Wow! America didn't just swear in a president, the nation also elected a pair of Lovebirds-in-Chief. On January 20th, we got married to the Obamas for at least the next four years, and it looked like the Obamas virtually renewed their vows in front of our eyes. Over the course of the ten inaugural balls that the pair had to dash to and dance at, the couple held hands, nuzzled, snuggled, and even kissed up a storm. At one gala alone, Barack smooched Michelle at least four or five times while holding her close in a dance. It was practically a presidential makeout session.
To top it off, Michelle's Jason Wu confection of a gown was as elegantly wedding cake-ish as a dress could be. The couple seemed to be saying that the presidency was an all-important adventure that they were embarking on together while renewing their own vows on a national stage, after Barack made his own professional vow to the country earlier in the day.
Perhaps it's because the contract between the president and our country is so like a marriage that several first ladies have chosen a white gown for inaugural ball night: Jackie Kennedy in Oleg Cassini, Nancy Reagan in Galanos, and Laura Bush in Oscar de la Renta. Mary Todd Lincoln also donned white on inaugural night.
Frankly, a lovey-dovey duo is just what we need right now, especially when the affection appears completely real -- not the least bit fakey-fake. After all, the euphoria and the love fests that the country feels right now for the Obamas is totally genuine, and, like all lovers, we want to know that we can be truly, madly and deeply loved back. If Obama can feel that way about his wife -- and his daughters -- then we know he's capable of feeling that about us, too.
Here's the thing: a lot of us didn't feel that our last president loved us very much. And in fact, he seemed awfully focused on himself, not us. Whatever his private feelings for his wife, Laura, he never performed such a public display of affection ever, let alone on the night that would set the tone of his presidency.
I think last night's nookie -- on one level -- said a lot about how the Obamas were a "real" and loving couple, and their romance and marriage will be strengthened by the intellectual challenges which they will face together.
On another level, it says our new president is a "sharer" -- he unselfishly shared the limelight with Michelle. When he embraced her, it made it easier to believe in his spoken commitment to leave behind divisive partisanship in exchange for a new era of inclusiveness.
But boy, is he ever setting a high bar for husbands across the country, too!!
See a slideshow of the Obamas' Inauguration Day PDA Follow more of Bonnie's reaction to the inauguration on Twitter.com
I think a lot of people feel good just seeing them as a couple and as a family with their daughters. Remember the old song, "Love Makes The World Go 'Round''
This is a time of back to basics and healing; seeing Barack Obama and all the people he surrounds himself with is a very hopeful start.
Watching the President and the First Lady at the inaugural balls, I felt like I was looking at pictures in a fairy tale book. I could not get the smile off my face, nor could I stop the tears from flowing.
What a joyous moment!
Beautiful article Bonnie. Thank you.
I agree with those here who bravely admitted they teared up. Watching President Obama and his beautiful first lady dance left me choked up remembering the times my parents would dance together and the way they would look at each other with such a look of love it took your breath away.
I know the honeymoon isn't going to last long, in fact it's already getting interupted with the serious business at hand, but I intend to enjoy the memories of that day/night for a long, long time to come.
At last, our time has come.
Valentine's day will be here soon, girls. Step up to the plate and swing!
My husband works nights, and I was going to just shove some leftovers at him, but your post made me stop blogging and trot to the kitchen to make him his favorite supper. I figured, why wait till Valentines Day? I'm always in awe of how a good meal and a little spoonin' in front of the TV can recharge a guy's battery.
Thanks for your post.
I'm not a psychologist, but it's so obvious from their body language that this genuine affection means only one thing----and I honestly can't express what I'm about to say about the Bushes (nor do I want to picture it---the Obamas have Sex! Yes, they do. And here's why I think it's a good thing.
The mental and emotional health balance is clearly tuned by sex. People who are involuntarily celibate or abstinent and often exhibit depressive feelings (like anger, frustration, self-doubt, paranoia and even depression) are driven into this by "missed opportunities", due to living without having sex.
That's why the last 8 years were the way they were.
I can't believe I'm saying this .. I hope the Obamas get it on every night :)
Of course, there's no need for "transparency" when it comes to that :)
too bad we need him as prez...i would've loved a reality tv show of their life.
Can you imagine McCain and Cindy dancing. The rarely even looked at each other on the campaign trail....let alone gaze in each others eyes. There "relationship" is so cold. The Obama's on the other hand is hot, hot, hot!!!!!
It's just awesome.