While addressing a $500.00 a plate Democratic Party fundraiser in a private Kalorama home in Northwest Washington Michelle Obama threatened to leave after lesbian Ellen Sturtz, 56, interrupted her remarks to demand that President Obama sign an anti-discrimination executive order that would prohibit federal contractors from discriminating on the basis of sexual orientation or gender identity.
“(This is) One of the things that I don’t do well,” Mrs. Obama said loud over the microphone.
A pool report from a reporter in the room said Obama then “left the lectern and moved to Ms, Sturtz.” and said: “Listen to me or you can take the mic, but I’m leaving. You all decide. You have one choice.”
“She came right down in my face,” Sturtz said. “I was taken aback.” Sturtz said she told Obama she was happy to take the microphone to plead her case, which, Sturtz said, appeared to fluster the first lady. “I said I want your husband to sign the executive order,” Sturtz said. “Her husband could sign this order tonight and protect 22 percent of the work force in this country.” Sturtz was then escorted out of the room by security. Later in an in an interview later she was stunned by Mrs. Obama’s response.
The incident came hours after White House press secretary Jay Carney reiterated the president’s focus being on legislation for any type of ENDA protections through Congress even though two past Presidents in the past have signed Executive Orders barring discrimination against race, color, and creed by companies that hold Government contracts.
After the incident Mrs. Obama did not mention ENDA or an Executive Order completely ignoring the incident and going back on scripted message.
“So let me make the point that I was making before. We are here for our kids. So we must recapture that passion. That same urgency and energy that we felt back in 2008, 2012. Understand this — this is what I want you all to understand. This is not about us. No one back here. It’s not about you or you or your issue or your thing. This is about our children.”
I have said it before and I will say it again. It should have been Hillary in 08.