Michelle Obama Rallies The Gays

Michelle Obama spoke at the Democratic National Committee's Gay & Lesbian Leadership Council dinner last night at the Waldorf-Astoria in Manhattan.

A week after her smash appearance on "The View," Michelle Obama returned here Thursday night to win more kudos - this time from well-heeled gay activists at a Waldorf-Astoria party fund-raiser. The wife of Democratic candidate Barack Obama spoke before the Democratic National Committee's Gay and Lesbian Leadership Council about civil rights struggles "from Selma to Stonewall."

She showcased what she called her husband's long record of pushing for equal treatment for all, spinning his refusal to endorse gay marriage by noting he supports civil unions and would let states decide what's best. Mary Snider, co-chair of the board of directors of the Human Rights Campaign, said Obama seemed at ease with the crowd, which paid $1,500 to $28,500 for tickets: "I think she was very gracious and comfortable and genuine," Snider said.

Also taking the podium last night was New York's First Lady Michelle Paterson.