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Michelle Will Join Health Debate

First lady's no Hillary, but she'll help president will soft sell

By Jason Farago,  Newser Staff

Posted Sep 17, 2009 8:31 AM CDT
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(Newser) – Michelle Obama will be joining the push to pass a health reform bill, but the first lady won't be entering into the booby-trapped terrain that Hillary Clinton braved 16 years ago. Instead, Obama will focus on what Politico calls "the soft, soccer-mom sell," focusing on nutrition, exercise, and preventive care. With her approval ratings in the mid-70s, she may be able to attract support from audiences who have tuned her husband out.

Tomorrow, the first lady will attend an event where women and families will discuss the health care system, and she'll give remarks that the White House says will "amplify the president's message." In many ways, of course, Obama is already an accidental health advocate—from her promotion of organic food to her now-legendary toned arms. "Now, we are eight months in, the kids are settled; it would seem to me that if she was going to undertake a project, then it’s time," one historian said.

First lady Michelle Obama waves as she is surround by guests in her box during a joint session of Congress, Wednesday, Sept., 9, 2009 on Capitol Hill in Washington.
First lady Michelle Obama waves as she is surround by guests in her box during a joint session of Congress, Wednesday, Sept., 9, 2009 on Capitol Hill in Washington.   (AP Photo/Charles Dharapak)
President Barack Obama and first lady Michelle Obama take part in an event supporting Chicago's 2016 Olympic bid, Wednesday, Sept. 16, 2009, on the South Lawn of the White House.
President Barack Obama and first lady Michelle Obama take part in an event supporting Chicago's 2016 Olympic bid, Wednesday, Sept. 16, 2009, on the South Lawn of the White House.   (AP Photo/Charles Dharapak)
President Barack Obama leans to kiss first lady Michelle Obama as they host an event on Olympics, Paralympics and Youth Sport, Wednesday, Sept. 16, 2009, on the South Lawn of the White House.
President Barack Obama leans to kiss first lady Michelle Obama as they host an event on Olympics, Paralympics and Youth Sport, Wednesday, Sept. 16, 2009, on the South Lawn of the White House.   (AP Photo/Gerald Herbert)
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COMMENTS
Showing 3 of 37 comments
Shannonals
Sep 18, 2009 2:28 AM CDT
Another enlightening word of racism from Buh, the perfect example of right wing nutcase racist
godawgs
Sep 18, 2009 2:18 AM CDT
@ford and fondue It's not deflecting the issue. I thought that you guys were smart enough to put the pieces together. You say it's because they oppose a black president so they are getting called racist. Well the President is for health care reform. They oppose that, and they are getting called racist for it. Look at some of the left wing websites. The left is trying to paint everyone on the right who opposes anything the President does as a racist, and that included health care. So every republican that has come out to oppose health care has been called a racist.
Fondue
Sep 18, 2009 1:20 AM CDT
@godawgs, I and forderon have put the pieces together. When will you, as a Republican/conservative, speak out against the Joe Wilson's, the ClearSight's, the MrsK's of the world? Again I say: No one has been labeled a racist just because they oppose health care reform.

 
health care • Michelle Obama • White House • health care reform • first lady • Michelle Obama hula hoop

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