Michelle Obama: The Closer Ready For Prime Time

The drama unfolding at the Democratic National Convention last night was one for the history books.

Following an emotional appearance by the 'Lion of the Senate' Sen. Ted Kennedy as he battles brain cancer and represents the Kennedy myth and legacy, Barack Obama gave prime time to his wife, Michelle Robinson Obama, trusting that she will spin her own major magic.

Kennedy is a tough act to follow as Michelle Obama steps on stage and introduces herself to millions of Americans, many of whom have doubts about elevating her to become their First Lady. However, her image in some quarters as a tough angry woman is far from reality.

I first met Michelle Obama early in the primary campaign season in 2007, when she was still working part-time. We talked and it was clear that our personalities locked-up. She once asked me -- quite spontaneously -- if I ever came to Chicago and mentioned that "we should get together."

I laughed and said, "What are we going to do, shop at Target?"

"I love shopping at Target," she answered in a flash.

"Michelle, you don't have the time. You're husband is running for president, remember?"

She thought for a second and then let out a big belly laugh, throwing her head back. "You're right! I forgot for a minute there."

It was a quintessential 'Michelle Obama-moment' -- naïve and sweet -- so typical of someone new to the world of celebrity; still thinking she can actually take time to shop at Target.

She would make a few more missteps throughout the primary, not fully realizing that every word and gesture she made would be thrashed through the 24-hour news cycle-wringer and become fodder to use against her...and her husband.

On a brutally hot and humid July 4th campaign event at the Beaverdale Park, in a mostly white, working class neighborhood in Des Moines, Iowa, I stood behind the press section and as Robert Gibbs talked on his cell phone, I grabbed my 78-year-old mother, a Latina immigrant, and my daughter, and thrust them before Michelle, quickly making introductions.

I had been following the Obama family that day and was surprised when Michelle immediately hugged both and chatted with them just like a 'sister' that she is to most women she meets on the trail.

That day, Michelle was wearing a simple white-T sleeveless top and a chic black cotton full skirt with ballet flats and she towered over the height-challenged granny and granddaughter duo, both of whom only stand five feet. Her warm natural vibes and unpretentious personality touched my mother deeply.

No one is tougher than my Latina mother, who raised five children, mostly on her own, and sent us all to college and finished her own education in nursing when her youngest started school. She only cries on July 4th when she hears the national anthem, because "This is the greatest country in the world."

Later, my mother told me that meeting Michelle Obama was one of the highlights of her life and then added, "Michelle is a woman of color who might become our First Lady. I never thought I'd live to see that day."

When my mother arrived in this country as a war bride, my father's parents wouldn't speak to her for a year because she was "so dark skinned."

For many women, like my mother, who spent the first decade of her life in this country cleaning houses, Michelle Obama is also a role model to poor, young women of color, who don't clearly see a path that will better their lives. She is the American Dream come true for such women and this is a fact often overlooked by the media and the electorate.

During the Beaverdale Park event, Michelle Obama introduced her husband to a crowd of about five hundred who were munching on cold watermelon and hot dogs. She spoke for about fifteen minutes, extolling the virtues of her husband's candidacy and making fun of his slothful ways at home, which cracked up the crowd. She was the warm-up act but with her education and retail political skills now honed, she could have been the main attraction.

Months later, Mrs. Obama walked into a coffee house in that same neighborhood only this time wearing fashionable black boots and winter wool skirt and sweater to put the 'close' on a group of undecided female voters. There were two Republican former state senators waiting to hear her speak. They were angry about the Iraq War and had decided to caucus for a Democrat. They weren't sure which one.

After Mrs. Obama's 30-minute speech on why her husband was 'ready to lead' both Republicans decided to caucus for Obama. Articulate to brilliant, yet passionate, warm, funny, and steady on her feet, Mrs. Obama did what she came to do -- make the close.

Last night, she had to do it again. Only this time, her biography was in the spotlight and there was no room for her to make any of the kind of missteps she made early in the campaign that, in part, made her so damn appealing in the first place.

Comments

[Molster]

Your experience mirrors the feelings I took away from her speech, last night. What better role model could we see in the White House but someone who is smart, independent, a fiercely loving wife and mother and someon who can get away with teasing her husband in public. Liking this woman all the way.

And, to the person who wrote Cindy McCain's comments - I think you nailed it. My husband and I had a similar conversation after Michelle was finished last night. It will be a must see.

Good job Beverly.

[Fleurdelys]

Thanks for sharing that, Ms. Davis.
I am totally ready to embrace the 21st century 1st Lady we will have in Michelle Obama.
Much has been expounded regarding her "Jackie O" fashion sense, but I am hoping
that she will instead follow in the footsteps of Eleanor Roosevelt; making profound
impact on some seriously pressing domestic and global issues.

[bioslois]

Michelle did such a great job for her husband and for herself and for all Obama supporters!! We are so proud that they represent our hopes and our commitment to the future of our country. I am a "girl from the South Side of Chicago" too...although transplanted to teach biology in California long ago. I am proud of all of Barack's Chicago team and know that America can continue to grow in all kinds of positive ways economically, socially, and in worldwide influence once Barack Obama is elected our President.

[Kaos911]

Michelle rocked the speech.

I can't wait to see Cindy McCain speak. ;)

"Well, I grew up rich with every advantage, and then I screwed around with John until he ditched his crippled first wife, then I bought his political career for him. We live lives of mind-numbing privilege, and we think the economy is just spiffy! Why do poor people complain all the time! I have to go now, we are deciding which of our vacation homes to jet to for the weekend. Vote for John! Tee Hee"

[wm1066]

You are right, I hadn't thought much about Michelle following Teddy but she held her own and gave a great speech. I have heard her speak before and she is very comfortable on stage so I new she would be good. I have never heard a candidates wife give such a speech... ever.
Plus she has great fashion sense, she reminded me of Jackie O. She will make a great First lady.

[KISHAGREEN]

Excellent read!!

[lbierma]

Excellent article. I have listened to Michelle speak several times. We will be so lucky to have her as First Lady. She is exceptionally bright and has all of the self confidence anyone could desire. I honestly believe that she will be the greatest First Lady since my heroine, Abigail Adams. Also, the earlier post mimicking Cindy McCain was right on.