Chicago, Oct. 11 : Democratic presidential candidate Barack Obama’s wife Michelle, popular talk show host Oprah, Winfrey and party vice-presidential candidate Joe Biden spoke at a women''s conference in Chicago on Friday.

Michelle Obama also spoke at the gathering at the Sheraton Hotel in Chicago, called the National Women’s Leadership Issues Conference.

“The leadership of women will be critical, because we all know, when you need something done, we can get it done. Talk to your friends and your neighbors and your colleagues. Sit down with your mothers and your fathers and your sisters and your girlfriends and tell them about the issues at stake in this election,” Michelle said.

“All of you live in a swing state or near a swing state, so when you get home, start knocking on those doors. Start talking on the phone. Help us get the vote out for Barack and Joe. It’s never been more important that all women make their voices heard,” she added.

Oprah Winfrey opened the conference with a speech that the press was not invited to.

Barack Obama will address the conference Saturday, as will former Treasury Secretary Robert E. Rubin and former Secretary of State Madeline Albright.

The women are all major donors to the campaign, some paying 2,500 dollars to attend the conference, others paying the 28,500 dollars that got them into a VIP reception with Winfrey and Michelle Obama Friday night.

Jill Biden introduced her husband, touting his support for the Violence Aganst Women Act and the Equal Pay for Equal Work Act.

Joe Biden slammed Republican John McCain for opposing his Violence Against Women Act. (ANI)