Kick the Manolos Aside

Actress Sarah Jessica Parker introduces First Lady as a woman who "doesn't need a pair of heels to stand tall" at NYC fundraiser Monday.

Earlier: She hits the trail for Blumenthal in CT.

Pool report:

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.