Michelle Obama: But Really, It's All About Me

Michelle Obama has taken the stage and is already burning the clock by talking about memories of her and her brother Craig.

I don't know how to break this to her, or to the Dems more generally, but this is really about something more than her family, or even her life story (and certainly her parents' lives are interesting and inspiring in various ways).

At least since Cromwell and the Roundheads killed a king and established a republican form of government designed as a sort of anti-spectacle of the court, it hasn't been easy to manage political theatrics in non-aristocratic polities. But this sort of play seems quite played out. As it was when Al Gore pulled a version of it off (and down) back in 2000.

I'm sure I'll hate myself in the morning for saying this, but can't we hear some talk about policies and actual issues, rather than soft-focus appeals (whether from Teddy K or others)?

And can everyone, especially relatives of the guy, stop talking about the pay cut that Obama took by "walking away" from a "big" law firm job? The Obamas are doing quite well, even when book royalties are factored out.

Comments

[Franklin Harris]

I'd take Obama's pay cut any day.

[Gilbert Martin]

"I don't know how to break this to her, or to the Dems more generally, but this is really about something more than her family, or even her life story"

Oh no - she is the wife of THE one and only Barak the First - healer of planets and master of sea levels. It really IS all about him and her.

Kind of reminds me of that History channel program about the first emperor of China who declared himself a god.

[B]

"I'm sure I'll hate myself in the morning for saying this, but can't we hear some talk about policies and actual issues, rather than soft-focus appeals..."

Are you serious? That is all we have gotten from Obama from the very beginning. Expecting more now is extremely naive.

[Coarsetad]

I love political prom!

[benjamin]

Dude

He is doing well NOW.
And he took hell of a paycut at the time and that lasted fifteen years before he made it big.

And yeah, soft-focus on a night out of four does not seem bad SINCE THE OTHER SIDE SPENDS ITS TIME ATTACKING ON CHARATCTER ISSUES.|

Excuse them for defending themselves on those first before going on the attack.

Parry first THEN punch back. I know you guys have decided to hate this but you are becoming a caricature of yourselves

[Hugh Akston]

And can everyone, especially relatives of the guy, stop talking about the pay cut that Obama took by "walking away" from a "big" law firm job?

This is reminiscent of a play Nixon made when he was the GOP's golden boy. He just asked for more money from the party and its financiers and he got it.

But something tells me that BO wasn't doing too poorly for himself when he was lecturing at University of Chicago or practicing law, partner or not.

[Derrick]

Who cares about the DNC? How about some *libertarian* politics instead? Bring back Hit and Run!

[shrike]

It must really suck to be a Bush redneck and get zippo from Michelle Obama as an angry black bitch.

[Bambi]

"It must really suck to be a Bush redneck and get zippo from Michelle Obama as an angry black bitch."

95% of communication is body language. Look, don't listen.

[joe]

Yeah, it's too bad the DEMOCRATS had to introduce the element of Barack Obama's persona into the debate. I find it especially gauche to be bombarded with positive ads about Barack Obama's opinion about America while John McCain is getting into the nitty-gritty of his proposal for Social Security and China policy.

What?

[joe]

I dare the Republicans to air angry Michelle Obama ads now. Double dog dare them.

All done. Back to "meanies picking on those girls' mommy." Ha ha. You know I'm right.

[Seitz]

It must really suck to be a Bush redneck and get zippo from Michelle Obama as an angry black bitch.

Bingo.

And Nick, that post is ridiculously stupid.

I don't know how to break this to her, or to the Dems more generally, but this is really about something more than her family, or even her life story

Tonight sure as hell was. Her speech was all about introducing herself, since 90% of America knows nothing about her other than "for the first time in my life..." and 'angry black woman'. That was really the perfect type of speech for that slot in the convention, and the perfect speech from a relatively unknown potential first lady. If I'm not mistaken, one of the reasons Hillary haters hate Hillary is because she was TOO political as a first lady. And you think she should have come out and talked about policy proposals? Really?

The Obamas are doing quite well, even when book royalties are factored out.

This may be a shock to some of you, but people who get Ivy League undergrad degrees and JDs from Harvard tend to do pretty well. When your opponent keeps calling you an elitist, you talk about the non-elite things you've done. It's not that tough to figure out.

[Michelle]

"I'm a woman, I'm a mother, I'm a daughter, I'm a sister..."

I'm a blue movie. I'm a slave. I'm a bitch. I'm a little girl, when we make love together.

[Casey Kasem]

Next, a liitle gem from a sweet little girl..

My Daddy is the President
by Caroline Kennedy, circa 1962:

My daddy is president, what does your daddy do?
I live in a big white house on Pennsylvania Avenue!
I always hide behind the desk in Daddy's den
When I play hide & seek with Secret Service men.

At Daddy's first press conference I made news
Wearing Mommy's high-heeled shoes
And every time I'm able
I'm under the conference table

My daddy is president, I had a busy day
I'm learning the alphabet: ABCD - JFK!
I don't play house, I play the game of government,
'Cause my daddy is the president!

[History Buff]

"Next, a liitle gem from a sweet little girl.."

Are you certain it wasn't by Marilyn Monroe?

[gabe]

most people still don't know anything about Michelle Obama. Most people in this country don't watch this crap.Ron Paul dominates polls amongst people who watch political debates on TV. None of these speeches have an affect on the election.

[John C jaxson]

Somewhere in Findley Ohio a group of "working class" Democrats are watching and they still don't like Michelle Obama because ( as they say on the news shows) she does not have a "relatable background." It does not matter to them if she herself grewup poor or working class because she is not a "full blooded American." She is obviously a poor African who wants massive immigration so she can bring her family tribes over here. They probably thinks she needs to Speak English or go home since she uses words over 4 letters or 1 syllable long- obviously speaking a foreign language.

[Gilbert Martin]

"most people still don't know anything about Michelle Obama"

And you won't learn anything about her by listenting to her read a speech that somebody else wrote - which is all any of them are doing at the convention.

The only thing anyone needs to know about her or her husband is that they are both arrogant socialist twits.

[joe]

Gilbert Martin, carefully guarding against knowing too much.

[R C Dean]

I do find it somewhat interesting that the Dems felt like they had to kick off their convention with damage control and image rehabilitation for the candidate's wife.

Still, I imagine she'll do OK for the ticket as long as she can stay on message. She strikes me as easily smart and disciplined enough to do that, now that she's seen how the game is played outside Chicago.

[Salida]

Oh, it is just the beginning. I hate to say I told you so, but I KNEW, one by one, you will all realize. YOU will make a big mistake if you elect this man and yes, his wife.
Michelle:
"America is darn right mean?" what has she done to give back? 1% of their income when they could certainly afford more.
Obama:
"We live in a country that is wealthy and does not help the poor.." or something to that effect. But did you see where his younger brother lives? Even $50 a month will make a world of difference in this young man's live and make his life more bearable. These people are mean, self-centered, cocky and dishonest. Vote for them and you'll see what your future is in the coming years. Remember GWB 2?