Making Michelle Who She Isn't -- Risky Obama Campaign Move
Many people, especially in politics, think the bad things that happened to the other guy (gal) aren't going to happen to them. "That was different," they reason. "That was then and this is now."
Well, politics is, as Michelle Obama has observed, "a game and a sport." And while there are new moves all the time, some tried and true ones are evident in every political campaign. One of those is about to happen to Michelle Obama unless she heeds her own counsel.
I've written about "slippery criteria" applied to women and minorities. Since they're often relatively new to high levels of organizations and less privy in most cases to how others got there, much of what goes on behind the scenes to block them is not accessible. Usually they're sent off on some wild goose chase seeking one additional accolade, one more element of proof that they're the best person for the job or promotion. And just when they achieve that goal, the game is changed -- new criteria emerge.
In an interview, Michelle Obama noted this about her husband's campaign. "The pundits said there was no way Barack could raise the money and that was the test -- raising the money -- until Barack raised the money and then that wasn't important." She described how they said "he couldn't build the political organization to outmatch opponents who'd been building theirs for years. He did and then that wasn't an issue."
Hillary Clinton tried to get ahead of constantly changing criteria. It cost her. Now Anderson Cooper (June 17) tells us that Michelle Obama is going to be remodeled. Based on what? According to whom? Not again!
I'm all for tweaking and even an occasional dramatic change in order to get where you want to go. We should all be constantly learning. But being someone other than who you are to please, especially media commentators, only displeases you. Besides, we are who we are, and our gestures and micro-expressions belie our lies. When we act as if we're someone other than who we are, we are on shaky ground and it's noticeable. It's also impossible to lead for long from such a precarious perch.
When women or men start reinventing themselves based on the latest "criteria" -- it's risky. Change is what Obama's campaign is largely about. But changing his wife shouldn't be -- not beyond recognition or even close to that. She has much to offer and has said she's looking forward to changing the lives of women for the better -- the women who don't have the back-ups she and Barack have, who work long hours for too little money and are just too tired to think. That will, in turn, change the lives of thousands of children at risk who are shamefully overlooked in our society.
I don't get the sense that Michelle Obama will sell her soul to help her husband become president. But she'll do some tweaking, learn to think even more before she speaks, reflect upon the various interpretations of her words, and, as she has said about big decisions, "go down every dark road" before doing or saying something potentially dangerous. That's just using political wisdom. But once they start trying to make her a composite of first ladies of the past -- a woman who looks lovingly spellbound at her man - perhaps someone who does cute, adorable things (to soften her image), then change will have gone too far.
Michelle has said about politics as a game: "We have to focus on not doing that. If you want to change it, you can't become part of it." Good words to remember. Very good words to remember when they start sending her off to become one more thing, then another -- to get it right.
More about "slippery criteria" at bardscove.com
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Michelle Obama is fine (and I do mean fine) just the way she is. There is absolutely no need to "repackage" her, and your suggestion that she is being handled is just plain wrong.
She is simply reintroducing herself to the public, most of whom got their first glimpse of her when the press distorted and blew her unfortunate "proud" comment totally out of proportion. Once they've gotten to meet this amazing woman, all but those who will not budge from their pre-judged assumptions will fall for Barack's rock.
The only problem with Mrs. Obama, is she is highly intelligent, strong and proud African American Female! She is also a Wife and Mother, and all mothers are strong for their families in all scenarios necessary!
Just like other strong females from any Race - some people are taken aback! It doesn't matter if that female is White, Black, Hispanic, Asian, Native American..
As a White Female, I found Senator Clinton a very cold and manipulative female - but that was just my own opinion.
Mrs. Obama is a neophyte to the national political scene and comes across a little less cynical and definitely quite charming. But Ms. Obama has never run for any office and is will soon learn how ugly presidential politics can become. I was impressed by her demeanor.
As for Senator Clinton, who has had her share of the ugliness of politics, has become more careful to protect her innner self. She has taken a lot of bullsh*t and keeps coming back after it rolls off her back. As a white female, in between Mrs. Obama's age and Senator Clinton's age, I feel empathy for both and pride that women no longer have to be the "Barbie Dolls" to their powerful appendages, i.e. Cindy.
There is nothing wrong with softening her image. Look, a strong Black woman (or man) is way too much for most Americans. Besides, she's going to be First Lady....it
set the style by being a timid black person instead?
Everyone needs a transformation and if they believe that she needs it to appeal to some that may be uncomfortable with her, then…so be it!!
We all try to transform to rise to the occasion but it does not mean we are selling our principles or souls to the devil.
Every time "advisors" attempt to mold candidates or their wives, it usually turns out to go too far.
Remember, the reason you are drawn to a candidate, is their words, actions, manner, personality, issues they support, stands and challenges against current administrations.
Both Gore and Kerry were toned down to the point of being too soft, too pandering to what the media perceptions are of the "ideal candidate". They became bland.
Obama stood up to the current administration, Michelle pointed out flaws in America's history that should not be forgotten. Please do not allow campaign "advisors" to reinvent or remold something that was a Winner and should not be altered.
Change is change and people want the candidate that moved them to vote for him--that includes Michelle and her unique intelligence, personality, and grasp of political issues.
The point is not changing Michelle Obama, the point is showing who she is.
Right now, the only thing people have in terms of "Who is Michelle Obama and what does she think" Is what has been reported by pundits and reporters who don't right or read news anymore, you make it up as you go along.
Not just in the case of Michelle Obama, you do that to anyone who comes into media view.
You take what a person says and spin it to fit what you want to write.
Each of you, no matter what your political affiliations, whether you are male or female, well known or obscure, paper or media outlet, you are all a part of the "negative spin machine" and once you get your hooks in your caught.
At the caught point I really think you have no choice but to "spin" like a sock caught on the washing machine agitator. I truly hope some of you get rescued and set down on the path of true journalism.
I'm sick and tired of democrats always on the defense from republican attacks.
The republicans seem to always stay on the offense.
That's what Obama and Michelle need to do; always stay on the offense.
When you're 'right' that should be easy.
I could not disagree with you more. Obama has run a very positive campaign so far, and I would hate to see him go negative. Stay focused on the issues.
You don't have to be negative to be on the offensive.
It would help if you would get sick and tired of Republicans' immoral, unfounded, sleazy attacks on innocent people. b They ignoreor twist facts, when they take the time to even get the facts. The Republicans have demonstrated time and time again that they will ANYTHING to win!! In case you have not noticed, McCain has been on the defense too--because of his continuous flip-flopping.
I am sick of Republicans, who never on the winning side of important issues, always using smears and fear to try and "win" their campiagns with.
No one should have to be constantly on the offensive nor want to be. It reeks of desperation.
Substance, being informed on the real issues, having good legislative records, no flip-flops on important issues, consistency, connecting with everyday people, charisma, eloquance, directness should be the focus.
Going after your opponent on nit-picky "issues", smear jobs, creating false fears only make it obvious that the candidate participating in the smears, makes you look like a bitter loser...
If you have something going for you that is relevant to the presidency, than show it and be generous--it will prove you are not Desperate, Mr. McCain and Mrs.
Michelle Obama isn't CHANGING, she is just presenting herself to the people at large. The only thing that is changing is the strategy by which people choose to attack her. It is a shame and a disgrace to watch what is being done to this fine woman. I have just returned from a trip to Louisiana and while visiting there, the subject of politics came up. Most in the group were very upset by the fact that Obama was going to be the Dem. nominee. One person talked about all the awful things that Michelle Obama had said about her country and they talked about how they would vote for a dog catcher before they would vote for Obama. This person went on to say that they did not care what anybody said , they believe Mrs. Obama is a racist. (We are white, by the way.) When all was said and done, I announced that I was supporting Sen. Obama and was proud to do so. It got quiet. As the conversation winded down, I began to think about all the racist things I had heard these people say over the years about black people and they are angry at her!
One lingering problem in the post-primary season is that Hillary supporters have to deal with is their curious effort to repeat Republican talking points. It is the Republican Main Stream Media that is insisting that the Obama campaign's current effort to bring Michelle more to the fore is somehow a "re-introduction" intended to change her image - or even herself. This is just nonsense. Michelle's public presentation has not changed, her personality remains consistent. The issue is allowing Americans to get to know her better. Reardon, if you really are a progressive, take the Hillary/MSM lens off and see the winning team for the decent people and dynamic First Family that they really are.
Ms Reardon:
I used to cringe when I read your pro-Hillary Clinton posts.
Now, I find you parotting the MSM about a "makeover" for Michele Obama. You must know this is no such thing. It's just more drivel to fill all those empty 24 hours of 24 hour Cable TV. She is not being made over, she is simply introducing herself to the voters in a very genuine, non-spin manner. Her authenticity is all the more marked in comparison to the calculating, aritificial persona Hillary Clinton tried to foist on the voters.
Please, please let Michele Obama be whoever she is without distorting the truth about her.
Relax, Kathleen. It's not the Obama campaign who says they're "remaking Michelle" --- it's the press. The Obama campaign wants America to know WHO she is. The press wants to spin this as a makeover. There's no makeover required. MO is fine just the way she is and the voters will come to apppreciate that.
I thought we knew already who she is, maybe they want us to change our opinion?
NO drilling in ANWR
I don't think it's a good idea to have a stranger or two in the White House. . .
From what I see: You can't successfully re-make a strong willed person - plus, it didn't work for John Kerry's wife, and it won't work for the Obama's. . . . . . .
They are not trying to remake her. She's a wonderful person and they want America to see that and not just listen and read smears..bu
Are you saying that Cindy McCain is a 'weak-willed' person, then?
The press seems to be careful to avoid her political and personal history.
Should that not be the same for Michelle Obama?
If you want such close scrutiny, then let's have it for Cindy, too. Fair?
I do not see the media or anyone else trying to make Michelle who she isn't. The problem is, people do not know WHO she is. Before one can be preceived as being "made over" you would have to know "what's being made over"!! Michelle knows who she is and seems to be very proud of WHO she is. All the previous White First Ladies were unique. individuals. Compare Jackie Kennedy and Mrs. Carter. Laura Bush and Nancy Reagan ... Insofar as appearance is concerned, we women always like to "change our wardrobe, hair style, makeup, etc. from time-to -time., for a variety of reasons. What wrong with that??!! What's more important, however, is what's on the inside--character and values...
Ms. Reardon's arguments assume that going after your opponent's wife is part of the political process, which I disagree. Political processes are not un-written rule but something that flesh-and-blood humans have decided to adopt. And going after your opponent's wife is what the fringe right flesh-and-blood humans, or rather subhumans, have adopted, and to consider that an accepted part of politics is dangerous.
If we want to be a civilized nation, we condemn the sleazy behavior ten time louder than giving advice to Michel to get used to it and prepare for it. Which means, re-write this article and spend ONE paragraphs giving advice to Michelle on how to deal with the sleaze machine, and TEN paragraphs condemning the sleaze machine as un-American.
Not tolerating sleaze instead of leaning how to fight it is the change we want to bring in this country, and Yes We Can bring that change
I fully agree with you. I was not pleased with the column. Mrs. Obama will
prove to be an excellent resource in the White House.
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