On Tuesday's "Nightline," ABC gushed over Michelle Obama with the enthusiasm and objectivity usually reserved for "Access Hollywood" reporters. Correspondent Yunji de Nies lauded the "rock star" first lady for her fashion sense and for speaking openly about balancing work and family. "Nightline" co-anchor Cynthia McFadden asserted that "with her muscular arms and outfits, she's become, well, a model first lady."
De Nies talked with liberal Washington Post journalist Sally Quinn, who has written for years about D.C. style. Asked about a recent Michelle Obama spread in Vogue magazine, Quinn enthused, "Well, for one thing, I think she's a sexual person. The pictures are attractive. They're womanly. They're sexy, but not in an overt way." She then went on to assert that Washington has often tried to force women to downplay their sexuality. This prompted de Nies to breathlessly wonder, "Is Washington and the world ready for such a modern first lady?"
Before playing a clip of Mrs. Obama discussing her family, de Nies complimented the first lady for "speaking openly about the struggle of balancing work and family." Of course, that is something that previous presidential spouses have done, including Hillary Clinton.
De Nies and TheRoot.com reporter Dayo Olopade both agreed that Obama is a "rock star." Commenting on de Nies' observation that it's odd to see magazines with the President's wife next to those with pop stars, Olopade bizarrely claimed, "Well, you certainly didn't see Laura Bush doing that. You know, I think it's a lot easier to be a celebrity these days."
On the Root's website, Olopade expounded on the new role the first lady and her fitness play:
Her commanding presence, disciplined fitness regimen and rock-hard bod make her seem out of step with the traditional sidekick role of the first lady. And she is also ill-suited to the traditional cultural archetypes circumscribed for black women. She is neither Jezebel, the soft-witted, oversexed temptress, nor Mammy, the asexual nurturer.
A transcript of the March 10 segment, which aired at 11:59pm, follows:
CYNTHIA MCFADDEN: Michelle Obama, wife of the 44th president of the United States, has been described as her husband's rock. Ivy League educated, an accomplished lawyer and a mother of two young daughters. And now, with her muscular arms and outfits, she's become, well, a model first lady as Yunji de Nies reports.
YUNJI DE NIES: From the moment Michelle Obama took the stage at the Inaugural Neighborhood Ball, America just can't seem to get enough of the new first lady. She is photographed constantly, and is the cover girl of just about every major magazine, from People to Vogue to the latest New Yorker, a far cry from their last depiction of her. Survey any newsstand and you're bound to find her face. [Standing in a bookstore with Dayo Olopade.] It's sort of the weird juxtaposition there to see the first lady next to a pop star.
DAYO OLOPADE (Washington reporter, TheRoot.com): Right. Well, you certainly didn't see Laura Bush doing that. You know, I think it's a lot easier to be a celebrity these days. Media culture is really saturated and, of course, Michelle Obama is in her own right a rock star.
DE NIES: A rock star who even got Oprah to break the rules. In a first, the media maven will share the cover of her signature magazine. Mrs. Obama is on a mission to introduce herself, visiting federal agencies in Washington.
MICHELLE OBAMA: And for the people here in this agency, we are now your neighbors.
DE NIES: And speaking openly about the struggle of balancing work and family.
OBAMA: There isn't a day that goes by particularly after having kids that I don't wonder or worry about whether I'm doing the right thing for myself, for my family, for my girls.
DE NIES: The first lady wants to use her public profile to broaden the perception of African-American women. She told "People" magazine she thought posing for Vogue "was good for my daughters and little girls just like them who haven't seen themselves represented in these magazines, hopefully to talk more broadly about what beauty is, what intelligence is, what counts." Sally Quinn has covered Washington power players for the last three decades. What do you think these particular images say about who she is?
SALLY QUINN (Washington Post): Well, for one thing, I think she's a sexual person. The pictures are attractive. They're womanly. They're sexy, but not in an overt way. I mean, there's nothing tacky or unseemly about the way she dresses. But she's very much a woman and I think for so long in Washington any woman in a position of power has really tried to downplay her sexuality.
DE NIES: Is Washington and the world ready for such a modern first lady?
QUINN: Well, they better get ready. Because it's happening.
DE NIES: I'm Yunji de Nies in Washington for "Nightline."
—Scott Whitlock is a news analyst for the Media Research Center.
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Comments Policy
*pounds head on desk*
March 11, 2009 - 12:07 ET by katainkentmake it stop!
Wait
March 11, 2009 - 12:52 ET by cvgbuckeyeI'll go along with that. Have you looked at these "Rock Stars" lately. Rock Star, indeed. She's about as much a "Rock Star" as the other end of the horse in Mr. Ed.
Enough Already!
March 11, 2009 - 12:09 ET by BlondeI'm mad as hell and I'm not gonna take it any more!
I hope he fails, too.
~Where's that creepy
March 11, 2009 - 12:15 ET by choselife3xMO stalker dude? Has he emerged from his chamber yet?
Hope and Change= Despair and Socialism
I'll say..... She has
March 11, 2009 - 12:13 ET by oldArmyI'll say.....
She has that....."I'm finally proud to be an American" glow about her.
Sally Quinn
March 11, 2009 - 12:15 ET by BondPlainBondMs Quinn... A heads-up. That's whispered cocktail party talk, not something discussed in the media.
Oops. Forgot. You're liberal. It feels good to talk about your impressions of the First Lady's sexuality with complete strangers.
Personally, I find Barack effete and Michelle quite masculine. She wears the pants, he wears the collar.
hmmmmmmmmm
March 11, 2009 - 12:19 ET by MOONSTRUCKI see barry as a thong kind of "guy".
Nice visual
Covertly ?
March 11, 2009 - 12:32 ET by Dont_Like_TheBlues.......They're sexy, but not in an overt way."
Does that mean in a covert way?
Sexy like a spy? Valerie Plame ?
----------------------------------
"The interests of [radical Facist] Muslims and the interests of the socialists coincide in the war against the crusaders[USA]."
Osama bin Laden - March 2003
Look, I think she's
March 11, 2009 - 12:16 ET by NewsbusterbrownLook, I think she's attractive (sorry, Minuteman), but these news reports every day about Michelle Obama are really puke inducing.
“There are no easy answers' but there are simple answers. We must have the courage to do what we know is morally right.” - Ronald Reagan (1964 Republican Convention)
Muscling Through Bicep Implant Subsidies?
March 11, 2009 - 12:32 ET by metaphorsbwithuWill bicep implant industry subsidies be muscled through by Obama, and will implants be covered by out new socialized healthcare system?
With the soon to be diagnosed flabby bicep syndrome caused by not "measuring up", treatment will no doubt become essential for preserving mental health.
metaphorsbwithu
more fashionable than Jackie more beloved than Eleanor Roosevelt
March 11, 2009 - 12:23 ET by allanfHow brain dead does ABC think its audience is? (Hint: They have the View). No matter how hard they try and how many Glamour covers they give Michele, I will be convinced that Michele is a Christey Brinkley or even Lauren Hutton.
Michele Obama, more fashionable than Jackie Kennedy, more beloved than Eleanor Roosevelt.
"Oh Sterling, where art
March 11, 2009 - 12:30 ET by SickofLibs"Oh Sterling, where art thou?"
SickofLibs, cut that out!
March 11, 2009 - 13:05 ET by MotherDon't summons the devil this early in the day. lol
wow, i agree!!
March 11, 2009 - 15:35 ET by clinging to my guns and my religionya know though, i cannot help but wonder if sterling is for real. can anyone really be that gullible? what am i saying?!? 52% of the american voting public was that gullible! ladies and gentlemen, please strike that last question from the record!! i'll rephase the question: after the last fifty days of constant gaffs and sc**w-ups, can anyone still really be that gullible?
"i believe he will not stop until we are all jobless, homeless, hungry, and cold!"
Michelle The Sexiest Woman in Washington DC
March 11, 2009 - 18:48 ET by SterlingSorry, but some of us have to work for a living. I digress though; America is ready for a woman like Michelle to liberate oppressed females everywhere. This new icon has burst upon the scene with grace, wit, and class that only we will only see once in our lifetime. Dare I say, Michelle you have the X factor.
Finally, she is not sexy in that trashy Paris Hilton way, but sexy in that classic Maureen O’Hara way. You know the strong feisty mother who can handle any man and a job all in the same time. By the way, the girls at my work had the new US Magazine with Michelle on the cover- they were all saying that they wished their bodies looked as good as hers.
Stl... ROFL! I got to
March 11, 2009 - 19:05 ET by bigtimerStl...
ROFL!
I got to give it to ya'...you are good.
Be careful...don't give yourself away.
I just thank you for the laughs, and I don't mean that in a fighting way....I mean it in an amusing way. ;-)
A Reason a Liberal male
March 11, 2009 - 12:34 ET by celatorA Reason a Liberal male might marry a female:
Liberal Male: You know, this girl I'm dating is as dumb as a stick, her feet stink, she's illiterate, hasn't got a clue about raising kids, her hair is falling out and she has only three teeth left. But, man, she's got these great upper arms. I think I'm in love."
The Government cannot give to anybody anything which the government does not first take from somebody else. Dr. Adrian Rogers
"For today's specials, we
March 11, 2009 - 12:36 ET by SickofLibs"For today's specials, we have a Dayo Olopade in an asparagus cream sauce and a delightful broiled Yunji De Nies finished with a picante mango chutney."
Before
March 11, 2009 - 12:54 ET by slickwillie2001For those that missed it yesterday, here's the cover girl's 'before' picture:
http://www.mofopolit...
slickwillie2001, LOL!
March 11, 2009 - 13:03 ET by MotherThat picture cracks me up EVERY time I see it. Such a 'beauty' *cough-cough*. rotfl!
Zero has to be gay...there's no other logical explanation for 'it'.
Yep...that screams, "Watch
March 11, 2009 - 13:12 ET by DJEddleYep...that screams, "Watch out! Strong sexual content ahead!"
Rational Liberty: Where Reason and Government Collide - The best website ever!
Hmm...
March 11, 2009 - 12:55 ET by Cortillaen"Mrs. Obama is on a mission to introduce herself, visiting federal agencies in Washington."
I wonder where the media went on this. You know, the media that was screaming about Todd Palin.
www.daybydaycartoon.... Proving that conservative comedy is very real.
"With your mind as high as Mt. Fuji you can see all things clearly. And you can see all the forces that shape events; not just the things near to you." - Miyamoto Musashi
"Well, for one thing, I think she's a sexual person."
March 11, 2009 - 13:04 ET by JTPIm seeing a double date here.. Sally Quinn / Michelle and Barrak / Chrissy Matthews.
"I need more cowbell!" SNL
Yeah...that's just what I
March 11, 2009 - 13:11 ET by DJEddleYeah...that's just what I like in a woman - muscular arms and a quite mannish face. Who is it again that thinks she's "sexy"?
Seriously - who can look at Michelle Obama and think, "Wow, she's womanly, and very sexy...but without being sexy. She's so modern and looks like a model First Lady. Yeah...I'm getting some strong sexual vibes from that one."
Was this really ABC, or did they just run a video from The Onion?
Rational Liberty: Where Reason and Government Collide - The best website ever!
Calm Down
March 11, 2009 - 13:12 ET by TexndocShe's been First Lady for a couple months. The press usually fawns over First Ladies, no matter who. I can remember "The Silver Fox" on TIME magazine's cover (Mrs. President #41) and no one had a coronary. What the public will not accept (I'd bet) is this continuous adoration after a honeymoon period, because Michelle-My-Belle will quickly turn into an American Marie Antoinette and the public will take a "Can't she shut-up?" tone.
"with her muscular arms and outfits"
March 11, 2009 - 13:20 ET by BEGRUNTIsn't that a common trait amongst Klingon Women??
"Blago got in touch with his inner dirt bag"
Dennis Miller
really?????
March 11, 2009 - 13:25 ET by kmkirklandwhat a relief to know it only takes great biceps and a "rock star" wardrobe to be the best first lady......
sounds like just about anybody can accomplish that.....so what's the big deal???
~Fun facts about our Fabulous First Klingon
March 11, 2009 - 13:49 ET by choselife3x1.Her fantastic hospital job
2. Her great law career
3. Her humble roots
4. Annnd..she's nice to her friends.
Hope and Change= Despair and Socialism
The Soft Racism of Too Much Praise?
March 11, 2009 - 13:52 ET by Chris NormanI've typed this before and I'll type it again: at some point, repeated gushing over-the-top praise begins to sound condescendingly racist itself.
The "Mainstream" Media: By liberals. For liberals.
Grow up
March 11, 2009 - 18:51 ET by SterlingYeah calling Michelle beautiful is soooooo racist; but comparing her to a Klingon is not?
Can I compare you to a
March 15, 2009 - 07:31 ET by bretzysdudeCan I compare you to a donkey, because you're a JACK@SS!
Expecting a standard left-wing response...
March 15, 2009 - 09:15 ET by Roger the ShrubberHow is being compared to a Klingon being racist? Are you a member of the Klingon Anti-Defamation League?
Please, I just ate
March 11, 2009 - 13:59 ET by StarAZDid they talk about her big money job (just for her!) putting poor people out of the hospital with her muscle-y arms and winsome PR ways?
Does this mean we are
March 11, 2009 - 14:02 ET by BuffNBoneDoes this mean we are headed towards international disputes eventually being decided by arm wrestling contests between each country's first lady? If so, my money is on Lyudmila Putin.
"Fighters are fun but bombers make policy"
Great!
March 11, 2009 - 14:07 ET by awffp1890Really wish I had not read this before lunch. Now my appetite is gone. I guess they have to look at her physical attirbutes vs. mental, well, you know what I mean.
"Not for fame or reward, not for place or rank, not lured by ambition or goaded by necessity. But in simple obedience to duty." - From the barracks at Ft. Benning
Yes because this is so important when her husband...
March 11, 2009 - 14:10 ET by Lord Erond...is screwing up the country hand over fist.
"To sin by silence when we should protest, makes cowards of men" -Ella Wheeler Wilcox
Party like a rock star? I think not
March 11, 2009 - 14:14 ET by garyganuI'm really sorry but I take offense when anything positive is attributed to rock stars.
For the most part rock stars are amoral people, many addicted to hard drugs like heroine and cocaine. When they are on the road, many bands have a "roadie" that specializes in of finding and purchasing drugs, usually heroine and cocaine, and bringing it back to the band members. Rocks stars don't like traveling with drugs because of the fear of getting busted.
They are known to destroy hotel rooms, break furniture and windows, start things on fire, burn and stain the carpets, damage the walls, etc. Although they usually pay for the damages, most hotels don't want these wealthy but reckless, careless, narcissistic, contemptuous human beings.
Of course they are most all womanizers, with many groupies to choose from each night. Where is the outrage from the women's rights groups, and the fathers with young daughters? Oh, that's right, ironically they are in the audience themselves applauding these users of women, and narcotics. Yet when you see them on a TV or radio talk show, amazingly, they are usually soft spoken just like the DJs of the early FM days.
If I were compared to a rock star, I would take offense. However, to those like the Obama's and the mainstream media, where popularity is everything, they take it as a complement.
Party Like a Rock Star
Can anyone answer?
March 11, 2009 - 14:15 ET by AJBWHAT job? What was she elected to do? What is she paid to be doing? Guess we'll just have another Hillary sitting in the wings ready to be Senator when hubby gets voted out in 2012.
The Klingon right of ascension
March 11, 2009 - 14:16 ET by Lord ErondShould be performed...on her face
"To sin by silence when we should protest, makes cowards of men" -Ella Wheeler Wilcox
Mommy Dyke
March 11, 2009 - 14:20 ET by DelsaSooooo Whaaaaat?
I am working a second job. While waiting for people to come through my line, I cover up all the magazines with any SOBama on the cover.
I turn them front to back or put another one over it. I live in a very left leaning place called Broward County, FL.
I am having so much fun. The only one I leave showing, Is the Globe which shouts, "Obama's Gay Scandal"..lol
I love my second job!!
Good for you, Dels!
March 11, 2009 - 14:28 ET by BlondeThat's a hoot. Bet they love that out west in the South Bronx!
I hope he fails, too.
Sounds like they'd both fit
March 11, 2009 - 14:21 ET by ConservativeRexSounds like they'd both fit in with the WNBA...audience.
Rockstar?
March 11, 2009 - 14:32 ET by blazermaniacNo wonder America is in horrible shape. We have a bunch of young voters whom are clueless. Michelle Obama isn't even close to being a big deal. It's only a big deal to the "Drive By Media". And quite frankly, I could give two craps about the Obamas!
How racist is this comment?
March 11, 2009 - 14:44 ET by NoMoreChangeAnd she is also ill-suited to the traditional cultural archetypes circumscribed for black women. She is neither Jezebel, the soft-witted, oversexed temptress, nor Mammy, the asexual nurturer.
Who thinks this way?!?
She must be Jezemmy, the
March 11, 2009 - 14:47 ET by Ruths husband BenShe must be Jezemmy, the soft-witted, oversexed nurturer or Mammebel, the asexual temptress.
Obama: "The Fresh Prince of Bill Ayers." -Ed Mahmoud
what Bible is she reading?!?
March 11, 2009 - 15:26 ET by clinging to my guns and my religioni, too took exception to that comment about jezebel, but i have to admit to missing the apparent racism. i was so busy being amazed at the total lack of knowledge of Bible history that i could not see past anything else! jezebel was the daughter of king ithobaal of phoenicia, and was definitely not black. it really begs the question though, "why am i still surprised at the stupidity of the msm?!?" ya think i woulda learned by now that they don't have one whole brain amongst 'em, lol!
"i believe he will not stop until we are all jobless, homeless, hungry, and cold!"
Good grief
March 11, 2009 - 14:47 ET by katiejaneIf she was such an icon they wouldn't be airbrushing that hiney.
KatieJane
March 11, 2009 - 14:51 ET by DoktorFrankenThere ain't a "brush" nozzle large enough so they used a fire hose.
On NO! ENOUGH
March 11, 2009 - 15:46 ET by bigtimerOn NO!
ENOUGH ALREADY!!!
Please NBs give us one day of a break from the MichelleOdrama...I can't take it anymore.
I just got done listening to her, not intentionally with Shrillster and her SMART POWER BS...(I am sick of hearing the phrase too...Smart Power, especially coming from the leftist like the supposed smartest woman in the world to top it off)...give us a brief break.
Blonde YOU know it
March 11, 2009 - 15:52 ET by DelsaSouthwest Ranches is MY stomping ground.
Some days it really makes me chuckle to myself when someone reads outloud, "look Obama is Gay".
West Bronx just about cuts it!
West Bronx
March 11, 2009 - 16:00 ET by BlondeEast Naples....same diff!
I hope he fails, too.
Big haven't you noticed?
March 11, 2009 - 16:06 ET by DelsaTHEY ARE FREEKING EVERYWHERE!
Delsa...LOL... Heck yes
March 11, 2009 - 16:17 ET by bigtimerDelsa...LOL...
Heck yes I've noticed they are everywhere, that is why I come here, to at least not see Michelle and her pecs every single day or what she is wearing as the msm gushes over her now!
I know, I need to lighten up...
One thing about it...I am hoping even the middle of the roaders are going to be sick and tired of this 24/7 BS sooner rather than later!
Michelle Obama is a sex symbol!
March 11, 2009 - 16:07 ET by Roger the ShrubberTo Klingons...
Roger
March 11, 2009 - 17:10 ET by DoktorFrankenThat - - - was - - - hilarious! Still - - - laughing . . .
Outstanding Roger!!!!!!!
March 11, 2009 - 17:50 ET by BEGRUNTI'm still LMAO!!!!
"Blago got in touch with his inner dirt bag"
Dennis Miller
Urff! I think I wet em'.
March 12, 2009 - 15:40 ET by Joe BlogsExcellent.
Wow, I had no idea Photoshop
March 11, 2009 - 18:06 ET by mostlymoderateWow, I had no idea Photoshop was this powerful. Must be the new CS4 version or something.
http://www.mofopolit...
And why do they keep lightening her up? This is a slap in the face to the "Black Is Beautiful" crowd. Michelle is going to be Icelandic-looking when the media is done with her. The nerve!
Re photoshop
March 11, 2009 - 18:57 ET by slickwillie2001I've noticed the pervasive lightening as well poster, of M'chell as well as Barack. I don't know if they are being so overly cautious not to be caught in an OJ-style perceived darkening that they over-correct, or if they are trying to erase any consciousness of race. I've seen pictures where Obammy looks lighter than white members of Congress. Also, if you look back in time to when he first entered the national scene, he appeared darker then.
Back when the campaign started I suggested someone physically match a color chip to Obammy's face and give out the html or pantone code to avoid mistakes. Maybe someday we'll get to the point where photographers aren't terrified to show us exactly what their camera captured.
Oh please..
March 11, 2009 - 20:01 ET by ConservativeFL"Is Washington and the world ready for such a modern first lady?" I know I'm not and after the Dear Leader alienates all our allies who in rest of the world will care, Iran?
"Republicans believe every day is the Fourth of July, but the democrats believe every day is April 15." Ronald Reagan
Gurgle, gurgle. Why don't you pay your water bill, doc?
March 12, 2009 - 14:48 ET by Joe BlogsI'm sorry, but her face belongs in a nightmare, not a pleasant reverie. Her harsh looks could probably wilt an erection at 20 paces.
After the Obama's have decided they want to stay in the White House for life, Michelle will probably supervise torture sessions in the basement of the Justice department. Also, I'm betting dollars to donuts that she's into S&M.