Robin Givhan: How Michelle Broke Her Silence In Moscow

Washington Post:

First lady Michelle Obama began her only day of solo appearances in the Russian capital promising little more than a pantomime of handshakes and waves, silent embraces and inscrutable smiles. It seemed as though rank-and-file Russians weren't going to hear a peep -- nary an amplified throat-clearing -- from this first lady with the impressive résumé, executive bona fides, expressed love for the arts and a stated agenda of promoting community service. The first lady had no planned speeches and no prepared remarks on a day when she would visit an orphanage, a faith-based nursing program and a performance of folkloric dance.

Read the whole story: Washington Post

Comments

[PiscesPrincess]

Robin came close to being snide in this article and then, as the narrative continued She herSelf lost track of her MSM attituda and simply reported what she saw and heard. Delightful.
Thank you, Robin, for stepping away from that media attitude of "pic pic pic"

[ElsaIndy]

I do not know what point Robin Givhan is making in this article. However it is nice to hear how MO spent her day. I think that experience must have made an impression on her. I have been told the Russian orphanages take very good care of the children up to teenage years and then they are thrown on the street which is very harsh. The children looked well cared for with the traditional bows in their hair. I did not notice any obese children. I wonder if MO noticed that. I think the song in English and Russian was a very nice gift to her.

[PoliticalAmazon]

Unfortunately, I think a troop of babbons could write an article with MO's name in it, and it would get posted on HuffPost.

Some of the articles are so reaching and downright silly, especially the ones who ask posters to choose who is the most whatever between MO and another First Lady.

[db08]

The article illustrates MO's skill in finding a way to connect with other people especially children on behalf of our country. Equally important, MO illustrates her own interest in the human condition no matter where she is. Asking a simple question focused on a child's work (not on MO) opened the door for an exchange between the FLOTUS and Russian children. I am sure the children will remember the day that the wife of the leader of the US showed interest in them and shared with them her experiences as an American mother and citizen. Bravo Michelle.

I do not understand the criticism of the article. I do not even remember the clothes as the discussion was not that significant.

[joceeco]

I agree with you totally. MO and BO has a way of connecting with people from all walks of life and that is a beautiful American trait, that many in America's political arena have lost.

[IndependentTogether]

I don't know what the previous commenters are complaining about; that was actually a good article. It was as much about the "wary" relationship between the US/Russian governments than anything. The point is that even despite the "show" put on by both sides, Michelle Obama still managed to relate directly and to have genuine exchanges. Further, MO managed to communicate in her own way without having the same latitude that she'd have in, say, Europe. She is definitely a good stateswoman.

[PiscesPrincess]

thank you. I read it too. it was exactly as you say and Robin, herself actually warmed to it.
the other folks on this post are not taking the time to READ the ARTICLE. tsk.

[platinum4me]

What was the point of this???? Is someone counting clicks, maybe???

[PiscesPrincess]

didn't read the article did you. ? How many of you people on this post Actually Read the Article.?

[Cockacola]

the point was to fill up a 1000 word space to look good or earn a living....­....absolu­te fluff

[dillydawg]

Bingo! Nothing more, nothing less.

[PiscesPrincess]

didn't read the article did you, dilly. hmm.

[bluehand]

Dear Robin,
please stop writing captions that don't have anything to do with what you write, and please write something more interesting. Please.

[mairs]

She never gets a break from the focus on her clothes. The article states she was in "kitten heels" whatever those are, and a "sheath dress". And this was not a style article in the WaPo.

[Pema]

hey the first lady always gets attention on her clothes. esp when she made some illadvised choices. shes an icon for many women. kitten heels are short with a tight point on the bottom of the heel.

[trinidadgirl]

And the point of this piece is......???!!

[PiscesPrincess]

didn't read the article did you. hmm