Letters to the Editor
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Michelle and Barack are the real deal!!
I went to a luncheon for her in Florida and she speaks from her heart - no notes - afterward she either shook hands or hugged everyone in the room and took the time to listen to what anyone had to say. An intelligent, warm and totally real human being. I also have had the honor of hearing Barack speak in person several times and find him to be the same way - warm, intelligent and totally engaging. He listens when you speak to him - I know he will listen to his cabinet, the congress and the American people when he is our next President - and won't that be a refreshing change?!!
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yeah, whatever
zo many zo called commentators comment here and elsewhere.
'We' are not experts, let alone smart.
'We' are only waving our arms in discontent. And ignorance.
That includes you and I. As far as I am concerned.
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What Clinton wrought
Rebecca Traister's comparison of Michelle Obama's gesture to Bill Clinton's speaks, perhaps inadvertently, to a larger commonality between them, one which includes all of the Democratic candidatorial spouses (what is the term for that?). Even some of the Republicans are, with some stiffness, getting into the new paradigm.
The reason why the comparison is interesting is that, in a sense, the role that Michelle Obama, Elizabeth Edwards, and the rest of them are all playing is one made in Bill Clinton's image. Clinton has raised the bar for what it means to be a First Spouse — first with his wife during his own campaigning, and secondly and maybe more saliently now. His casting himself flawlessly as the amiable, agreeable, low-key but slyly independent helpmate who knows how to use the relative freedom he has to exercise his wit, and to take the jabs, make the comments, and express the "soft" stuff that protocol forbids that a candidate do herself (or himself).
This is the new template for what a presidential spouse will be, and — to the extent that the "for real" is for real — more power to them.
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Rebecca's impressions of Ms. Obama
I laughed aloud at some of Rebecca's observations - Michelle is direct, funny but truly has a way of making people sit up and pay attention, sense the urgency. As a Bay Area native now living in northern Iowa, I watched Michelle's impression on my fellow Iowans with a little bit of awe. I had a major adjustment to make leaving the big city and nestling down as a single mom of a 9 mo. old infant several years ago and for a while, feared being direct with anyone here, worried I might offend someone. Now that the infant's grown to an 8 yr old, she comes along as I help journal the Obama's work in Iowa for volunteer campaign photography ..I've now seen a transition in this child's viewpoint of her world too. As a mother, I learned how important it is to be honest and direct. This is something that Michelle's speeches and comments seem to resonate with everyone - we are similar, we have families and obligations but we have ups and downs but like anything else that doesn't work or support our right to live fulfilled lives, we have a right to choose a different path, be brave when it comes time to act and change. I've watch my daughter's hand rise to ask questions of speakers who've come on behalf of the Obama's and I'm proud that's she's not afraid. Being in Iowa has afforded us a unique perspective of the human side of these candidates but when someone like Michelle takes both your hands into her's, looks you in the eye and acknowledges something you said, one realizes how fearless both Michelle and Barack are. One walks away feeling encouraged. Hopeful. A little braver.
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Fact checking
I enjoyed the article on Michelle Obama, but did want to correct one incorrect assertion made by the author. Ms. Traister wrote:
"In September, Obama's husband landed in hot water when he failed to put his hand to his heart during the national anthem at Sen. Tom Harkin's steak fry. In light of that absurd kerfuffle -- you're not even supposed to put your hand to your heart during the national anthem . . . ."
Actually, according to Title 36, Chapter 3, Section 301, of the U.S. Code, those not in uniform are required to put their right hands over their hearts during playing of the national anthem (and those in uniform to salute). (The code can be accessed at http://frwebgate.access.gpo.gov/cgi-bin/getdoc.cgi?dbname=browse_usc&docid=Cite:+36USC301)
I don't think it's a big deal that Mr. Obama didn't observe this custom. However, I did want to point out that, contrary to what the author writes, one is "supposed to" do it.
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Anyone else think RT's intro was like a CNET editor's review?
I enjoyed the article and the chance to get another look at Michelle...
But I thought the video of Rebecca Traister would include some clips of Michelle's speeches, or otherwise introduce video that her written piece didn't include. Instead, it sounded so familiar...
Like when I want to hear the CNET Editor's Review of a new laptop, where they show you where the USB ports are and all in all, this is a great little device if you're looking for xyz?
I don't mean this as a negative comment because the article gave me lots to ponder.
Joan & Rebecca, maybe rethink the format & content of the video intro piece?
Hugs.
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Nice
... has made doubting Iowans into believers.
That's really great. Making dumb people even dumber - and preventing them from thinking and changing the society...
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And Wouldn't It Be Nice
If, at some point, all these other political wives would give Hillary some of the credit she deserves for forging this excruciatingly painful path? Perhaps by holding a luncheon where they all get together and invite Maureen Dowd, then taunt her mercilessly for not actually managing to bed their spouses, which seems to be her primary complaint with them all.
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I'll vote for Obama if he gets the nomination
But he's a sure loser in a general election, that's all I'm saying. Hillary is the best chance at winning back the white house, she will fight hard, and Bill will deliver Arkansah for her, giving us the one extra state needed to pull out a win.