Michelle Pushes Reform, Recalls Sasha's Illness

Douglas fir from W. Virginia will decorate Blue Room throughout the holidays

(NEWSER) - The White House Christmas tree arrived today in traditional style: by horse-drawn carriage. Michelle, Malia, and Sasha Obama met the 18½-foot Douglas fir and the West Virginia couple who grew it, Eric and Gloria Sundback, at the North Portico. The nonstop chirping of camera shutters provided the soundtrack, USA Today reports. Asked whether this was the largest tree the family's ever had, the first lady replied, "Yeah, I think this wins." More»

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

(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. More»

(NEWSER) - The president appears oblivious to the pocket ace he’s holding on health-care reform, Josh Skolnick writes on the Stimulist: Michelle Obama. Here’s why the first lady should be injected into the debate:

• Experience: At the University of Chicago, "her whole job was explaining medical decisions and health care bureaucracy to a wider audience. Might be just a little relevant to her effectiveness as a health care spokeswoman, no?"

First lady moves from figurehead to policy advocate

(NEWSER) - There's been much ado about Michelle Obama’s biceps, garden, and taste in clothing in her first 6 months in the White House, but the first lady has shifted from domestic and inspirational to a more direct approach to policy, the New York Times reports. In recent months, she has called for support for President Obama’s health care goals, announced the release of stimulus cash to health clinics, pushed for healthy habits and volunteerism, and met with administration officials to help military families. More»

It's a good thing the first lady likes Bo

(NEWSER) - Turns out the first daughters are a lot like kids everywhere, People reports. “Even though the kids are supposed to do a lot of the work, I’m still up at 5:15am taking my dog out,” Michelle Obama told a group of congressional spouses yesterday. “So for everyone who has a child asking for a puppy—you have to want the dog.” So does she? “I do. I love my Bo.” More»