“Not everyone knows how to prepare for a dinner like this. As someone who’s eaten countless meals with my husband, I want to tell you the one thing to do if you’re selected to join him…

“Just relax. Barack wants this dinner to be fun, and he really loves getting to know supporters like you.

“I hope you’ll take him up on it before Friday’s deadline.

“Will you donate $3 or more today and be entered to have dinner with Barack?

“These dinners mean a lot to Barack. They’re a chance for him to talk with a few of the people who are driving the campaign — and a chance for him to say thank you.”

– from an Obama campaign fundraising e-mail sent by Michelle Obama