Obama unveils new women's group

With Sarah Palin helping John McCain make inroads among female voters, Democrat Barack Obama today announced a new group of women who are business leaders, astronauts, athletes, and elected officials.

The Obama campaign said the women give advice, speak on his behalf, and "where appropriate" push back on false attacks.

“Change has never been easy, it’s always been hard-fought with bumps and bruises along the way, but these women leaders have had the tenacity to charge on. I am honored to have the support of such remarkable women who have broken down barriers and paved the way for change for my daughters and generations of women. In accepting their support I also accept the great responsibility to carry the torch by advancing women’s rights and bringing the change women need,” Obama said in a statement. “For every Sally Ride, Tory Burch, or Billie Jean King, there are hundreds of young women out there whose dreams seem a little more possible. As president, I will work to safeguard and support those dreams for my daughters and future generations of Americans through policies that further opportunity for all.”

Palin's surprise selection, and her speech at the Republican convention, energized the GOP's conservative base. She is also giving McCain an opening to reach out to swing voters who are concerned about the economy but are traditional on social issues.

In an AP-GfK Poll conducted Sept. 5-10, about two-thirds of working-class whites said Palin shared their values and positions on issues, and three-quarters said so about McCain. Only about half said that of Democratic presidential nominee Barack Obama.

Among white blue-collar women, 65 percent said Palin shared their values, and 71 said McCain did, compared to only 52 percent for Obama and 46 percent for Democratic vice presidential nominee Joe Biden.