Reading The Pictures: The Clinch

I looked at a mountain of pics from Tuesday's decisive night, and kept coming back to this one.

First, I appreciate the color of Michelle's dress, reprising -- at least to me -- the '04 conclusion that America (in contrast to the hyper-polarized red state/blue state dichotomy perpetuated by the media) is actually a lot more purple.

I also appreciate Michelle's proud, private, knowing, understated, intimate and unselfconscious expression, as well as the lack of tension in each partner's body. Observing them these many months, it is evident to me that the Obamas' ability to remain so relaxed is a natural expression of confidence.

Mostly though, I tried (fruitlessly) to imagine John and Cindy or Bill and Hillary celebrating the impending nomination with a fist bump, illuminating the fact that, as much as anything, the gesture -- just like this outcome -- is truly a generational thing.

(image: Scott Olson/Getty Images. June 3, 2008. St. Paul, MN)

Comments

[ProFromOre]

There is a certain playfulness in this interaction between the Obamas that's a clue to their relationship. I've caught their playfulness before in words and actions.

It says to me they are confident in their mutual love and respect for each other; they understand what's really important in life and they aren't worried if they do something others might perceive as 'mushy' or 'goofy in love'.

[spyda]

They are a awesome couple that I admire greatly!I have a e-mail that was sent to me titled "Pic Of the next First Family and I refuse to erase it because they are just as great and heart felt as the fist bump pics.OBAMA'08

[DavidMG]

They are cool, but they must be careful not to be too cool or overconfident. People want their presidents "mature" and do not want to be taken for granted.

[4wehttam]

Wow, I didn't put the purple dress together until you mentioned it. We WILL be purple states.......slowly but surely our divisions will ebb away with tolerance, understanding, education and unity. It may take years, but I honestly feel this is the beginning of it all. One man that represents ALL OF US for a change.

[ladychicago]

I love this picture and watching the whole thing live. It's amazing that everyone is so fascinated by this show of affection but it just goes to show how desperate we Americans are. After watching Senator after Governor after Congressman after PRESIDENT in trouble over infidelities, this is just another hope that Obama has given. He and his wife are in love and it is SO REFRESHING!

[JJaye]

Wow, didn't think about the significance of the Purple dress. They are such a loving couple and it really shows. Nothing about them seems forced or fake. They make me very, very proud. I am also struck by the way he is with his girls. Makes my heart flutter when I see them all together. Thought it was really cool how he said he was going home and he and his wife were going on a date. Barack having such young children also puts me at ease because I know he will not steer this country to a place that would jeopardize his own children - so mine are safe also with him at the wheel.

[prettdee]

I am a contemporary of the Bushes and Clintons....we of the generation that did NOT want to be like our parents. Unfortunately, we missed the boat. We have messed up by allowing George Bush two terms that have screwed up this world for future generations. I'm sorry.

[Lane]

Dear Prettdee;

You are forgetting that both of Bushes terms in office were stolen. Remember the numbers and the fight (see Recount the movie for an update). What we NEED to do is make certain this next time that this sort of thing never happens again. We need to make sure those touchscreen computers we vote on are hackproof and not programed to vote for McSame when Obama's name is selected. THAT is where the attention needs to be directed and imediately. The folks with a brain will vote for who is best for this country and Obama and hopefully Edwards as VP will win in November!

[Dailyfare]

Thanks, Prettdee.

I've been so angry at what this administration has done to this country and the world that, not only have I wanted an apology from those who voted for W, but I've also thought that everyone who voted for him should be fined.

Since you've given the first apology I've seen, you're off the hook. :-)

Thanks.

[EljayAll]

I am a 48-year-old Black woman. Precisely eight months older than Barack Obama. I am eternally grateful for the focus on Barack and Michelle Obama as a loving compatible couple. I do want to offend anyone, but I do need to point out to everyone who is not Black that we Black Americans have waited over four hundred years for this nation to acknowledge our love for one another and the media to finally get around to focusing on Black couples like Michelle and Barack who have been around for centuries. This is a blessed moment, pregnant with possibilities. Can't you just see the whole family at the Whitehouse?!?!

[lauraq]

Yes, I can!

[Heidfeld]

Honestly, what are you talking about? More racist comments?

Nobody in the US has been waiting 400 years for anything.

And what are you talking about with the media focusing on a black couple? Can you name one instance for me when the media ignored a newsworthy (and therefor profitable) story of event because it involved a black couple?

And just stop perpetuating the myths about racism, otherwise it wont go away? Don't you get that? By pointing out, over and over, that they are a "Black" couple... you only reenforce the difference in people's minds.

[larstein]

How dare you accuse EljayAll of racism. She was simply observing that the Obama's don't just love each other, they are IN LOVE. Pretty rare among politicians these days. It is wrong of you to suggest that her comments were racist. You didn't even get the point. Black couples have been depicted by the media as always arguing, or competative, or at worst, degradingly sexist. And that is if they are depicted as a couple at all. Racism in media reduced the relationship of black men and women to unacceptably ugly stereotypes. And, yes, this has been going on for nearly 400 years. So it is amazing to see the Obamas and how normal, no, the word is "ideal", "wonderful", "heartwarming", even "all-American", their relationship is. It's obvious by Michelle's look, and that little gesture, that they are in love. How many couples can even say that, after 10+ years of marriage? They are a fine example of America at its best, and will be a wonderful model of what a good marriage looks like. To think that this is somehow racist is beyond strange.

[LeftLeanWing]

Whew !!!!

What the commenter is expressing is that rarely in the media or in movies do we ever experience a black couple in love.... without any obvious conflict, baby-mama drama, abuse, infidelities....

The last time we witnessed this is was on the Cosby's or maybe Will and Jada.

But anyway, lighten up.... she said she wasn't trying to offend.... this is just her POV. Aight !

[Dailyfare]

Yes, Heidfeld. You missed the point of the comment, big time.

[bellajj]

Yes I can! Can't wait either!

[Susanfrom29]

As the step-daughter of a Black woman I agree with your comments about the portrayal of Black couples like Barack and Michelle Obama. The family and friends that I knew looked and acted nothing like most of the caricatures that I saw on television.

And as the proud white great-grandmother of two young boys who both biracial, I am thrilled with the thought of seeing the Obama family in the WH. I am reading The Unfinished Life, by Robert Dallek, about JFK and thought about that young family while looking at the pictures of the Kennedy children with their father in the Oval Office.

[Livvy]

I have loved watching them together but I had not thought of the historical significance; how moving it is to see this obviously happy loving black family as part of this package.

It HAS almost been 400 years since the first Africans were brought to Jamestown. Of all the struggles African Americans have gone through over those centuries this middle aged white woman would have to guess the assault on their families and primary relationships have to be at the top of the indignities. Many survived and flourished against all odds but few have been celebrated. The celebration of the Obamas IS rich with meaning.

And won't they look GREAT as the first family?

[missette]

Another 58 year old while woman who loved this moment. It was so genuine and warm, and truly memorable. I was totally impressed with how different they are from the typical, plastic, political couple ..to tlhe extent that I noticed Michelle's smiles are ooupled with looks of concern - she understands the stakes, and truly cares about him.

[RadCenter]

I was struck by the little "fanny pat" Barack gave Michele as she scooted off the stage -- like a gesture an athlete would make to a fellow team member, which is what she is. What wonderful role models these two will make for the next generation of Americans!

[JePense]

No-no.

I commented to my husband about this when we saw it live. He did NOT pat her fanny - or it would have been criticized endlessly, I'm sure.

What I observed is that they are so in tune with each other, he knew just where her waist was without even looking as he gestured her offstage and turned to speak...

It was clearly "above the belt"

[CanadiansforObama]

I think this picture defines one of the greatest moments in American history. I'll always remember it. The whole of Canada is excited about having a great partner in the US in years to come!

[littlepuffycloud]

I love this picture; it says so much about them as individuals and as a couple. Love Michelle and her style and everything about her. What a First Lady she is going to make!

[justfacefacts]

My goodness, this is the bestest coolest love train I have ever seen. Such wild romantic notions of how great it is gonna be is kinda swell. Now lets see what happens to the horrific trade deficit, and the crushing national debt while we dance around the floor crumbling under our feet. We gots work to do. Bump that.

[snarkopolitan]

One little moment of sweetness, after what Colbert calls Democraclypse Now. Nobody says it will solve the trade deficit, but the grace deficit has begun to be addressed.

[RadCenter]

"Grace deficit." That almost made me cry. Well said!

[Lane]

justfacefacts:

Once we get rid of the red dictatorship this country has been locked in these past 8 years we may be able to bring this country back into one that can be respectable and lovable. The rest of the world either owns us because of the billions that BushCo has borrowed from them (China, Japan, Saudi Arabia, et al;) or despises us because of our contradictory actions across the globe. Yes, we have lots of work to do thanks to the greedy republicans that have almost ruined this country. It will take longer than the next four years, but hopefully we will have that chance soon. If not, we are in some serious, serious trouble my friends.

[Lane]

I have been commenting for months now on the fact that Obama has acted as if he already knew he was going to be the next POTUS! I guess you can put the label "confidence" on it, but those of us pessimists out here can't help but think that the powers that be have orchestrated this whole thing from the beginning. There was that second Bush term that was completely under scrutiny because of the computers and the possibility that they were rigged.
I just hope this is not something we end up regretting! For once, let it be a real, good, honest thing for our country!!!!!

[CalexenderJ]

Obama's confidence could either be a result of he knew he was the beneficiary of a massive secret conspiracy that neither the Clintons or McCain were privvy to OR after February when he opened a up a sizeable lead in pledged delegates by winning caucus states per his strategy he might have realized that Hillary would have had to win 66% of the remaining contest to pass him, which was unlikely.

Which sounds more plausible.

[Lane]

CalexanderJ-
His "confidence" started way before voting even stated.

[Lane]

His "confidence" began long before voting even started!

[deepseas]

Not to worry, Lane. No matter what the outcome in November, Obama has given us the tools and inspiration to keep this train going and building steam. He has inspired and awaken the majority in this nation to be empowered. We now know we don't have to settle for less and live in fear.

America is in dire straits and cannot afford another war mongering leader who serves the elites. We also cannot afford another leader who lies, plays the same old tired political games and leaves Americans hanging in the ditch. We cannot afford the propaganda, spin, corruption and thieves in control.

The old guard would have us believe we are all different, and those differences are the problem. Well, enough Americans now know the real problem is the wealthy vs. the rest of us. The rich elites have made slaves out of us and have run this country in the ground with their illegal elections, wars and justice system.

Obama has shown us we are a great nation if we come together and get engaged in the process. He is showing us we all have the same needs and are more alike than not. We've been asleep at the wheel too long and are tired of being taken advantage of. There is barely anything left for our grandchildren to enjoy, breathe or exist with. Americans are not about to lose their ticket for a way out of this 8 year nightmare. (Part 2 continued below)

[deepseas]

(part 2 of 2)

It will be hard work for us all, as Obama said, but we can do this. All the world is watching our election, and the world is pulling for Obama. I believe he can help us heal this country and the world. I believe in the American spirit and the ability to elect the right person. I believe Obama will be the next President of the "United" States, and we will finally live up to the word "united."

This may be our last chance to get it right.

[nycdave]

I was at a big NYC party of Obama supporters watching it, and that fist bump just made everyone smile and chuckle, and a few to burst out in a warm laugh... Here was a couple on the verge of a historic night in American history, with them at the center of it, and that gesture just so succinctly summed up the warmth, the love the two have for each other, the confidence, the ease they've developed in these situations, and... gosh DAMN, if that wasn't just a cute, funky (yet non-theatening), YOUNG thing to do. Heck, that's something some of US would do... What a great little show of the fact that for all the distance they've traveled, they're not that far removed from the rest of us!

I'm thinking of Gore's smooch at the 2000 convention, and how it surprised so many people and humanized him, because it showed that gosh... there was a real, passionate, intense PERSON there, not just the wooden wonk he was caricatured as. At the same time, there was something kind of sad about it -- it took such an intense moment for him to summon enough feeling that it was visible to all that he was a real person... By contrast, the Obamas seem just so at ease with themselves and who they are, at least we know THAT won't be a problem this election. After running two men with no charisma, finally we're running someone who can really connect with people.