Pinpointing their causes

In a visit with the Women’s Caucus on Thursday morning, Michelle Obama delivered a message that she’s been honing: Her most important role is mom, and female voters will make the difference in November.

“We are going to need you every step of the way,” she said. “I am going to need you.” (At a fundraiser held by women’s group EMILY’s List the other day, she put it slightly differently: “I need you to watch my back,” a not-so-veiled reference to conservative attacks.)

Each of the Democratic National Committee’s 13 caucuses met twice this week. There are caucuses that address rural issues, disabilities, race and ethnicity, youth, seniors, the faithful, veterans and military families, and the range of sexual orientations.

Though the caucuses aren’t covered much by the media hordes, they are important communication tools for the party and a place where Democrats can bond over shared interests.

And there’s always the chance someone cool will show up.

Michelle Obama’s warmly received chat with the Women’s Caucus came three days after actresses Rosario Dawson and Eva Longoria Parker spoke briefly to the Women’s Caucus.

To great cheers, Parker announced: “I’m here representing all the desperate housewives in the room!”

-- Robin Abcarian