Michelle Obama's Hugs: A Photo Diary (SLIDESHOW)

While putting together yesterday's photos of Michelle Obama and Hillary Clinton at State Department's award ceremony for International Women of Courage, we couldn't help but notice the warmth and enthusiasm with which Michelle Obama hugs.

We're big suckers for public displays of affection and we certainly can't over-emphasize the importance of body language -- particularly that of the Obamas -- so it seemed perfectly logical to make a photo diary of Michelle's signature hug: eyes closed, arms clasped tight, and pure heartfelt emotion.

Share in the love below...

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Michelle Obama and Marilyn Schumacher, June 13, 2007...

Comments

[katermc]

Last week when I first watched the slideshow of hugs, I cried. I didn't expect to feel that way, but Michelle's warmth was powerful and I was taken by surprise. When have we seen such genuine warmth from someone in political life? When I saw the photograph of Michelle and the Queen, I cried again. I don't really care about Queen Elizabeth, but I thought of that photograph all day and whenever I mentioned it at work, people were touched by the idea that Michelle is herself, no matter what. And the woman she is -- really wonderful.

[helpusa]

Nobody can ever touch the queen, how retro is that. Michelle has just started something good for the queen, she probably needed the hug and if it brings down some of the queeny attitude everyone is suppose to observe, that is even better.
President Obama and Michele looked like two beautiful jewels in the midst of all those other faces.

[PoliSci2008]

The Obamas' hugs are not extraordinaire. Recall when President-elect Bill & Hillary Clinton met George and Barbara Bush at the White House for the transition? Hillary gave Barbara an embrace and the media were all over that, saying "in this administration, there'll be a lot of hugs".

Also, in the African-American family, hugs and terms of endearment are every day language. Even the men give each other the brotherhood embrace (right-hands clinched at heart-level, with the left arm embraced). I've seen President Obama give some love to his fellow man in like manner.

[DestinationsUnknown]

They just can't find anything can they?

[Seattlelite]

Sorry Queen Elizabeth Michele was just being herself.

[gi]

Honestly it looks like Michelle really wanted to pick her up and give her a big hug. I love Michelle Obama she is so loving and caring and gentle and all that stuff. The Queen got caught up in the moment.

[LaMees]

LOVE, LOVE, LOVE this woman!

[hapiday]

If the Queen saw any of these pictures before the meeting, she may have been waiting for a little hug. If the Queen can't be touched I'm sure she must be longing for some human contact.

[pilgrim7]

Queen Elizabeth should consider herself honored to be hugged by our First Lady. That Michelle found the Queen embraceable and not stiff as has been the Queen's reputation is what is noteworthy.

[dreamseeker9837]

Crissy Patters - I believe that hug with Pres. Obama was in Iowa when Oprah first endorsed him. I almost shed a tear on the picture with the three little girls! Makes me want to go get my two little girls out of school to squeeze real tight! enjoy this:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2w1OU0SVaWg&feature=PlayList&p=9868016F4591C0D5&playnext=1&playnext_from=PL&index=30

[Crissy Patters]

I love these pix, does anyone knows where the Obama hug took place? I love the O hugs we got during the campaign.

[PoliSci2008]

The Obamas' hugs are not extraordinaire. Recall when President-elect Bill & Hillary Clinton met George and Barbara Bush at the White House for the transition? Hillary gave Barbara an embrace and the media were all over that, saying "in this administration, there'll be a lot of hugs".

Also, in the African-American family, hugs and terms of endearment are every day language. Even the men give each other the brotherhood embrace (right-hands clinched at heart-level, with the left arm embraced). I've seen President Obama give some love to his fellow man in like manner.

[Crissy Patters]

The media was certainly right about Bill at least and the hugs and other things he gave to women.,

[jacobomorales]

This woman is alive unlike the last one.

[Pupadup4oBama]

Wow, i NEEDED that hug!
...I am truly touched to have such a warm, compassionate and loving first lady.

[Lillopa]

A woman who truly truly cares for all Americans--they say you cannot give what you do not have yourself first!---and Michele has lots of love, hugs compassion and cares for all of us...Michelle has been there lived the struggles of ups and downs like like all of us--not born into wealth and worked hard also.

[lmvd3]

Love it! Those are warm, wonderful, genuine hugs. Awesome.