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June 24th, 2011
05:53 PM ET
Michelle Obama on her husband's election, the upcoming campaign and her daughters' privacy CNN's Robyn Curnow caught up with first lady Michelle Obama in Botswana for an interview during which she discussed some of the high points of her African trip: On Mandela: "The one thing I told him, I wanted to make sure he understood how important his leadership and sacrifice has been to who I've become, to who my husband has become and, in short, I just said, 'Thank you.' It's really hard to know what to say to such an icon." On the U.S. elections: "We really don't talk about the election. We're really doing the work, and that's an important and useful distraction in the midst of it. There's a lot on the president of theUnited States' plate that keeps him focused on what needs to be done, so you just keep doing what you believe is right. I always say this: One of the reasons why I support this president and not just as my husband, but as a citizen, is because I see him taking that long view. I see him every day waking up worrying, not about polls, but worrying about what is the right thing to do for the future. That keeps you pretty focused on what's important." On husband's campaign: "When it comes to the campaign we're ready to work hard. We did it before and we'll do it again, so we're rolling up our sleeves and getting on with it." On daughters: "Fortunately, we have help from the media. I have to say this: I am very grateful for the support and kindness that we've gotten. People have respected their privacy, and in that way, no matter what people may feel about my husband's policies or what-have-you, they care about children, and that's been good to see." |
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Keep up the good work, Mrs. Obama. I admire you and your family for consistently taking the high road. Good luck as you enter campaign season. President Obama has my vote.
Save your breadth howard and don't patronise americans. Your ignorance or lack of understanding of the "obama' phenomenon does not warrant such a wild off the mark and fear mongering diatribe! like him or hate it doesn't matter. Just don't create a monster for yourself to be frightened about!
Howard, I'll bet you really bore the guys at the Klan meetings. You are proof that even a fool can disguise himself as an intellectual. President Obama is the finest leader I've seen in my 63 years – witbh 34 of those years spent in the US Army. His accomplishments would indeed be greater if he wasn't fighting a right-wing financed by special interests groups and executed by bigoted, evangelical, border-line facists. The Republican side of the Congress devoted the last two years to disruption of progress and obstructive beahvior. Let it go wind-bag.
Larry Sir, I could not have said it any better and to the point. Thanks
Howard, people who spend as much time as you have on a response to a rather insignificant comment really worry me. Is this what you do all day?
A piece of purely personal attack rhetoric, similar to the unhinged utterance of political "hot air" from Palin 2.0, Bachmann.
I just got an email from Michelle Obama, asking Americans to honor our servicemen.
WHAT HYPOCRISY !!!
HERE IS OBAMA'S RESPONSE WHEN HE BACKED OFF FROM HIS DECISION TO REQUIRE THE MILITARY PAY FOR THEIR WAR INJURIES.
"Look, it's an all volunteer force," Obama complained. "Nobody made these guys go to war. They had to have known and accepted the risks. Now they whine about bearing the costs of their choice? It doesn't compute.." "I thought these were people who were proud to sacrifice for their country, "Obama continued "I wasn't asking for blood, just money. With the country facing the worst financial crisis in its history, I'd have thought that the patriotic thing to do would be to try to help reduce the nation's deficit.. I guess I underestimated the selfishness of some of my fellow Americans."
Full out lie as I have told you before. Check it out at snopes...how many times do you have to be called on this?
They are bragging that they will bring in a BILLION dollars for the re-election. If a repub made a proclamation like that, the media and world would decry that kind of largess spent for a campaign when there is so much need in the world. Obama says it and everyone yawns. Instead of going after businesses that buy jets and keep jet manufacturers, workers, and their suppliers in business, how about running a campaign on a million of your own money as did Romney?
The President and his family have our vote.
maybe the media should treat your kids in the same manner as they treat sarah palin's young children then you will see the meaniness of the media too
Sarah Palin from the get-go has included her kids in every aspect of her life when she went public. She's used them for her own purposes. Mrs. Obama has two children and like other first families of the past President and Mrs. Bush wanted Barbara and Jenna Bush to have their privacy. Thee media went after them when they were caught partying the put themselves out there. Thew president and Mrs. Obama do not subject their girls unnecessarily. Sara Palin put Bristol out there when she ran for VP she brought Trig in front of the camera every chance she got. Nope Sara gets no sympathy from me she is a media hound.
There are 100s of videos of Barry, The First Date and their girls campaigning.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NLWkPGJmZtA
It is Obama's kids who wear T-shirts carrying political messages. NOT Palin's kids or the Bush girls. But who gets dumped on by the MSM? Well that's a very obvious question...
@IBAMALIAR - First, learn how to spell and write a sentence. Next, the author you are quoting - look up the SNOPE citation on him. It appears as if you are a closet racist and maybe need to come out of the closet. Take a close look at yourself in the mirror. Racist bigots usually expose themselves early on in life. The problems our country are facing right now were brought on by the GOP over the eight years prior to the current President. This President has created more jobs in two years than "W:" did in the entire eight years he was in office. The GOP is out to destroy the lower and middle class of our country and you rednecks are enabling them in their efforts.
Michelle Obama (and the President) have not "sold" their daughters for the sake of media coverage! They are parents who act with decency and restraint and the Press has acted accordingly. Sometime reasonable behavior really does work.
What a great first lady. She has spoke the truth about how Pres O. feels, thinks, what he is trying do for all Americans. The GOP, Koch Bros, wealthy, greedy ones are doing everything they can to keep him from being successful. The wealthy seem to care more about money, power, lesss about America, the American People. They want to destroy unions, rights of the people, make our workers slaves like in China. When all Americans are employed with a decent wage they buy goods, services, this increases demand, all Americans prosper. The wealthy 2% that has the GOP in their pocket are the ones destroying America. They want American sot work for low wages, no benefits, no rights. Just look at what they are trying to do to the unions. Twenty nine miners would have been saved had they had union protection. Eleven men would have been saved had regulations been followed. There were no safety measures in place, since the same explosion took place in the Gulf of Mexico in 1995 300 ft down. The last one was a mile deep. There are still no safety measures in place. The greedy wealthy ones again, they care less about people only money and power, have brain washed the less knowledgeable into hating the government and they DON'T even know they are the government. The wealthy control all media, most of what we see and hear. The GOP has made many hate themselves, divides the country, focus on everything other than how to put people back to work, vote against everything Pres.O. trys to do to put American to work. All the gop does is criticize, condemn, pass laws that affect the working class, offer NO solutions other than cut taxes for the wealthy 2% , destroy unions, threaten to take their money out of the country if they can't get their way. GOD DON'T LOVE UGLY, read what the bible says about the greedy.
The Gop talks abt too much govern, but wants to control what Americans do in their bedroom, in the doctors office, force women to pay for ultrasound when they want an unwanted pregnancy due to rape, incest. No class action suits, no disclosure on donations, supreme court 10/2010. Folks wake up, reason our president is trying to improve education.
Wow ... what about the wealthy Obamas... and if the wealthy control the media why did the media make mincmeat out of the Palin Children, McCain's Daughter and Chenny's daughter ... what do you think that Michelle would say if her family were treated in that manner?
As for ICON's I notice hers is not a citizen of this country!
the question is exactly that ... What is right and what is wrong ... if you have to ponder it then you don't know .... you are really asking is this the right thing to do to get re-elected.
Nelson Mandela, is an ICON for a great many people in this world...and who in their correct mind thinks only American citizens qualify to be an ICON? A great many Catholics state the Pope is their ICON. Does that make them un-American?
No matter how you try to slice it or dice it, that is exactly what you are trying to imply about Mrs. Obama, and in my humble opinion that dog don't hunt!
Bill you need to get out of STL, visit other parts of this big planet. For world knowledge you are woefully lacking.
Obama-Biden 2012
I suppose you would think that it's un-American to see Mother Theresa as an Icon. How about Jesus Christ?
Nelson Mandela called The First Date, Queen of the World. Sounds like a cut to me, Mandela is all about free elections, why else would he call someone Queen. This implies that he sees her not as an advocate of freedom but of monarchy.
Mrs. Obama doesn't encourage her children into the spotlight. Who can even imagine Laura Bush, Hillary Clinton, or Michelle Obama encouraging a tell-all memoir written by one of their girls? Who can imagine any of them encouraging their kids to be on reality shows, to flaunt their unmarried pregnancies, to get major cosmetic surgery at age 19 or 20? Maybe Mrs Palin would have had more luck with the media if she had been willing to use her family for her political gain.
Last sentence should read "less willing to use her family."
You just had to drag palin into it didn't you??? And you had to drag her family in as well.... If you look at what Michelle said ... aren't you just a little bit ashamed? You keep picking and Picking and Picking,,,,,
Thank you. You are so right!
Nope, not ashamed at all. I picked up Bristol's book at Target today and read a few passages. It brought tears to my eyes. What a sad, confused girl she is. Thanks, Mom.
IBAMALIAR: God is watching you too. He knows that you just called me a liar for absolutely no reason at all. I DID go to Target today. I DID read passages from Bristol Palin's book. It DID bring tears to my eyes. I also mowed my lawn and weeded my flower bed.
rhumba – to tell you the truth I don't think of you as one or the other. Only as a stupid fool. You mentioned Palin again. What is it about this woman that scares you people so much. AND QUIT TRYING TO BE SOMETHING YOU'RE NOT.
@ss26mar; How can they? The Obama children were polite, intelligent, studious, well taught, well mannered little girls, even before they moved into the Whitehouse. What in the world could the media do treat them with nothing else but kindness and respect? However, if they read these blogs they're being treated indirectly worse than the Palin children, through their parents' daily, perpetual systemic abuse and degradation. Furthermore, how bad has the media treated the PALIN children? You mean Mommy Bristol?
And you know this how???? Personal Experience???? I believe that this is either an assumption on your part or it is second hand news that you have accepted as truth.
Great job Mrs. Obama ! I believe our President is doing everything he can for the middle class. the damn Republicans will continue to want to destroy him. Yes wake up everyone, the Repubs are greedy and just want to do all for the wealthiest people why would they care about the middle class?? President Obama you have my vote !!
There you go again Liz .... You have displayed for one and all that you are truly racist ... Not one mention of race was here until you uttered it.... Congratulations
Liz,You always sing the same song. Can you change? Oyeeee. Your change going to be like Obama's change FOR WORSE. Do you better of after Obama's 2.5 years? Ask 15m. people who don't have job. By the way ,your record is perfect ,you wrong again.
Frankly, Sarah Palin exploited her children for cash and political gain, with the...I'm such a great mother routine...and then has the gall to blames the press when they question that premise. She whines and claims she and they are victims of the mainstream media, with very little proof.
Having a daughter, who was paid handsomely for her stint on Dancing on With the Stars, is not exactly proof that the press has mistreated her children. Instead of whining, she should take that as proof that normal people can relate that children do not always act in a wise manner, and can still move on with their lives.
If Sarah had not made her paragon-of-virtue motherhood such a focal point of her campaign. I am sure her children would have had much less press coverage.
The Obama children, have been treated well by the press because they have been kept out of the spotlight and not made a direct focal point of any coverage. However, I agree with Liz, that the constant stream of hate aimed at this president and first lady, by plainly racist factions (there is no nice way to say this since it is obvious) is more harmful than anything perceived as hurtful aimed at the Palin children.
On a side note: For the love of heaven, who posted a whole Kindle book below on this comment board?
There's really nothing to discuss, it's a one term lady.
I pray that President Obama gets another term. He needs time to finish fixing the economy and the other problems we have in America. Sadly, his black skin has made him a target for the unthinking masses in America. I would be more convinced of their claims that it is his policies not his race, if I had seen this kind of vitriol aimed at President Bush by the right. No, anything he did was brilliant. Unfunded wars, tax breaks to the rich, the loss of jobs, like water, running overseas. But no, he was wonderful because he was white and conservative. News flash – his presidency nearly destroyed America. Now we have a president, a dreaded liberal, trying to fix this mess but all he gets is guff from the uninformed. So yea, I think the next president should be another Rethug. I actually think that when this country completely implodes, there will be a Republican president and congress in control at the time. So have at it my friends.
Thanks. Jean I appreciate your honesty on that issue because it is true. You told us all a good while ago that you were a white American, and you see it! I am a black American, and I certainly do see it! There are many black and white Americans who see this extreme hate and disregard of this President who may not be as publicly or openly vocal about it, but they are here. The ones who get so touched by the mentioning of the true existance of it get so preturbed about it, they'd rather call me a racist.
As a nation during the 50's & 60's I hoped we would move past this idiocy...I still hope we do. We just need more people to call it out racism for what it is when we see it.
President Obama clearly deserves another term. He has worked hard against so many odds to get us to this point of recovery.
Obama-Biden 2012
I actually think that the President and First Lady need to stop with all the global travel, and fix our serious issues here in the States! I'm getting tired, so so tired of hearing about where the Obama's are visiting today. Personally, I dont care about anywhere else when i've been unemployed for a year and a half, I have a family, and while the Obama's enjoy staying with the Queen, or visiting Africa, I'm sitting here in a food bank line in the supposed land of opportunity! ENOUGH!, Get home and do the Job your supposed to be doing for the AMERICAN people. Or your not going to have a job in 2012.
The more knowledge a person attain the sooner he learnt that he dont know as much as he thought did. As long a a person look at another person with enevy he lose his abality to be objetive. other people take a long look at them and see all the knowledge he suppose to have had it wont resiter no more than pre -schooler in the world of knowledge.Bless
A couple things: First, I do so appreciate Michelle Obama being in the White House. She is an intelligent, warm, wonderful person, a very positive role model for girls and women everywhere. She makes me so proud!
Second, I just read on another article a post that I did not write. It was regarding DeMint's criticism of President Obama's policy in Afghanistan. For the record, I did NOT post this: "President Obama is going to give us all good jobs making robots to send to Afghanistan. Those stupid Republicans don't know anything about robots."
To the jerk who did post the above: Quit being a coward and write your own stuff!
Yo, CNN! Someone please monitor this stuff! It looks like some screenwriter wannabe did a copy paste and didn't notice it...
hatred is an amazing thing.
@IBAMALIAR; I'd like to also let you know that the claim you made about blacks wanting to just sit back smoke marijuana and drink wine is a small percentage of black AMERICA! Many of us did become addicted to the 'systems drugs and alcohol', but many of us have recovered from that attempt of our genocide, awakened from 'coma', and are really paying attention now; and that's just what you people hate! That old 'wool pulling' over our heads trick doesn't work anymore. Our eyes are opened and ears clear now!
Amazing more lies.
Barry is raising 1 billing dollars for himself and you call Gov. Sarah Palin money money-grabbing?
Where do black people who sell drugs to black people, get the drugs from to sell to black people Jay? Furthermore, all drug dealers aren't black! In most of the drug infested AMERICA, maybe NC is 'clean', they come of all races in including white? Blacks don't have boats, airplanes, ability, authority nor the special clearances, to go out and collect drugs, bring them back into AMERICA and put them on the streets! Most of us are sick users, not buyers! Who goes and buys it? WHO ARE THE REAL DEALERS, Jay?
Moron. Have you by any chance read the NSHUD Report for June 2007? Another question: What is wrong with your caps lock key it keeps sticking when you rant?
BTW, I take it that you understood me to say I was 'blaming white people for black people selling drugs to black people', when I said many of us are recovering from the 'systems drugs and alcohol' and the (obvious) attempt at our genocide. I see right away, you immediately jumped to the defense of who else, but white America, because when I said 'system', in your mind, YOU automatically realized what I've always known. It's a white system and you all want to keep it as such! That's why you want OBAMA out!
DAMN STRAIGHT, GET HIM, REID AND THAT IGNORANT NANCY PELOSI OUT!!!!
IBAMALIAR: I'm not trying to be anything. What I am is a sixty year old retired English teacher who reads a lot and pays attention to the world around me. I don't say anything that I can't back up, and I don't take people seriously who call me names because they wouldn't name call if they had anything worthwhile to say.
Jay, Like all other presidents have done in the past, your 'Barry' and my President Obama is raising money for the National Demoratic Campaign that will be in full force in 2012. Mrs Sarah Palin is out stomping to raise more money for the benefiit of Sarah Pailin, there's a big difference Jay! It's about Greed versus Need!
Campaign funds can be given to other candidates through her PAC, but her speaking fee is not campaign fund raising money. Currently her fee is $100,000 per speech and she can spend it however she pleases.
@ jean and Lis, $100,000 per speech for The First Date. Sounds like greed to me.
'Has anyone ever seen a strong Brilliant black man'? Darling, you have been 'out to lunch' your whole young life haven't you, or else as Martin Lawrence would you...'Somebody done told you wrong'! There have been strong, brilliant black men around ever since the beginning of time. There were strong, brilliant black men that aided in the establishment of this nation. Crispus Attucks was a strong, brilliant black man who was the first to die in the REVOLUTIONARY WAR!Your 'superior race' doesn't teach that!
Why is First Wookie and her entourage still on their endless luxury holiday (and on our dime)?
Now I know you are a racist. If you are a man, you would not have a prayer with a woman as classy as Michelle Obama. If you are a woman, you could never be as classy as Michelle Obama. Wookie indeed. LOL You are so silly.
Mrs. Obama participated in twenty public events in 5 days, quite hard-working and hardly a vacation. http://www.forbes.com/feeds/ap/2011/06/26/general-af-michelle-obama-africa-analysis_8535624.html
Did all you critics complain about "a government paid vacation" when Laura Bush made 5 official trips to Africa including 1 with a 4 day safari with her daughters? It looks like Mrs. Obama has some catching up to do.
Btw, Mrs. Bush also visited 75 countries during Pres. Bush's 8 years in office. http://georgewbush-whitehouse.archives.gov/firstlady/
You all need to watch your history channels for the KU KLUX KLAN DOCUMENTARY. It's on right now in GA. Maybe some of you haters, who claim not to be racist against blacks, jews and I won't even name the other group, will be able to empathize with the need for blacks and even many whites to question your hatefilled posts; the watchful paranoia of it anyway, especially since the OBAMAS have been in the Whitehouse.
Lil girl, your question was...has anyone ever seen a strong BRILLIANT black man? I listed a few for you. They were just that, strong black men; human! Whatever their personal human desires and tendencies were didn't reduce their strength and brilliancy at all, that's why 'the supremast system' had at least 3 of them assassinated. They were civil and human rights fighters for black AMERICANS, in AMERICA. You say you admire black soldiers? Why would we fight for a land that excluded us from full rights?
You know your race is now trying to sanitize from history one of the main reasons the Civil War was fought. You said that the white race didn't put blacks in slavery, our brothers and sisters did? Well, the war was fought between the northern whites and the southern whites. The north (yankees) were fighting and dying to abolish slavery in the south. The south (rebels) were fighting and dying to maintain that lifestyle of black subserviency, subordinancy and free labor. White businesses thrived on slavery.
...And yes! I can stand the truth, that's what I have tried to live by all of my 63 years of life. That is what I'm trying to give to you. I just love the truth that you admitted you are a racist. From my experience and throughout my whole life, I have come in contact with racists who've, as you said favored and perferred your race over mine. It systemically affected my full and total potential in life, especially financially. When my father worked, that same mindset hindered him of his full potential also.
I understand her speaking fee is $100,000 and she can spend that anyway she wants.
As a white 76 year old woman. I find your racism very offensive...you are what is wrong with this country. When you spew racist remarks expect like kind from those offended by your remarks regardless of their race.
You have proved yourself to be not only racist, but a liar.
We react to the obvious continuance of it. The stain and stinch of it is still with us; and it raised it's ugly head up from what seemed like a deep sleep again, as soon as Barack Obama started running for President; which I personally want thank those whites who aided us in getting him elected. This demon mindset has been on the battlefield since he was inaugurated and I know some political rhetoric may bear some questioning, but the most of it is stemmed from a racist viewpoint to undermine his integrity.
Actually it is people like you that have nothing constructive to offer this country. Being consumed by hate, and being hateful is not constructive.
The First Date get $100,000 per speech. That is greedy, When the average worker only makes $32,000 for a year of labor. She has the nerve to charge as much as a small home. Greed, that is the only reason. No other sitting first lady has charged for an event. They are suppose to represent the country not their own greed self interest.
The only way ANYBODY in America can charge, and get $100,000 per speech, is if people are willing to pay $100,000. Nobody is holding a gun to their heads ... and, unlike the corrupt progressives, nobody is passing laws, forcing others to purchase something they don't want, for a price they don't want to pay. This great country was built on the principle of Free Enterprise ... not by self righte4ous fools, with undeserved power, who imposes it on others, with an artificial economy, which rewards the unproductive, and leads to depressions.
Therefore, some of us have been able to succeed in life. However, we are still gullible and limited or cut down by the pockets of hate, division and the white supremacy mentality that still exist like yourself. BTW, most of us are working taxpayers too! Most of us are underpaid and still pay taxes. There are still places in this nation where we work under the plague of 'taxation without representation'. So for you to blanketly refer to us as ticks and bloodsuckers on the TAXPAYER is wrong. Very wrong!
Jay, twist and mince my words all you want. That's what you do best! I never claimed that black men or women weren't responsible for some of there own misfortunes! I, made a few bad decisions in my own life, paid for them dearly; and I'm sure most normal people have if they're honest enough to admit it. Have you Jay? I doubt it! Did you know all sores aren't just topical? Some have to heal from the inside out. I work from the root of the sore. Now, I answered the question you asked me. I stand by it. BYE!
@s kel; Thanks! I'm glad you do see it! However, I'm not working towards hurting this posters' feelings I'm trying to work towards a better understanding between us and them, mainly her. I'm trying to give her another view of how we feel and see it. I don't think that many of their children or the younger ones know any better. They have listened to their racist parents and others, so that's all they know! It's too late for some older ones! They'll allow white pride and white power to kill this nation first!
'No other sitting first lady has ever charged for an event'. I don't know whether they did or not. How do you know? Were you keeping count of every penny the previous first ladies may have accrued while they sat? If you were, I'm sure you were the ONLY one! But AND?? So what? It shouldn't matter to you anyway! Oh, I know you're jealous of that woman. Yo say she's been the 'First Date', not the FIRST LADY remember? I guess she doesn't have to copy after other first ladies! It's all part of the 'CHANGE', Jay!
Larry L, Thank you for you beautifully worded posts. I'm sure you know by now I agree with you 100%. However, I have been intending to apologize to you for the ill-mannered, disrespectful post lodged at you by that blogger. OMG! Of all the things, she had the nerve to question your mentality and literacy for competency, in your even going into the military! I am so sorry. So I just wanted to thank you for your 34 years of service to this nation in our defense, and I wish you a blessed retirement!
liar..I know Obama's success pains you. But wait until you daughter, niece, mother whater falls for a black man because of the example Obama has showed them. You know they admire him deep down and feel some sort of attraction. Only a matter of time until that feeling will transfer to someone they meet and then you will have to deal with that...Karma.
'Sounds like a cut to me'. Jay, you would find something wrong if Mandela had called her the First Lady of the United States! You'd have corrected him and told him he was wrong....that Michelle Obama was just the 'First Date'! LOL! A cut?!? LOL! And you say I'm sick?? You're the sickest!
Christians and Catholics are not the same. Many Protestants have beliefs that are not Catholic in nratue and in fact, are contrary to Catholic beliefs.Some reasons for not voting for McCain:1. pro-Iraq war2. pro-stem cell research (now flip-flopping)3. pro-rich in taxes, instead of giving tax breaks to the middle class or poor4. no preferential option for the poor (including immigrants who have come and served in the nation)5. not forceful enough in the issue of abortion, leaving the choice to the individual states6. not a Catholic - needs the graces that Catholics receive from the sacraments7. war-freak, wants to isolate other countries which do not agree with him8. not supportive of universal health care coverage which is a pro-poor initiative9. supportive of George Bush, who has led America into this quandary through deceit and incompetenceOther reasons why McCain should not be president1. acknowledges he does not know anything about the economy2. ignorant in using the computer evenSome reasons for not voting for Obama:1. pro-abortion, letting the states decide their abortion stance2. open to homosexual civil unions (not marriage)3. flip flop on campaign funding issues4. pro-stem cell research5. not a Catholic-needs the graces that Catholics receive from the sacraments6. working with the ClintonsAre you Catholic, Zak? If you are not, then you will not understand. What I refer to here are real Catholics...not people who say they support abortion but claim to be Catholics–they are not real Catholics. Or people who say they support the war in Iraq but claim to be Catholics–they are not real Catholics.To be a real Catholic means that you are pro-life, you are against abortion and the Iraq war. To be a real Catholic means that you are against a war that had no real reason for it (and ended up with hundreds of thousands of dead civilians) and was condemned by both Popes John Paul II and Benedict XVI.