The paths of the First Lady, Michelle Obama and the new Late Show host Stephen Colbert have crossed a few times lately. Colbert was her guest to the official State Dinner at the White House with French PM Francoise Hollande along with his wife, Evelyn. Apparently Stephen expected more invitations as he joked that he was waiting for his invite to the Chinese State Dinner last week and he never got the call. 
Along with Hugh Jackman, Colbert was the co-host of the Global Citizen Festival this Saturday, September 26th. This festival, devoted to stamping out extreme poverty worldwide by 2030, also featured Mrs.Obama who appeared along with Malala Yousefzai to promote their education initiative for girls around the globe.
Michelle joined Stephen, Monday, as his first guest to discuss her 'Let Girls Learn' Campaign to help educate girls around the world. She stresses the importance of treating girls equally in this country as far as education is concerned as well as increasing opportunities for girls who are denied the chance to learn in so many countries. Developed countries are levering resources and ideas to help those in developing countries overcome barriers, which are often times not material, but based on an attitude of female inferiority.
Malala appeared on Stephen's show Friday night. He explained to Mrs. Obama that she does card tricks. So Michelle joked that it will be the first thing she asks her to do next time. Stephen laughs and said, 'You were talking about something important in the world, and I had to be a jerk.' Michelle found that incredibly funny, as did the audience as well.
People can get involved by tweeting out #62MillionGirls which is roughly the number of girls who can benefit from the education initiative. In addition to being more aware of the need, Michelle also wants American girls to be thankful for the opportunities they have. She believes there were many other girls just like her who, because of lack of parental guidance, they never achieved what they potentially could have if circumstances were different. As Stephen Colbert said, there but for the grace of God it could also have been you and FLOTUS agreed.
Education is the key to lifting people out of poverty by creating opportunity. Naturally, this is why the Republican Party generally tries to cut funding for that very pillar of society. An educated electorate is more inclined to vote for Democrats. Of course, Michelle is far too politically savvy to say such a truth, but you know she's definitely thinking it.
