Washington, Feb. 5: US First Lady Michelle Obama, it seems, has a huge fan club.

This was apparent when crowds gathered inside and outside the huge headquarters of the Department of Education on Wednesday.

According to the Washington Post, Obama looked out over her fans and said: "Wow, There are a lot of you here."

The whole lot of cubicle-dwelling bureaucrats said they all wanted to see the most famous woman in the world.

"She looks just like she does on television," observed Robin Hawkins, one of about a thousand employees who lined hallways and pressed excitedly into an auditorium yesterday to welcome Mrs. Obama.

"It was just the best feeling to see her up close in person."

The first lady''s remarks also were beamed to 83 field offices. On Monday, she went to the Education Department, where a crowd of about 350 hailed her.

"I feel that we matter," said Alison Borchgrevink, who works to provide housing for people with HIV/AIDS.

The first lady had uttered only a couple of sentences before a voice called out, "We love you!"

"I love you, too," she answered. "That''s one of the reasons why I''m here," Obama replied.

The first lady gave a brief speech that hit many of the notes of her emerging agenda. She spoke of the importance of public service and giving back to the community. She promoted her husband''s economic stimulus plan.

Yesterday''s appearance drew many African American women. They regard the First Lady not only as a role model but also as someone who smashes stereotypes about black women.

They raised their cameras aloft to capture her as she spoke and worked the rope line. Dressed in a satiny purple blouse, gray jacket and skirt, Mrs. Obama only talked for about eight minutes but spent as much time wading into the crowd as the outro music blared: "Ain''t No Stopping Us Now." (ANI)