Obama Camp Wields Steely Secret Weapon: Mrs. O

Michelle Obama seen as campaign 'closer'

By Peter Fearon, Newser Staff

Posted Feb 14, 2008 11:00 AM CST

(Newser) – Outspoken and gutsy but sometimes sarcastic and condescending, Barack Obama's wife, Michelle, is playing a central role in his campaign as it builds toward a final showdown. Known as "The Closer" behind the scenes, the 44-year-old Harvard-educated lawyer puts steel into the campaign while Obama stays above the fray, reports the New York Times.

Athletic and almost six feet tall in heels, her presence is as commanding as her style. “I am trying to be as authentically me as I can be,” Michelle Obama says of her sometimes caustic turn of phrase on the campaign trail. “My statements are coming from my experiences and my observations and my frustrations.”

Michelle Obama, wife of Democratic presidential hopeful Barack Obama, speaks to supporters in Salt Lake City. (AP Photo/Douglas C. Pizac) (Associated Press)

Democratic presidential hopeful Sen. Barack Obama D-Ill., and his wife Michelle together on stage at a rally in Chicago. (AP Photo/M. Spencer Green) (Associated Press)

Michelle Obama, wife of Democratic presidential hopeful, Sen. Barack Obama, D-Ill., speaks during a campaign rally in Spokane, Wash. (AP Photo/Young Kwak) (Associated Press)

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Obama Camp Wields Steely Secret Weapon: Mrs. O

Michelle Obama seen as campaign 'closer'

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Michelle Obama

Barack Obama • Chicago • Michelle Obama • Harvard • Princeton • Craig Robinson • Glamour magazine • Valerie Jarrett

MOST POPULAR STORIES

[ By Views ]

[ By Comments ]

More Newser Stories

Women Celebrate Michelle O.

The 'tough' but 'normal' First Lady has a lot going for her, and is making the best of it all

Valerie Jarrett: Obama's Sounding Board

Senior adviser is even-keeled, fiercely loyal, straight-talking

Did Chatty Michelle Break Voting Laws?

Conservative watchdog slams first lady's 'technical violation'

Obama Has Birthday Dinner With Oprah, Chicago Pals

But did he have the truffle popcorn?

Birthday Boy Obama Heads to Chicago

President turns 49 today

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