Skip to: Content
Skip to: Site Navigation
Skip to: Search

SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 8, 2009
| Subscribe to Newser's RSS feeds RSS | Follow Newser on Twitter Twitter


11

The Real Michelle Obama

Michelle Obama Says It's All In The Family

Share

(Newser) – Michelle Obama's journey from the South Side of Chicago to the White House has been avidly documented, but Carol Felsenthal of Chicago magazine highlights the consistency of her role, driven by a burning desire to do good, but also to achieve security for her family. She resisted her husband's political ambitions for years, Felsenathal notes, but when he set his sights on the Oval Office, "she realized that she needed to get on board," a close friend says. 

From the Robinson family's one-bedroom apartment to Princeton to Harvard Law and back to Chicago, Michelle exhibited what her husband calls her “strong perfectionist streak” and a devotion to family, friends, and public service. After a couple of high-profile miscues, she proved an invaluable asset on the campaign trail. "Barack relied on her for the Everyman/Everywoman view," says another friend—and it paid off in the end.

President Barack Obama stands with his wife, first lady Michelle Obama, at the Neighborhood Ball in Washington Tuesday, Jan. 20, 2009.
President Barack Obama stands with his wife, first lady Michelle Obama, at the Neighborhood Ball in Washington Tuesday, Jan. 20, 2009.   (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)
This black-and-white file photo released by Obama for America shows Democratic presidential candidate Barack Obama and his bride Michelle Robinson on their wedding day, Oct. 18, 1992, in Chicago.
This black-and-white file photo released by Obama for America shows Democratic presidential candidate Barack Obama and his bride Michelle Robinson on their wedding day, Oct. 18, 1992, in Chicago.   (AP Photo/Obama for America, file)
In this photograph released by President-elect Obama, then Democratic presidential candidate Barack Obama and his his wife Michelle are seen Wednesday, Nov. 5, 2008 in Chicago.
In this photograph released by President-elect Obama, then Democratic presidential candidate Barack Obama and his his wife Michelle are seen Wednesday, Nov. 5, 2008 in Chicago.   (AP Photo/Obama for America, David Katz)
This picture provided by Gavin Brown's enterprise shows the portrait by Elizabeth Peyton titled,
This picture provided by Gavin Brown's enterprise shows the portrait by Elizabeth Peyton titled, "Michelle and Sasha Obama Listening to Barack Obama at the Democratic National Convention."   (AP Photo/Gavin Brown's enterprise)
« Prev« Prev | Next »Next » Slideshow
The Obamas share a moment on inauguration night, Jan. 20, 2009, at the Neighborhood Ball.   (AssociatedPress)

« Prev« Prev | Next »Next »

We could potentially see another Obama in the White House before we see another Clinton. - Malik Nevels, a former employee of Michelle Obama

Barack relied on her for the Everyman/Everywoman view
- Dan Shomon, President Obama's staff person in Springfield.

Barack wanted his family to be comfortable, but he would have been satisfied with three spoons, a fork, and a dish. It was an issue for her. - an acquaintance of the Obamas

« Prev« Prev | Next »Next » Slideshow
11 comments
VIEWING:
 
kokuaguy
Feb 2, 09 2:26 AM CST
I/read/the/entire/article/in/CHI/Mag/and/ recommend/it/to/everyone/ I'd/like/to/leave/longer/comment/but Apple/won't/honor/its/warranty/so/i/don't have/a/spacebar/on/my/keyboard/ sorry/folks Reply
Vote up! Vote down!
0
IN RESPONSE:
Mad
Feb 2, 09 1:05 PM CST
Dude... We all see several time you managed to place a space, and now you're posting only to claim Apple isn't being honorable with you, so -- I call BS. Stop ragging on Apple (unless its an Apple story) and begging for forgiveness and just post. BTW, if your keyboard really is broke, then use the enter key. like this sentence is constructed, see ?
Vote up! Vote down!
0
radnip
Feb 2, 09 9:49 AM CST
I find Michelle and her family just as inspirational as Obama's, so I suppose the whole family's very inspirational for the rest of us non-connected middle-class or barely middle-class types. Reply
Vote up! Vote down!
0
IN RESPONSE:
Mad
Feb 2, 09 1:07 PM CST
Actually, I like her least of all first ladies. Well, the ones in my time. But, admittedly, I know nearly nothing about her. I shall read the article
Vote up! Vote down!
0
Shannonals
Feb 2, 09 3:12 PM CST
Mad, your quite a strange person. You like Michelle Obama least of all first ladies? Her husband hasn't even been in office a month, of course you don't like her because you don't know her. Reply
Vote up! Vote down!
0
LEAVE A
COMMENT
Comment Policy
Facebook ConnectPost this comment to Facebook?

After connecting you will have the option to post your comment on your Facebook profile.