Barack Obama at Northern Virginia Town Hall on Women's Economic Security

I've got some pictures from today's Town Hall on Women's Economic Security, which Barack Obama held at Robinson Secondary School in Fairfax County. For the best coverage of the event, you can't beat Teacherken's write up at RK. He literally gives a timeline of Obama's responses to questions and, as always, provides in depth and substantive reporting. In addition, Lowell has some thoughts and a video up as well.

It's my policy not to duplicate what has already been done exeptionally well, so for the actual report, just click and go over to Teacherken's write up.

Meanwhile, thanks to my husband, Dan, for the photos. First one is me with Bryan Scafford, who was seated in the Press Section. He's now blogging at Left of the Hill.

Next is Cindy Fithian, the Obama campaign's Northern Virginia field director, cheering on the crowd.

Gerry Connolly was next, warming up the crowd.

Virginia First Lady, Ann Holton, introduced Barack Obama. She also spoke about what it felt like to be a working woman caught between conflicting responsibilities, raising children and working full time.

Finally, Obama begins his speech. His opening remarks acknowledge what First Lady Holton has said, as he attests to how his own wife, Michelle, is often conflicted, worrying about her work when she is with her children and worrying about her children while she is on the job.

As I've said, for a better blow by blow description of the many questions that Obama responded to, just head on over to RK.

I would like to add my impression of the town hall and Obama's performance.

It was an extremely well organized event that stuck close to its scheduled time, a real rarity in politics, especially with a national level candidate. And if McCain and the media think that the more free flowing, spontaneous town hall format favors him and puts Barack Obama at a disadvantage, then they need to think again. Obama handled the questions with grace, dignity and respect for his audience. He thinks fast on his feet and he's as eloquent in this spontaneous format as he is in a prepared speech.