Michelle Obama's War Against the W(B)itchhunters

Michelle, I've got news for you. When you get dressed, there's a new accessory that you've got to add to your wardrobe and this time, it's not your handsome husband. Along with that purple sheath dress, you need to layer on some armor. The attacks are about to begin. As Maureen Dowd pointed out in the New York Times last week, now that Alpha Female #1 Hillary Clinton is out of the Presidential race, all the sexist misogynists who see big benefits in demonizing democratic women, will turn their viciousness on you.

And I've got more news for you Michelle, you're the perfect target for this type that sees a powerful woman as a terrifying prospect in the White House. Especially one with a metrosexual-seeming husband who might actually be sensitive to the less fortunate in society. Who knows what strong influences a powerful, articulate wife like Michelle might have on such a man?

I believe that GOP right wingers figure if they can scare voters off Michelle, they can make voting for her husband a nonstarter. Labeling her Obama's "baby mama" and calling her jubilant fist jab a "terrorist fist jab," is only the beginning of the nastiness. "She's going to be targeted like crazy," believes Marie Wilson, founder and president of the White House Project, an organization dedicated to advancing women in leadership roles in both the public and private sectors.

"The right wing has no shame against making any sort of attacks against candidates on the Democratic side," agrees Matthew Traub, a managing director of Dan Klores Communications and a former Democratic adviser.

So what antidotes can Michelle use to inoculate herself and the American public against the anti-Michelle machine?

"She needs to continue to be the very intelligent, poised, dynamic figure she has been so far," counsels Traub. "She musn't take the bait when she's attacked. If she remains dignified and true to the ethos of the campaign, the public will see through the attacks and embrace her."

Glamour editor-in-chief Cindi Leive warns Michelle against refuting rumors like the false accusation that she had used the word "whitey." "The more you refute them, the more you repeat them." On the other hand she says that when the Obamas are freely affectionate in public with each other it's a powerful weapon working for them. "Barack Obama obviously adores his wife and that's an incredibly appealing thing — it makes them deeply likable. As much as the Obamas can telegraph that they have a genuinely happy marriage — with no obvious PDAs — it will serve them both well well."

Wilson of the White House Project believes that Obama needs to take on the sexist attacks but use surrogates to do it. "She needs to ask other women to speak up about sexism for their own sakes and the sakes of their daughters." A lot of women should be willing to do it because they've been surprised and frightened by the blatant sexist language that they've heard.

Her other suggestions to Obama: encourage young women to get involved in the campaign and beyond that, in ongoing public life. "And thank older women, especially Clinton supporters, whose hard work overcoming sexism in the past has made it possible for women like Michelle to be successful as professional women and mothers."

Michelle needs to stand up to the bullies and keep being herself, asserts Atoosa Rubenstein, former editor-in-chief of Seventeen and now creator of Alpha Kitty, the viral digital movement devoted to empowering young women. "I like that she doesn't look like a Barbie doll or sound like a Stepford wife."

Speaking of looks, celebrity stylist Robert Verdi thinks that her 1950s power style — refreshing bright colors, knee-length skirts and strands of beads around her neck hit the perfect note of approachability and stylishness, and he tells her to stick with it. "Together the Obamas convey a youthfulness that restores the idea that we're still a nation that is growing, progressing, and full of hope."

However, Houston Chronicle newspaper columnist Whitney Casey believes that in the south, Michelle Obama's bold upright stance and choice of bold colors may turn off voters, who could be frightened by her directness.

To win over this part of the country, "she could be a little more demure, toss out the feminine mystique and use her feminine wiles. I know this sounds silly and sexist," admits Casey, "but she should do it so she can be who she is when the time is right."

Casey's suggestions for Michelle: "Keep your arms open, not crossed or on your hips when you stand. Soften your shoulders, maybe with sweaters, switch to softer colors — powder blue, yellow, soft lilac — wear lower heels, loosen up your hair, and switch from structured to looser, flowing skirts."

Michelle may find this hard to swallow, and what female sympathizer can blame her. After all, as businesswoman and supporter Millie Becker points out, "The problem's not with her, it's with society," or some parts of it.

She's attractive, she's accomplished, she was a practicing attorney, she's Ivy League, she's a beloved wife and mother. Says Becker, "as we say in the hood, 'she's got it going on.'"

Yes Michelle, it's precisely because you've got it going on that your and your husband's enemies will work so relentlessly to make it appear that you don't. The most backward elements of American society have had some big successes with employing the b and the w words when it comes to strong women. So take all this advice and take out an invisible Teflon suit and get ready for target practice. You can prevail!

Photos: AP

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Comments

[TJRich]

Mrs Obama rocks! She should do exactly as she sees fit. I'm certain she already has an advisory board, like her mom, her husband, her kids and dedicated friends and supporters.

[fleaba]

Come to my city. All the "white", "feminist" ,liberal women I know love Michelle and support her. She is smart and forward thinking.. I honestly don't care what color the woman is, she gets the job done. She is accessible and a seemingly normal person. As far as the attacks go, Michelle will do just fine..I have complete faith she will do the right thing. If other people want to snipe on the race issue, that is their problem. This is the 21st century and it's time to get with the program....

The GOP will use attacks on race, sex, anything to split up a strong Democratic party. If we agree to this divisiveness, we have lost the battle and will end up with....well, you know what.

[stephjack5]

As far as her "not looking like a barbie doll." I am not so sure about that. She is tall, slim and beautiful. I think she would make a good Barbie. Wait a minute, everybody does know that black barbie dolls exist right?

[TroubleNYC]

"I like that she doesn't look like a Barbie doll or sound like a Stepford wife."

Hmmm ... I wonder who fits this mold.

[Raymondf]

It's not only the right attacking her. it is also the liberals.

[uheardme]

Yep, and so-called progressive white women. No one is talking about this. I wonder why?

[ld]

Your proposals are silly. They all come down to "Ms. Obama has to be a good and virtuous person" - virtuous by some goof's standard - and the folks will see that and then the light. The right wing fights with every sleaze they want or need. The corporate media will go along by giving their arguments credibility so any virtue or value of Ms. Obama will merely be balanced against foolish sleaze. Look at the "swift boat" attack on Kerry to see how it works. Also note that Mr. Gore NEVER said or implied he invented the internet, though two months ago I saw a reporter state that Mr. Gore had said it as fact.

You suggest nothing of political value.

[LaFilleEnRose]

I disagree. I remember Jackie Kennedy -- better educated than her husband who contributed moving quotes and historical references to his speeches and Bobby's -- but who was also known for her incredible style. In fact, she triggered many outfits of the period, pill box hats, suits, etc. Michelle Obama clearly has wonderful taste as well. Educating her how to expand that wonderful taste to accommodate the comfort zones of some areas of this country is helpful, not sexist. She'll get the same education when she travels abroad such as a head scarf when necessary etc. etc. I don't see why we can't accommodate our own countrymen who have specific regional slants in style. When people aren't jarred or distracted by something that makes them uncomfortable, they can settle/relax and listen and look without being uneasy. Why distract people you want to reach from the message you are delivering. Kerry donning an orange jacket and setting out hunting is not the picture I mean. But just dressing or toning down body language that fits w/an audience is just plain smart and if it didn't involve politics, we'd call it simply considerate. My mum used to say about entertaining -- good manners is what makes people comfortable. If your guests want to eat on the floor, eat on the floor. I've always tried to live up to that. So can Michelle Obama without being less of a woman.

[Binkley]

The Motormouth Mayelle character from Hairspray said it best: Expect a whole lotta ugly from a never-ending parade of stupid.

[rubyrubyruby]

My first impression of Michelle was very good...but now she just rubs me the wrong way...I don't know why.

[meanguy]

angriest millionaire in america..."come on, give me something'

[stephjack5]

The success of blacks has always been something that "rubbed people the wrong way" throughout American History. Especially when FEMALE BEAUTY is attached to that success, and the media can't make her out to be some unwanted, unattractive, workaholic like they love to do with black successful women in the media. Her husband loves her; she is beautiful; and she is successful. I think she is a revolutionary figure because this goes against all of the "comfortable" roles American stereotypes have allowed black women. The existence of Michelle Obama just obliterates mainstream ideas of beauty, affluence, and success (i.e. power) here in the US :).

[uheardme]

She's black, pretty, smart, and affluent. That's why.

[Merg]

Cont. from below
I see that the Obama campaign is now seeking ways to possibly 'manage' Michelle. And so it begins...this is an old play from the GOP 101. I hope Michelle knows this is coming and is up for it. The Repugs somehow think that by demonizing intelligent, articulate and especially independent thinking women it will somehow win them White male, and Blue Collar male votes....just what they need right now. The bright side is that all the attacks Hillary received of that kind over the years created us very loyal (and yes angry) Hillary fans.

I think we would like to have Michelle's 'back' on this, to fight back against these unfair critics , just like we did for Hillary....way back when

[Merg]

As a Clinton supporter, (and wannabe Obama supporter) perhaps this historical perpective will be useful. I see that Michelle is about to go through exactly what Hillary went through when Bill ran for the White House way back when. Before you roll your eyes, I just submit this as a cautionary tale, not a criticism of Michelle.

I can remember all the attacks a strong women, with an independent career got from the Repug's in that campaign. It is a big part of what makes Hillary such a tough old broad today. The Repugs made so much out of the fact that Hillary might actually have ideas of her own....and possibly even different from her then candidate husband that the battle lines were drawn early. Hillary was sort of forced to go 'back behind her husband' rather than possibly look as though she might have equal brain power. Thus began all the talk of the 'Co-Presidency'.
.

[poppaculture]

Sadly, Merg is correct. I still don't get why some in our electorate fear a smart (and strong) woman.

[w&cheneysuck]

Because men are concerned over women that are smarter than them. White males especially have issues and continue to reinforce the "Glass Ceiling"...no matter how gratuitous the female CEO positions are today.

People, men especially, need to embrace strong women. They can be very HELPFUL in the future. What is wrong with a smart, strong woman? The only thing are the insecurities of others that continue to perpetrate the jealousy and, in some cases, hatred of smart, strong, confident women! There is nothing to fear be open to the future and you will be pleasantly surprised.

[hibbiejibbies]

Beside every great man there stands a great woman, Michelle Obama is an example for all women and young girls. I hope the MSM will stop buying into these sensless sexist false attacks and report true facts on this beautiful courageous soon to be First Lady. Keep on being strong Mrs. Obama! We support you!

[jesselee26]

there are a million more reasons to aspire to be like michelle obama, for all of us, than there are to doubt her. its just my opinion, but she has been flawless from the beginning of this campaign. and for those people who can't figure it out... catch up. she's your next first lady. and you will be proud.

[kira181]

"Obama needs to take on the sexist attacks"

Well, that would be new and different. Good luck at the Karma Bank there.

[TRYKER]

To win over this part of the country, "she could be a little more demure, toss out the feminine mystique and use her feminine wiles. I know this sounds silly and sexist," admits Casey,

"but she should do it so she can be who she is when the time is right."

...so she can be who she is...when the time is right??

Ahem, the time is right now.
Perhaps we see Michelle as already a little demure, with feminine mystique WITHOUT feminine wiles...and that why we like her.
Please. She doesn't have to do anything, WE DO.

We should keep columns on each detractor, with their lies and innuendos listed beneath, adding to them as they come down. Soon we'll have a scoreboard of who is saying what...to pass around to all the media and blogs.
Get their names, publish them with their comments. Fight back at the ridiculousness of slander and hate-mongering.

[allonfla]

This weekend I will be sending a letter to some of these women's organizations. I suggest his supporters all do the same. The GOP needs to be put on . They will piss in their pants when they see all of us women and men taking stand.