute speech by saying, “Not only can we have Barack Obama as the next president of the United States, but we can change the world.”

Obama then shook hands with the donors and left the site about 15 minutes later.

Her next stop was the home of actor Samuel L. Jackson and his wife, LaTanya Richardson. Located in the gated community of Beverly Park Estates South in the city of Beverly Hills, approximately 300 people attended the event. Minimum contribution for a guest was $2,300, with VIP access for supporters who raised $25,000. All money went to the Obama Victory Fund".

Source: blogs.laweekly.com