Michelle Obama - yay or nay?

[Anonymous]

I am not a fan of any of the candidates, but am perplexed by Barack (I like him, but don't). Problem is -- his wife really irritates me. I can't quite pinpoint the reasons, but she seems to be a bit of a hypocrite when it comes to her identity. I think, deep down, she is a very angry woman. I also fell that she has exhibited (Barack, as well) some narcissitic/arrogant tendencies.

Thoughts?

[Anonymous]

nay, she's spoils it for me. Angry person...very angry.

[Anonymous]

I like her, simply because she is super smart and seems somewhat down to earth. That being said, I believe just about anybody (and their spouses) must be somewhat narcissitic/arrogant to want to be president and/or first spouse.

[Anonymous]

I think scrutinizing a candidate's wife in this fasion is sexist and only hurts us all as women.

After all the next step after calling someone an "angry woman" is to say she is an "aggressive bi%ch" (whereas a man doing the same thing would probably be considered "strong-willed" or "tough" or a "fighter for what he believes in.")

This scrutiny also often degenerates to criticizing what the wife chooses to wear, her hairstyle, where she got her money (ie from daddy or a previous marriage), whether she worked inside or outside the home, etc. These types of critiques harm all women in the long run b/c they perpetuate sexist attitudes.

[Anonymous]

Though I LOVE Barrack, have to agree, not a big fan of his wife. She does seem to be defensive and angry.
Still plan on voting for her hubby though. Hillary was not the most likable wife either.

[Anonymous]

She's a bit like HRC.

[Anonymous]

When people peg someone as "an angry woman" while admitting that there is no reason for it that they can articulate, I am immediately suspicious. This is particularly true if followed by a characterization of "arrogant/narcissistic." Some examples, at least, or at least try to pinpoint a reason? Without anything to support your dislike, you just sound (a) misogynistic or (b) jealous or (c) intimidated. It is very difficult for some people to watch a strong, beautiful, successful, seemingly happily married woman without feeling bitter and a little hostile.

I have been only impressed with Michelle Obama -- specifically her obvious intelligence, her poise, and what seems to be a genuine and mutual affection and respect for her husband.

[Anonymous]

Since she isn't the one running for president, I really haven't given her too much thought.

[Anonymous]

YAY!

[Anonymous]

YAY, absolutely. Hey, I identify with her anger. In many ways the world is an angry-making place.

[Anonymous]

YAY!

[Anonymous]

She is an attractive woman, she is smart, articulate and gracious. Where did you get that she is "angry"? So far she has handled pretty well all these petty attacks on her and her family.

Although not that important, but I like the way she dresses. Just compare her wardrobe to those of Clinton and McCain's wife. Those 2 are always in some kind of uber-matching outfits, while hers are usually simple and tastefully put together.

[jsteele]

Definite yay. I think she may be Barack's biggest asset. Rovian political strategy is to attack an opponent's strength and that is exactly why Michelle is catching so much heat. I'd bet almost none of the posters who believe she is angry can cite a specific example of her anger. They are simply conditioned by the messages that are being spread by those opposed to her husband.

I agree completely that much of the criticism leveled against her is rooted in sexism which makes it doubly ironic that Clinton supporters are often the biggest offenders. If there is one thing McCain must fear more than being put side by side with Barack, it must be Cindy being put side by side with Michelle.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I think scrutinizing a candidate's wife in this fasion is sexist and only hurts us all as women.

After all the next step after calling someone an "angry woman" is to say she is an "aggressive bi%ch" (whereas a man doing the same thing would probably be considered "strong-willed" or "tough" or a "fighter for what he believes in.")

This scrutiny also often degenerates to criticizing what the wife chooses to wear, her hairstyle, where she got her money (ie from daddy or a previous marriage), whether she worked inside or outside the home, etc. These types of critiques harm all women in the long run b/c they perpetuate sexist attitudes.

Please, as if Hillary had won the nomination Bill Clinton would not have been an issue--if not the issue--of the campaign? I don't feel like I know enough about Mrs. Obama. She obviously seems angry, and has basically said as much, but after the past eight years it would be more of an oddity not to be angry.

[Anonymous]

I was an obama supporter until his affiliation w/ Rev. Wright came to fruition. It took him too long to disaffiliate with this man. Also, believe his wife is somewhat angry/oppressed and similarly hypocritical. This is coming from an African American woman.