Maria Shriver Comes Out for Obama | The Trail | washingtonpost.com
By Garance Franke-Ruta
In a surprise move, California first lady Maria Shriver offered her support to Sen. Barack Obama (D-Ill.) at a Los Angeles rally today. Oprah Winfrey, Michelle Obama and Caroline Kennedy, Shriver’s cousin, had been set to speak at the University of California, Los Angeles, and Shriver joined them onstage.
“There is no place I wanted to be but here today,” Shriver, a close personal friend of Winfrey’s, said before comparing Obama’s character to that of her state itself. “This election is about a moment. This is a moment not just for the United States of America, not just for the Democratic Party, but this is a moment for California. The more I thought about it, I thought, if Barack Obama was a state, he’d be California. Think about it: diverse, open, smart, independent, bucks tradition, innovative, inspiring, dreamer, leader.”
Delegate-rich California is the ultimate prize in Tuesday’s voting, and Shriver’s endorsement is sure to set Californians buzzing. Shriver’s husband, Calif. Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger (R), endorsed Arizona Sen. John McCain’s bid for the GOP presidential nomination Thursday, though he also had some kind words for Obama a few days earlier.
Indeed, the Illinois Democrat and the California Republican have not hesitated to speak well of each other over the past year. Last May, Schwarzenegger effusively praised Obama’s efforts to establish a national version of California’s Low Carbon Fuel Standard. And, in December, Obama pointed to Schwarzenegger’s “leadership” and efforts to fight climate change in response to a question about Republicans he might consider for posts in his Cabinet.
“We’ve got to see beyond the labels that divide us,” Shriver said this afternoon. “And if that’s the kind of America I want, I think it will be very clear to you what you should do on Tuesday.”
“I’m honored to have the support of Maria Shriver,” said Senator
Obama. “Her courage in lending her voice to this movement means a
great deal to me, and reminds us why she is one of the most admired
women in America. Maria has been a strong advocate for women, a
passionate voice for public service, and an extraordinary First Lady.
Her dedication to bringing about a more compassionate, hopeful America
sets an example not just for Californians, but for all Americans.”