Michelle Obama said earlier this week she was "touched" that first lady Laura Bush came to her defense after she was harshly criticized by Republicans for her February comment that for the first time in her adult life she was "really" proud of the United States. With such important issues facing our nation, which include energy costs, food costs, and terrorism, one would wonder why anyone would make such an attack on a politician’s wife at this time. But we all know it comes with the territory.
Michelle Obama, wife of democratic presidential candidate Barack Obama, later clarified her remarks, saying she had always been proud of her country but particularly proud to see so many people involved in the political process.
In an interview last week with ABC, Laura Bush said, "I think she probably meant 'I'm more proud,' you know, is what she really meant." She said comments in a campaign are closely watched and can be misconstrued.
Michelle Obama told the women of ABC's "The View" that she sent Mrs. Bush a note for her remarks. "It took me a while to write it. It's like, how do I address her?" she said. "I said dear madam first lady." Michelle Obama did not elaborate on the contents of the letter because she said Bush might not have received it yet.
"But I was touched by it," Michelle Obama said. "And that's what I like about Laura Bush. You know, just calm, rational approach to these issues. And you know, I'm taking some cues. I mean, there's a balance. There's a reason why people like her. It's because she doesn't, sort of, you know, fuel the fire."
At a campaign stop in February, Michelle Obama told an audience in Milwaukee: "For the first time in my adult life, I am really proud of my country. Not just because Barack is doing well, but I think people are hungry for change."
John McCain’s wife Cindy made a point later to capitalize on the comments saying, that she’s always been proud of her country. And in turn, there were some in the media that accused her of plagiarism when it was observed that she’d used well known recipes claiming them to be her own, which is why it’s never smart to throw stones for no good reason. It always seems to bounce right back on the one who slings the accusation.
She walked onto the set, arms linked with Barbara Walters, one of the show's co-hosts. She joked with the other cast members Whoopi Goldberg, Joy Behar, Elisabeth Hasselbeck, and Sherri Shepherd, giving them fist bumps as she joined them at the table.
Michelle Obama isn’t the first candidate’s wife to use Hollywood and television to reinvent herself. Nancy Reagan, once an actress, learned that Hollywood was welcoming to her even though they disagreed on most of her husband’s policies. And Hillary Clinton used the media like a master to garner power and acclaim, which catapulted her into the spot of running for President. Tipper Gore once chastised the music industry to become popular with the people out in the working class. But that all changed once her husband decided to become a Hollywood star and Oscar winner.
Time will tell whether Michelle Obama was successful or not. But it sure was interesting to see the ladies of "The View" on Wednesday banter and discuss issues that made the candidate’s wife squirm in her chair. All in all, she did a wonderful job in the hot seat.
