Dowd To Michelle Obama: Don't Cover Up Your Biceps

Let's face it: The only bracing symbol of American strength right now is the image of Michelle Obama's sculpted biceps. Her husband urges bold action, but it is Michelle who looks as though she could easily wind up and punch out Rush Limbaugh, Bernie Madoff and all the corporate creeps who ripped off America.

In the taxi, when I asked David Brooks about her amazing arms, he indicated it was time for her to cover up. "She's made her point," he said. "Now she should put away Thunder and Lightning."

Comments

[mellene]

What an egomaniac this David Brooks appears to be. With comments like that he should be fired ASAP. He's not doing the NYTimes any favors but making absurd comments to cover up her arms. I hope Al Sharpton goes after this jerk.

[Liz Randol]

what about Gloria Steinem? the head of NOW? Jane Fonda?

[lucite]

"David Brooks" America's morals police

[Liz Randol]

American taliban

[AnalyzeIT]

First Lady of choice!!!

Admires too Michelle: "go for it baby, I mean Mrs. Obama"!!!!!

You're smart/intelligent, you're sensual and sexy and you fun!!!!

[trisha08]

But David (and company) didn't have a problem with Palin's legs. Her skirts got shorter and tighter throughout the campaign.

Remember that short skirt with tall boots, and short/tight skirts with stilletos?

Not only did I NOT hear any complaining from the right, It was the RNC who dressed up their little barbie doll in those outfits.

But, then again, what else did Palin have to offer except a nice pair of legs?

[Liz Randol]

They only want THEIR dom lady bossing them around because she dances to their tune :)

[Sensiblebg]

Thunder and Lightning anyone??

[morris1030]

I think what Michelle wears is not important. She seems like she might be cold, but if this look suits her, why not? Jackie liked the sleeveless look, but only in warmer weather.

What's more important is that a doofus like David Brooks decides to act like a fashionista.
If Brooks is offfended by Michelle's arms can you imagine the state of this guy's head?

The stupidity and small mindedness that the Press is displaying during a seriously critical moment in our history is very sad. Watching the Party of NO as they twist in the wind is a sorry sight
as well.

[BuzzingAlong]

David Brooks want to Mrs. Obama? Just asking?

[coco51]

I know as if I was Sarah I would be asking, "just how much time have you been spending looking at Michelle Obama's arms that you have named them Thunder and Lightning!"

[Joetheartist]

Women should cover up their arms, their ankles, their hair, their faces. Oh wait that's the Taliban!!!

[Joetheartist]

They will pick on anything. She is an easy target for them because attacking an extremely popular president in a time of distress is much more difficult. This "arm" and "fashion" attack is simply pathetic. I think I remember Nancy Reagan in her crazy over the top sequins and glitz from her "borrowed" gowns were perfectly acceptable attire for the wife of head of the free world. If the Republicans continue to pick on Obama's wife for her wardrobe choices, and not address the real problems in this country, then we should have no problem holding power in 2010. Maybe they will criticize Obama for the gray hair next?

[Nzuzo]

David Brooks(what a Sissy!!) is so intimidated by our First Lady- Mrs O.

[mapman]

Biceps are a mother's reward for picking up and hugging her children. Often.

Why do Republicans think this is bad?

Oh, that's right: Family values be damned; that's a job for the "help."

[Whatashame]

Because all the rethugs are out of shape and have jello belly and arms.

[lucite]

Rush should join the Obama's in a workout.

[TLThomas]

Ouch! I like you response mapman!

[celebration]

Dito!

[Ankhorite]

Brilliant, Mapman, I'll be quoting you.

::: applause, applause ::::

[Oldtt]

I notice that many of these posts dwell on Michelle Obama's race. I thought the subject was her arms. How long into this administration will everything be viewed through a racial prism?

[coco51]

We live America honey, it's never gonna stop because a lot of Americans hate anyone not of caucasian descent. That hate is fostered and fueled everyday by the divide and conquer/ us vs. them groups that have power in this country. I know, I know, you think I am a conspiracy theorists fanatic but that's far from the truth.

This morning I was listening to C-Span and I was appalled at the amount of callers who expressed their dislike of Jewish people and resented America's relationship with Israel! Now I'm a black person, and I'm listening these very people saying "thank you for C-Span" yet they fail to recognize the very people who are funding the channels predomonantly Jewish owned news organizations!!! Ignorance is so much a part of the makeup of so many, many of my countrymen that they fail to see the forest for the trees.

[SUSANINCOLUMBIA]

Michelle is merely exercising her 2nd Amendment right to bare arms!

[OutragedMom]

excellent!

[Javida]

Perfect! That's the spirit to handle silly comments like Brooks'.

[janmarie]

I see two sets of standards, one for men and one for women. It is not acceptable for men who are political public figures to go sleeveless, why should it be for men?

[coco51]

Whoever said it's not acceptable for men to sleeveless. I can however understand the uproar over the hairy arms but I don't recall ever hearing no sleeveless for men. Men do go about without ties yet no one says anything. What I don't understand is the double-standard for Michelle Obama when no one made comments about Jackie Kennedy, Rosalyn Carter or Nancy Reagan going sleeveless. Barbara and Laura Bush probably chose not to because in truth neither were exactly a 21c women in their thinking but that was their preference.

Earlier I commented that David Brooks should fix his teeth but I was simply being as nitpicky as he to prove a point. What David really needs is a lobotomy.