Watch a slideshow of the event. Audio and photos by Chris Kornelis. Download Obama’s entire speech. First, a few notable things to mention that occurred before Michelle Obama took the stage at WaMu Theater this afternoon. Former governor Gary Locke, who gave an uncharacteristically rousing speech during Hillary Clinton’s last swing through town a few short months ago, introduced Gov. Gregoire and managed to give a halfhearted Obama endorsement. “We need a partner in the White House who will work with states,” Locke said. “And that’s why we’re so excited about Barack Obama as president and Michelle Obama as first lady.”Next, an incredibly awkward moment where Gregoire begins by saying she had a “very private moment” during which she got to know Barack Obama and understands that he loves his wife Michelle very much. Huh? No further information. Gregoire just smiled knowingly at the crowd and launched into an introduction of her youngest daughter, Michelle, who then introduced Gregoire, again. During her second speech, Gregoire said “my friends” eight times. Apparently now that McCain has given up the phrase after his advisors grew tired of the verbal tic, it’s fair game. She also mentioned that her eldest daughter Courtney, will wed Aug. 9, the first wedding at the governor’s mansion in 100 years. Again, governor, tmi. Then after some Obama platitudes, Gregoire hammered Dino Rossi. “Sorry Michelle,” she said, “but I’ve got to pay some attention to back home.” “What’s the difference between George W. Bush and my opponent?” Gregoire continued. “Absolutely nothing! …I know better than any governor in the U.S. that every vote counts. This race must be called at 8:10 election night!”The ominous video montage that followed flashed “133 votes” in red about a half-dozen times. Not sure about the wisdom of reminding people how close Rossi came before, though it likely helps with fundraising to inform supporters that Gregoire’s second term is by no means a done deal. Organizers reported that 1,600 people paid $200 to eat salad and strawberry parfait and listen to Michelle Obama. And she didn’t disappoint (though she seemed a little flat). Obama told a sweet story about how young Barack, a summer associate Michelle was supervising at the time, wanted to show her what he was about– so she’d go out with him on a date. He took her to a meeting in a church basement on the South Side of Chicago where he’d worked with residents as a community organizer. Michelle said she was impressed that the Harvard-educated lawyer she knew could just as easily connect with these people “who just wanted a shot.”She said that night began a long discussion of the world as it is versus the world as it should be. “That’s what makes me so proud. He’s the same man he is today as he was in that church basement,” Obama said. “The question we have to ask ourselves is do we settle for the world as it is or do we fight for the world as it should be. …Chris Gregoire and Barack Obama share the same vision for this country.”Gregoire certainly caught the right train when she gave her support to Obama in February.