Text message from Beverly Hills *

An LA Observed source who is at tonight's Barack Obama fundraiser (the cheaper one at the Beverly Wilshire, not the $28,500 shindig at the Greystone Mansion) messaged that it was late getting started. And kind of boring.

I am sitting waiting for the Obama event to begin.....the 7:30 event that still hasn't started as of 9:00 p.m. This after getting here early as recommended (before 6:00) in order to get in line so as to be sure to get a seat.

Time to take a nap? Or just go home???

Not a lot of fun at this point.......

And that's an Obama supporter.

* 11:35 pm update: Our source texts from the car:

The first entertainer (Raul Esparza) came on about 9:15. He sang one number. Then Ben Harper came on and did two numbers. Then "La Streisand," who did several numbers and talked about the importance of electing Obama. When she first came onto the stage she said: "Did you all have a good dinner? Did you have dessert? am I dessert?" And then she did her routine... And, finally, we heard from Obama, who was greeted with a mad scramble of folks running up front to take photos on their cellphones.

He looked good, as always. Sounded good, as always. Somber in mood, reflective of the tragedies over the past week -- in Texas and here in the L.A. area -- and also reflective of the severe worldwide economic crisis. Would guess he spoke for about ten minutes, to enthusiastic cheers and applause.

And then there was a mad scramble for the exit, not because folks were not interested in mingling but because it had become clear that there would be chaos trying to get our cars. I might have been one of the lucky ones: my wait was only about 45 minutes.

Final text, 11:49 pm, regarding Streisand: "She made a comment about all the little cameras going off, something like 'are they cameras or cellphones? I thought there was to be no media tonight." But she did not sound angry or put out about folks wanting to take her picture...
She also said she would be posting comments on her website within the next day or two, thoughts about Obama and the campaign and the importance of electing him, etc."