By Mike Baker
Associated Press Writer
CHARLOTTE (AP) ó Michelle Obama asked voters Thursday to make their choice on the issues, not because, ěI like that guyî or, ěsheís cute.î
Might she be talking about Republican vice presidential candidate Sarah Palin?
ěIím talking about me,î she said with a smile.
Barack Obamaís wife, however, is not on the ticket in the presidential election. Palin is.
Her remarks came at a womenís round-table on the economy as Democrats work to neutralize the appeal that Palin has brought to John McCainís ticket for some female voters. They are doing so gingerly, so as to not appear sexist or invite another lipstick-on-a-pig tempest.
Michelle Obama told the audience her husband is only candidate focused on equal pay, health care, affordable college, teacher recruitment and other issues of concern to women. She said thatís what the election should be about.
ěPeople shouldnít make a decision this time based on, íI like that guyí or ‘she’s cute,îí she said.
The line won a big round of applause. Before it subsided, she interjected: ěAnd Iím talking about me.î
She did not talk about Palin directly in her remarks