Do They Really Want To Play The Mi-chelle Game?

"Obama's Baby Mama?" The pound she shared with her husband that was really a "terrorist fist jab?" When she thinks nobody's listening she loves to use the pejorative "whitey?" C'mon, do the Reactionary Regressives really want to shape the campaign on demonizing Barack Obama's wife Michelle?

They might as well take out a full page ad in the Weekly Standard announcing: EEH, WE GOT NOTHING

First off, demonizing the potential first lady; didn't they try that with Hillary Clinton? All that got them was eight years of Bill in the White House, and eventually Mrs. C as Senator from New York. Seriously, before the far Right Retro Guard gets too far down that road they might want to move on to Plan D.

Does the Right really want to go after a politician's wife? Remember what Dick Nixon was able to do with Pat's cloth coat. Stand back from the pillar of fire that's gonna rain from on high when Barack unleashes all his oratorical powers and smites the transgressors who dare...transgress the sanctity of his marriage.

Short of that, stand back when Michelle does Oprah and they get to crying and all the soccer moms recall repressed gender memories of how much they can't stand woman-bashing.

But to bring it all back home: Obama's Baby Mama? Somewhere, even Don Imus is shaking his head in disgust. Did no one at that Fox Chyron department know how to spell "Negress?" And I want to be very careful here not to denigrate "baby mamas." I'm not getting bent over how other people form their relationships. But what galls is the idea that to them -- to them -- married, single, with children or without all back women are the same and good for one thing: no more consideration than black women have gotten from Tom Jefferson through Strom Thurmond and right up to the aforementioned Imus.

And you think the Right would have learned something from the Imus affair. You think they would have learned what it looks like when the wagons circle and indignation -- be it righteous or faux pious -- rises up.

Clearly they have not.

So, keep on, I say, playing your Mi-chelle game. Keep on demonstrating that you've got nothing to say about the economy or the dollar or an energy policy. Health care or immigration. The war, National Security. Keep on putting into full effect that you are bereft of any idea that is any deeper than flicking a finger at a man's Mrs.

Comments

[Centaur]

Isn't it ironic that the "airheads" that are trying to bash this woman of enormous accomplishments haven't done a damn thing that's noteworthy. They can't hold a candle next to her. It's pathetic.

[sf94127]

The Obama's lecture Americans about what a horrible, oppresive country this is.

I have never seen a political couple so gunshy about discussing who they are. In the least case they are quite left of center from most Americans, politically and culturally. They don't want to be recognized for what they are: a left wing couple with ultra left wing views up and down the line.

Michelle Obama keeps insisting it should only be about the issues. Sorry, "sweetie", America wants to know what you believe and saying "I didn't mean what I said" does not help. She comes across as an angry, bitter person with a huge sense of entitlement. Yuck.

[uheardme]

"She comes across as an angry, bitter person with a huge sense of entitlement. Yuck."

You are describing the bitter white female Clintonites to a tee.

[sf94127]

Obama's trust rating is not much better then Hillary Clinton and his wife is a justified target of opportunity for the Republicans.

The Obama's are very smart at playing the victim card even though they dish it out quite a bit themselves. I believe Michelle remarked that Hillary is not qualified to be president because he could not take care of her own house; therefore, how can she manage the WH. Spoken like a snob with a strong self-opinion; the air of entitlement is so thick you can cut it with a knife.

You Obamamaniacs love this couple. You will be stunned in Novemeber when they lose.
Then you can go into blame mode.

[chi]

With that last sentence I think you got the wrong girl.You know "your girl".

[bigtimepatriot]

"In the least case they are quite left of center from most Americans"

Which "most Americans" is that? The clear majority of Americans who want to get out of Iraq? The clear majority of Americans who think America is on the wrong track under the current administration?

I think most people who actually pay attention realize that Obama is actually a moderate.

Most people who don't actually pay attention appear to be Republicans (and if you hadn't noticed, Repubilicans are NOT "most Americans", do the math please)

[devadasi]

where have you been SF94127,

The Obama family has been front and center for all the world to see. I'd like you to give us some facts when you talk about them being left of center culturally? where are the facts about their ultra left wing views? They very much appear to be a loving family, they are both devoted parents and wonderful role models for our children. What is it you want to know about Michelle Obama? She's a wife, a mother, she worked before deciding to give up her job to campaign for her husband. I have no idea what you are talking about and I don't think you do either.

[zbig]

sf94127 says, "She comes across as an angry, bitter person with a huge sense of entitlemen­t." Key word here being "comes across"--in other words, it's just a person's prejudiced opinion. Looking at reality and the facts though, Michelle Obama is American as apple pie: blue-collar-worker father, stay home mother; family values of honesty, decency, working hard, and the value of a good education--all I can ask for in a first lady, a wonderful citizen of the country, and a great example of what we all should aspire to be.

If this is all the right-wing racists can dish out, they might as well throw in the towel. Decent folks are going to win this time. The corrupt, the evil liars are going to lose.

[gloriar8]

Well, we''lll just have to make sure that Cindy McCain's RICH and INTERESTING past gets the attention it deserves, if they keep this up.

[wizinit]

Maybe this would be an appropriate place to start.

[indypete]

Nah... Let's set an example of good sportsmanship!

[Suzie813]

I don't think Obama would approve.

[MRb1000]

Mrs. Mccain is fare game? Is this better!

[lafrance]

Not only will Obama unleash all his oratorical powers on the regressives, and don't think he is already planning it and ready to go after them now, but, think about what the progressives are going to do to Cindy in retaliation.

[phoenics]

"Stand back from the pillar of fire that's gonna rain from on high when Barack unleashes all his oratorical powers and smites the transgressors who dare...tra­nsgress the sanctity of his marriage."

Absolutely hysterical! I would so love to see this happen. Barack would handle those idiots so handily that they wouldn't even realize their @sses had fallen off until Barack said: 'Excuse me, is this yours?' and HANDED it to them.

[bavonv]

It is a slippery slope for the Repubs to go down, knowing what is in the background of Mrs. McCain. Then there is the little item of McCain cheating on his wife, etc.
If anything is said about his wife he will have a hissy fit. He and his lapdog Lieberman can say anything and it is ok, but he was dissappointed in John Kerry for dissing him. DOUBLE STANDARD.
And I for one, would love to see KARMA in action - what goes around comes around.
As they say on food network - LET THE BATTLE BEGIN!!
I think Ms. Cindy and hubby would be on the losing end of morality. They are only the "straight talk express" when it works for them.
AMAZING - now I remember why I left the Republican Party (the MORAL POLICE). I seem to remember that Cindy was the woman McCain was cheating with while his wife was recouperating from a serious car accident.

[Caringthinkingperson]

John, best post yet. So to the point.

"when Barack unleashes all his oratorical powers and smites the transgressors who dare...tra­nsgress the sanctity of his marriage. "

Or, when John Ridley unleashes his pen. There are so many of us out here who completely respect and admire Michele Obama, they have no idea what they are up against. Maybe it is better for the rest of us if they remain clueless. It will decidedly have something to do with how thoroughly they will lose.

[lovethesinner]

One of your best posts, John. I appreciate your imagery, and your feeling. You called it what it is.

And on the day of the passing of Tim Russert, the Pope of Political Discourse, your focus is especially fitting.

The world suffers the malignant pettiness of character assassins, while those who pursue the truth pass with praise.

[DeSwiss]

Now this one was good. Very good.

:-)

[an observer3]

Does this mean that McCain's wife is fair game also?

[fredpferr]

If Cindy McCain opens her mouth, yes.
Michelle Obama is plenty vocal in her husband's campaign; a reaction should be expected.
Barack Obama regurgitates 1000 words and says nothing. Michell Obama speaks and we understand exactly where they are coming from.

[devadasi]

FREDPFERR: Facts please? where are they coming from?

[IndependentMynd]

Where have you been? Cindy has not been silent during her husband's campaign. So, she IS fair game.

[superduperandy]

Ha! Fair game if we want to return the "We've got nothing" message but ohhhh... we've got PLEANTY!

[UrsaMajority]

No, we absolutely cannot call her the sort of names that ... only her husband calls her.

And we can't call her to task for the statements made by others in her presence. Only her own illegal drug thefts and her refusal to divulge her tax returns. And sleeping with another woman's husband? Nah, let's just hang John McC for that little slip in traditional American values.

[Oridaman]

This reminds me of that Coven song from the sixties,I think, One Tin Soldier.
"Go ahead and hate your neighbor,
Go ahead and cheat a friend.
Do it in the name of Heaven,
You can justify it in the end.
There won't be any trumpets blowing
Come the judgment day,
On the bloody morning after....
One tin soldier rides away."

If it can be hated upon we will do it, and Jeebus will give us forgiveness because he is a Republican too.

[Arleang]

There are some Republicans who believe Barack Obama is a terrorist and who are racist and full of hate. Why don't the decent people still registered as Republicans just start another party for conservatives; something clean, free of religion and hate.

There is a place in the world for a conservative viewpoint, but the Republican party appears more and more to be the party of hate, fear and divisiveness.

[PAONOW]

As the Chairman of P.A.O. (Patriotic Americans for Obama), I wanted to personally post these absolutely critical qualifications that we must have in our V-P pick:

1] BREAK A BAD TREND: It would be highly advisable to avoid yet another two-senator ticket this time around. Having gone with two senators or former senators in the previous elections (Gore-Lieberman, Kerry-Edwards) our results have been very disappointing, as the voting public understandably prefers a more balanced and diverse ticket.

2] EXPERIENCE, EXPERIENCE, EXPERIENCE: The central Republican attack against Obama will focus on a perceived lack of experience, so it is essential for our running mate to be as deeply qualified as possible -- particularly in foreign policy and national security, Senator McCain's strengths -- so as to help neutralize this attack in the minds of voters and not reinforce it. Furthermore, we need a running mate who can complement Senator Obama's legislative background with the EXECUTIVE credentials (of a governor, a general, the private sector, etc.) that voters have historically favored.

So let's choose a V-P who will not only help us to win the White House, but who will serve and benefit our country as remarkably as Senator Obama himself!

Post this wherever you go online, and send it to Barack too!

YES. WE. DID.

P.A.O.
Patriotic Americans for Obama
Obama '08-'16

[RRonin]

So, who do you like for V. P.?

[THEINSULTEDANDINJURED]

Nobody's attacking Michelle-her thesis, her America bashing, her sitting in the pews of Wright's church listening to radical anti-American sermons for 20 years, her hanging with Farrakhan, Dohrn and Ayers, if her husband wants to be President she's going to have to answer for all of that. Kerry's wife couldn't open her mouth without them ripping on her. She needs to stop playing the victim especially since the mainstream media has practically canonized the both of them. Every politician and politician's wife knows that this is the big leagues, go on the View and act all motherly Michelle but just don't answer why you and your children and your husband sat in that church listening to the likes of Pfleger and Wright for 20 years without reservation.

[Trittydi]

Poor little republi-can'ts -- they can't argue on the issues. They've got nothing. All they have in their arsenal is attacking women with made up stories. Poor babies . . . . .
*

[IndependentMynd]

Family values indeed. Please continue to attack a mom and then go and get that 'women's vote'. I can just see the conversation Obama's daughters might bring home if they haven't already. "Mommy, I heard from someone that people are calling you and daddy really bad names. Why do they hate us, mommy?"

[okayigive]

The twenty year kick is old. FYI, First of all no one not even a minister /pastor/rabbi etc. attends church 20 years non-stop. Secondly, many people are members of churches but rarely attend. Sense you are so concerned with church membership start checking on a few churches and see what membership attendance is like. Also before you continue to throw stones look in the mirror and ask yourself why you listen to the likes of Hannity, Hume etc. or why you have a problem with someone being different than you? Just because you are proud of being shafted by the government or what America has done to other Americans don't mean everyone holds your same attitude. Let me stop before I get censored

[mady]

The "sitting in Rev. Wright's church for 20 years" thing is wearing thin with me. You say that as if he preached the same sermon every week. Maybe give the Rev. Wright some credit for Obama being the kind of man who says he will never use "religion as a wedge or patriotism as a bludgeon." So far, Obama has been an outstanding example of showing how to "lovie your neighbor as yourself." Give me a candidate who walks the walk over one who talks the talk any day.

Thanks John Ridley for a great article!

[blaqntelligence]

Beautiful comeback!
While I love a round of beatdown with some of these one-note songs, I also enjoy watching you guys as well...

The ignorance is baffling but the responses are awesome.

[indypete]

Read the article again... you just proved his point... you got zip, nada, bupkis, zilch.

[lafrance]

What you regressives do not get is that for people of Obama's generation, people like Ayres and their background is aceint history.
Obama is NOT a person who came of age in the 60s with it's stupid and silly culture wars.
He is of the 80s and a generation who looks at those culture wars as a waste of time. And your hang ups of the 60s and it's fall outs and sooooooo long ago and part of another era that he cannot relate to.
So, you regressives go ahead and show your age and how old school and out of touch you are. You expect people to stay stuck in the 60s with you? Hardly.

It's a new era and new generation. Get use to it and get over it.