Maria Shriver defends Sarah Palin

By April MacIntyre Oct 23, 2008, 18:46 GMT

California First Lady Maria Shriver reacts to applause following her speech at the Women\'s Conference in Long Beach, California, USA, 22 October 2008. The Women\'s Conference, under the leadership of California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger and First Lady Maria Shriver has become one of the largest gathering of women in the nation. The conference aims to empower women and inspire them to become architects of change. EPA/PAUL BUCK

California’s First Lady Maria Shriver spoke at the 2008 Women’s Conference and the political mother of four came to Sarah Palin’s defense over her clothes expenditures stating, “I think sometimes we get off message about someone’s shoes and their pants and their clothes and the color of their hair.” 

Reacting to Palin’s reported $150,000 makeover, Shriver opened up to Extra about whether it’s appropriate to criticize saying, “I think that’s the age old question.  Where is the line?  And it’s moved a lot since I was a child of public figure.”

Asked about what her house is like on presidential debate nights, Shriver laughs, “Actually every debate my husband [Republican California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger] has been out and I’ve had all my democratic friends over, so it’s been wonderful!”

Heidi Klum, a guest at the conference, comments on Palin’s new style saying, “Who am I to judge?  Everyone has to have their look and so does she.” 

Klum revealed to “Extra” about her recent citizenship status admitting, “I just got my citizenship for America…so now I’m going to be voting too…I’m voting for Obama.”

An outspoken activist for autism awareness, Jenny McCarthy spoke out about whether Palin, who also has a child with special needs, can make a difference in Washington. 

McCarthy responds, “You know, I don’t know.”  As for whether she’ll have sympathy for children with special need, she says, “probably,” but as for Palin igniting change, McCarthy declares, “Well, she better speak up real quick.”