LOS ANGELES (AP) – Gwyneth Paltrow has won numerous awards for her acting, but speaking apparently came with some difficulty Thursday with President Barack Obama standing beside her.
“You’re so handsome that I can’t speak properly,” the actress, singer and food writer gushed after introducing Obama to several hundred supporters seated on white fold-out chairs in the lush backyard of her home in the movie star haven of Brentwood, a neighbourhood in Los Angeles.
In a not-so-subtle reference to her “conscious uncoupling” earlier this year from husband Chris Martin, Paltrow said it was a “profound honour” to have Obama in the home she shares with Apple and Moses, her two children with the Coldplay lead vocalist.
Paltrow hosted a reception and dinner benefiting the Democratic Party that marked the start of a three-day, California fundraising swing for Obama. He is scheduled to attend three other Democratic National Committee fundraisers in Los Angeles and San Francisco before returning to Washington on Saturday.
Tickets to the reception at Paltrow’s home started at $1 000, while dinner tickets cost a minimum of $15 000.
Actors Julia Roberts and Bradley Whitford were among those attending.
In a brief introduction punctuated by “ums,” Paltrow declared herself to be one of Obama’s biggest fans and said he’s an “incredible role model.”
“I am one of your biggest fans, if not the biggest, and have been since the inception of your campaign,” she said, adding that she thinks both of his campaigns and his presidency will be one of the most important and most scrutinized of all time.
Paltrow noted the approaching Nov. 4 midterm elections in which Democratic control of the Senate is at risk. She called it a “critical time” for Democrats and seemed to urge everyone to vote. “It would be wonderful if we were able to give this man all of the power that he needs to pass the things that he needs to pass,” she said.
She mentioned equal rights for women in the workplace, and investments in sustainable energy and “everything green” before commenting on Obama’s looks.
“I’m taking her to the next event,” Obama quipped when it was his turn to speak.
He also thanked Paltrow and her kids for “letting us crash your house.”
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