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The Real Michelle Obama

Michelle Obama Says It's All In The Family

By Victoria Floethe, Newser User

Posted Feb 1, 2009 7:55 PM CST

(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.

[Images (4)]

[Videos (1)]

[Quotes (3)]

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. (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. (AP Photo/Obama for America, David Katz)

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)

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The Obamas share a moment on inauguration night, Jan. 20, 2009, at the Neighborhood Ball. (AssociatedPress)

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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

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The Real Michelle Obama