Maria Shriver gives surprise nod to Obama
By Susan Milligan, Globe Staff
LOS ANGELES -- Maria Shriver, wife of GOP Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger of California, made a surprise appearance this afternoon at UCLA to endorse Barack Obama, saying he defined the values of California.
"It's about the power of us, and what unites us," Shriver told a raucous crowd of about 6,500. The rally, headlined by Michelle Obama, Oprah Winfrey, and Caroline Kennedy, was aimed at influencing the female vote, which has favored Clinton in early states. California's Democratic primary vote is expected to be about 58 percent female.
Women say, "How dare you? You're a traitor to your gender," Winfrey said. "I am not a traitor. I am following my truth. And the truth is in Barack Obama."
An aide to Michele Obama said the candidate's wife learned of Shriver's endorsement in the car ride over to the event. Schwarzenegger endorsed Republican John McCain last week.



Wow! This speaks volumes as to the growing recognition that Barack Obama brings something special to American political life. There's no question that Hillary is knowledgeable about the issues. However, Obama is clearly no slouch in this respect, and more importantly, he demonstrates the ability to lead, inspire and unite a broad section of the American public. Furthermore, Obama has that elusive but vitally important quality of wisdom and knowledge of self. He has shown that he is not afraid to take difficult positions (such as his early opposition to the war in Iraq) and to be honest and upfront with the American people. Maria Shriver sees it, and millions more are discovering it as we speak.
N
I watched this live on CSPAN and was amazed at the power of Michelle's Message, as well as Oprah's and Caroline's! Maria was also very powerful! Their endorsements will contribute to more women knowing more about Barack Obama! This is Great News! This adds to the momentum that Barack Obama has for a Super, Super Tuesday! If you get a chance to see this on Youtube or CSPAN I highly recommend it!
so they'll cancel each other's vote in the GE, that sucks.
This is great though, must've taken some courage, Thank you Maria Shriver!!
GOBAMA!!!
Lovely. But what matters is not the opinions of scions, but the resumes of the actual candidates:
http://thedamedomain.blogspot.com/2008/02/please-submit-your-resume.html
Winfrey actually said "the truth led me to Barack Obama" not "And the truth is in Barack Obama" as you put it in your article above. Please correct.
I wonder if the Kennedys are simply not trying to "cover their bets"!
http://osi-speaks.blogspot.com/2008/02/maria-shriver-california-governor.html#links
I would fire the First Lady....I thought the Governor's house was Republican. How embarassing for the State of California. I would be getting me a new FIRST LADY that respected the Governor.
Everyone seems to be surprised that Shriver supported Obama today. Shriver is Oprah's buddy so why are you surprised? But here is the thing, Shriver is the first lady of California and if California's economic crisis is any reflection of Obama's Shriver support then our country is in for worse than Bush.
Maria Shriver and Oprah Winfrey are best buddies from their early days working in the television industry. I do not believe Maria just made the last minute decision to anoint Barack, the new knight of Camelot. It is obvious that she and Caroline are close, and since Uncle Bubbly Teddy is endorsing Barack, why wouldn't she? What didn't Caroline taken on the mantle of JFK and ask what she could do for her country? We know that Maria is really the Governatress of California. That way she helps Arnold with policy while he acts as governor by name. The endorsements of the three women in this article, will not persuade me to vote for their Knight in shining armor. Yeah, I can see Oprah advising Obama like Maria and Arnold. Why does it have to be all about Oprah? Give me a break!
Maria Shriver, Ethel Kennedy, Ted Kennedy, Caroline Kennedy... all for Obama!!! GO BARACK !!!
Maria Shriver, Ethel Kennedy, Ted Kennedy, Caroline Kennedy... all for Obama!!! GO BARACK !!!
The whole Kennedy clan can vote for Obama. Just say good-bye to Americans voting for a Democrat in the South. You can all talk about being inspired by the fine oratory of Obama. Americans are sick and tired of this false sense of security. Stop talking...give power to someone who can get the job done on day one--Hillary Clinton. Only real experience can produce real, meaningful change! Thank you Kennedys and Maria Shriver for voting for the Republican nominee for President.
People with a clear conscience and a good heart will entrust their vote and lives with Hillary Clinton! Go Hillary!!
I'm saddened that the Kennedy clan have left their faith. A faith the Irish fought and died for for hundreds of years. That they could support two of the most notoriously famous pro abortion candidates in the history of the US is disgusting. I'll say my prayers for them that they put God first and country second.
First Lady Maria Shriver attends the Women's Conference in 2007, telling us to pursue our dreams, and then she throws her support to a male Presidential candidate. What a hypocrite!
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