Stressing "It just takes one," First Lady Michelle Obama emphasized to a crowd of nearly 2,000 women, men and their children Aug. 9 at Archibald Johnston Hall at Moravian College as she campaigned for her husband, President Barack Obama.

"This election could all come down to the last few thousand votes, particularly here in this state," she said.

She talked about many of the president's landmark accomplishments including health care reform, ending the Iraq War, work on student loans, getting rid of Osama Bin Laden.

"So many of our presidents have tried and failed to meet the challenges of health reform but your president was determined," Michelle Obama said to rousing cheers.

State Rep. Steve Samuelson, D-135th, of Bethlehem, said, "One of her goals was to get volunteers. Talking with people after wards, I could tell she had achieved it. She gave an inspirational talk for 40 minutes without notes and people loved her."

Obama's Bethlehem headquarters are at 13 E. Third St. on the Southside.

While standing in line, one of Obama's people approached Samuelson and took him to stand on the stage behind the First Lady. "That was really neat. She is lovely and made everyone feel comfortable," he said.

"I really liked how she spoke about the sacrifices her parents had to make to send her to college, how four years ago Obama implemented a $2,500 tax credit for middle class parents."

One person who responded to her call to action was Robin Staff, of Springtown, who said it was worth her standing in line for six hours in sweltering heat to hear the First Lady.

"I will be at Bethlehem volunteer headquarters tomorrow," Staff said. "Hearing what she had to say made me believe 'Yes we can' do it again."

"She never went negative," Staff stressed. "The audience could not get enough of her, especially when she explained that he is a guy who is on your side. He paid for his own student loans. He knows what it is like to lose someone because they didn't have health insurance. He has been working everyday to cleanup the huge mess this country was in when he took office."

Anne Porter, of Easton said, "Michelle Obama's message was clear - this election will be about choice. Will the next four years be marked by the slow and steady movement forward or will we see the changes made by the president repealed?"

Porter said, "There were many young girls in the audience and she stressed this election is about them, about their generation."

Representing State Sen. Lisa Boscola, D-18th, from her Bethlehem staff were Nancy Wilt, of Whitehall, and Jeff Warren, of Easton, who also stood behind Obama on the stage. Both felt she humanized the president and they are both ready "for four more years of progress."

"This is what she left us with - It just takes one," Robin Staff said. "Bring a friend to volunteer, take a neighbor to the polls, help any way you can."