You write: "My experience has always told me that liberal couples were more family oriented than conservative couples and that liberal women were more dedicated mothers than their right wing sisters." This is so true and this has been my experience as well - especially with people I know my age (early fifties) and younger.

For years conservatives have owned family values (and patriotism). It is time we spoke up for ourselves!! We are the one who truly care about family values. Liberals are the ones who actually walk the walk and talk the talk. I know many, many liberal couples where both parents (yes, both parents) have sacrificed career advancement and income so that they could structure their lives around their children. Republican couples - not so much.

My "family of origin" was decidedly not upper class Brits. Yet we called our mother "Mummy" (now shortened to Mum). My mother's grandmother was from Galway. Everyone called her "Mummah." My grandmother was called "Mother" or "Grandmother" (that was her personality). So, the Mum thing skipped a generation. Me, I am just plain "Mom."

That is where I'd like to see Hillary. If I were she that is what I'd want - that was always my dream legal job! She'd bring her political savvy, her razor sharp intellect and legal mind to the job. And a spot will open v. early in Obama presidency: Justice Stevens has been holding on until a Dem takes the White House - so, he probably has his letter of resignation ready to go. Hillary is young - she could easily be on the Court for the next 20+ years. I think this position would give her a way to make a much more important and lasting contribution.

Ever heard of her? I thought not. All of you who think Ms. Kaplan's article is...well, whatever dumb things people have said about the article (I only skimmed - knowing exactly what the comments would be - Salon commenters are so predictable) should hear the story of the Hottentot Venus.

In the early 19th century, Sarah Baartman, a young, black, South African woman was paraded across Europe as a freak-show attraction. She was forced to display, among other things, her large buttocks for the amusement and ridicule of white Europeans. Sarah Baartman died a penniless prostitute at age 26. According to a BBC News article from 2002, Sarah Baartman has become an icon for South African women who still suffer abuse and exploitation.

Anyone who thinks Ms. Kaplan's article is just fluff and frivolity knows nothing. Knows nothing about the abuse and exploitation suffered by black women in this country and elsewhere. Knows that only very, very recently have we come to a place where we can look at Michelle Obama and say, there is a beautiful woman! Sarah Baartman was famous in her time because she was considered a freak, ugly. Isn't it wonderful that we can look at a woman like Michelle Obama and say - here is this woman of African descent (big butt and all) who we think is beautiful! And, even more important, not only do we see Michelle Obama's physical beauty, we see and appreciate everything she is: an intelligent, very capable professional, an equal partner in her marriage, a mother, sister, a sister, a daughter. Sarah Baartman was nothing but an object, an other to those who exploited her. From Sarah Baartman to Michelle Obama...amazing!

a "big" butt and a "fat" butt?? I am a white woman and even I know the difference! Unfortunately, I have a "fat" butt I would love it if I had a "big" butt like Michelle O or J Lo!!

Thank you! Did you see her legs in the picture of B. and she watching TV on election night? Alas, I am envious.

But, oops, must remember political correctness - shame on Michelle for daring to be attractive, shame on Erin Aubry Kaplan to find reason to celebrate the beauty of a woman who looks like her.

When oh when oh when will Salon readers grow up and get the hell over themselves? Actually, I hope not too soon - Salon readers comments have almost as much entertainment value for me as do William Kristol's NYT columns!

You make such an important point, I think people need to be able to put Ms. Kaplan's article in a historial/cultural context to be able to see the serious issues underlying her supposedly shallow article. You wrote:

"Black women’s big butts have historically been sexualized and objectified to such a degree, that the roundness of a particular black woman’s derriere has defined what she is like as a person, her very essence—that big booty signifies promiscuity, loose morals, being low-class and stupid. (I'm not lying when I say that people thought the bigger the booty, the more likely it was the possessor of said abundance was considered to probably be from the projects.)

Michelle Obama’s big butt turns this stereotype on its head exactly because, not only is she none of those things (Harvard graduate, high-powered executive, wife and mother), she will be the FIRST LADY. The author is screaming loud from the rooftops: I’m black and I’m proud!"

Thank you, TRenee. My post on the "Hottentot Venus" also tried to put this issue into historical/cultural perspective.