Michelle Wins Bakeoff, But Who Cares?

(NEWSER) - President-elect Barack Obama addressed the country and the world for the first time tonight, vowing to unite a nation beset by trouble at home and abroad, the Chicago Tribune reports. "Change has come to America," Obama told a crowd of tens of thousands at Chicago's Grant Park and millions more watching around the world. "Our stories are singular, but our destinies are shared." More»

McCain, Obama make statements with style

(NEWSER) - First lady fashions are more than trivial concerns: Their choices reflect on presidential campaigns and hold the power to spark new trends, writes Robin Givhan in the Washington Post. Cindy McCain "has endorsed the status quo" by turning to White House veteran Oscar de la Renta, while Michelle Obama "has shown her willingness to embrace a new generation of designers." More»

Bill Clinton a no-show

(NEWSER) - Five spouses of presidential candidates met yesterday for a surprisingly candid exchange about their experiences on the campaign trail and their potential roles in the White House. Bill Clinton and Judith Giuliani both opted out, prompting host Maria Shriver, a former journalist and California's first lady, to joke that “we invited him to serve coffee but he was busy.” More»

'Musicians have the most fun,' says first lady

(NEWSER) - Who would Michelle Obama be if she could be someone else? Beyoncé. Just one problem: The first lady can't sing. "Gosh, if I had some gift, I’d be Beyoncé. I’d be some great singer,” she reveals in an interview with People magazine set to hit newsstands today. "The power of music, being able to play an instrument ... it looks like musicians just have the most fun." It's a mutual admiration society as far as Beyoncé is concerned. “I am proud to have my daughter grow up in a world where she has people like you to look up to,” Beyoncé wrote to Michelle last month, calling her “the ultimate example of a truly strong African-American woman.” More»

Comment at Obama fundraiser 'inexcusable,' says candidate

(NEWSER) - Watch out, Robert De Niro, you're on Newt Gingrich's bad side: Gingrich slammed the actor today after De Niro made a joke about first ladies last night at an Obama fundraiser. De Niro, speaking before Michelle Obama at the New York event, wondered, "Callista Gingrich. Karen Santorum. Ann Romney. Now do you really think our country is ready for a white first lady?" As the crowd cheered, he continued, "Too soon, right?" More»