Washington Post media reporter Howard Kurtz nominated the AP for an "Obama Adulation Watch" for this gooey piece by Deanna Bellandi:
CHICAGO -- Many women recoil at the thought of baring their arms in sleeveless dresses or blouses, but not Michelle Obama -- half of the fabulously fit new first couple.
Both President-elect Barack Obama and the future first lady have exercise routines that would put most people to shame. Michelle Obama used to join a friend for 4:30 a.m. workouts, and Barack Obama usually starts his day in the gym.
Michelle Obama has hosted "The View," been interviewed on "60 Minutes," graced the cover of Newsweek and hit the campaign trail, all with her buff arms bared.
"One of the things I always talk about is got to exercise," the 44-year-old mother of two told an overwhelmingly female crowd at a campaign event last year in Chicago.
That's sure to continue when the Obamas and their girls -- 10-year-old Malia and 7-year-old Sasha -- move into the White House, which has plenty of places for them to stay active.
Bellandi must handle all the light stories, since she recently talked up the Obamas' sophisticated taste in food (but not too sophisticated, unless it whiffs of elitism):
President-elect Barack Obama loves chili and shuns beets.
Obama's aversion to beets aside - "I always avoid eating them," he says - the new first family are foodies with a wide-ranging palate. They have hankerings for Mexican food, enjoy hand-crafted pastas and their kids dig fried chicken and macaroni and cheese.
"They are totally adventurous people ... they enjoy food," said chef Rick Bayless of Topolobampo, an upscale contemporary Mexican restaurant in downtown Chicago that's a favorite of the Obamas.
Soon, the White House staff will be catering to the family's food needs, and what the Obamas eat in their hometown of Chicago offers a hint at what might be served at 1600 Pennsylvania Ave. At the White House now, Tex-Mex and barbecue are among the favorites of President George W. Bush.
At Bayless' restaurant, Obama and his wife Michelle usually begin their meals with tortilla soup and guacamole as starters, followed by something from a changing seasonal menu to reflect the freshest fare.
The Obamas aren't teetotalers, partaking of the restaurant's margaritas and wine.
"They never turn a nose up at anything we suggest to them," said Bayless, whose Frontera Grill was named outstanding restaurant by the James Beard Foundation last year.
Obama's familiarity with finer foods got him in a bit of trouble during the presidential campaign. He was talking to Iowa farmers to show he understood their plight when he mentioned the high cost of a boutique salad green.
"Anybody gone into Whole Foods lately and see what they charge for arugula?" Obama said, referring to a high-end food chain loaded with organic products. "I mean, they're charging a lot of money for this stuff."
Critics latched on to the comment, painting him as elitist.
But it's not just fancy dining the Obamas like. They enjoy takeout from a neighborhood pizza joint and an island-inspired restaurant not far from their home where Michelle Obama fancies the grilled tilapia.
"She enjoys her food but tries to eat healthy as well," said close family friend Sandy Matthews.
—Tim Graham is Director of Media Analysis at the Media Research Center.
Editor at Large
Comments Policy
Beets...
November 24, 2008 - 08:47 ET by owr084Beets - The New Broccoli!
But, do you think the media will use the "beets" issue the way they used broccoli against Bush 41?
This is about the third
November 24, 2008 - 08:57 ET by motherbeltThis is about the third time this "buff and fit" thing about the Obamas has been thrashed over here.
Could we please have a break?
Why give them credit by posting their slobbering more than once?
Meanwhile, does Barry still
November 24, 2008 - 09:00 ET by rimskyMeanwhile, does Barry still smoke?
Doesn't Obama Smoke Cigarettes?
November 24, 2008 - 09:01 ET by Kirk TurnerHere they go again. The media is projecting an image that is untrue. They did the same for Kennedy. You could hardly separate the words "Kennedy and "Vigor" in the media back during "Cameot" We had films of him, rail-thin and limping around playing touch football, and the media just raved about his physical fitness. The truth is that Kennedy was a sickly, highly medicated man, needing shots of speed and steroids to operate.
What will we find out about Obama in 40 years? One thing is for sure, a 47-year-old man who smokes is just asking for lung cancer--it is an incredibly stupid risk for one supposedly so intelligent.
Yes he does....a fact which
November 24, 2008 - 09:13 ET by motherbeltYes he does....a fact which the media are studiously ignoring.
In fact yesterday (I think) I posted a link to a story speculating that he might actually make smoking "cool" again.
If I can find it I'll post it again.
Update: Here it is
he might actually make
November 24, 2008 - 09:18 ET by rimskyhe might actually make smoking "cool" again.
Which reminds me.. go here and check this out. Someone in my office asked me to print this picture on my color printer. I was like.. "No!"
Ah but keep in mind....
November 24, 2008 - 09:21 ET by FinerThingsClubMemberInTrainingHis smoking habit is offset by his need for a healthy diet. Remember: we can't eat as much as we want. The world won't like it.
Remember this gem, "We can't drive our SUVs and eat as much as we want and keep our homes on 72 degrees at all times ... and then just expect that other countries are going to say OK".
Is He Allowed to Smoke in the White House?
November 24, 2008 - 09:28 ET by GothampcI thought smoking in government buildings was banned. Do you think there will be a bunch of ciggie butts littering the South Lawn?
Hmmm, unhealthy, yes
November 24, 2008 - 20:26 ET by 5kidsnadogbut more important than that, what's his CARBON FOOTPRINT?
Used to
November 24, 2008 - 09:30 ET by mom_roxI admire anyone who can get up that early for a workout, but the operative words in that sentence are "used to". Plus, we don't know if this lasted a week, a month or years.
Also, [amazingly], there was no mention of Michelle's personal trainer. I guess that didn't fit the narrative.
The Axis of Taxes: Obama, Pelosi and Reid (source unknown)
but the operative words in
November 24, 2008 - 09:50 ET by rimskybut the operative words in that sentence are "used to". Plus, we don't know if this lasted a week, a month or years.
Exactly! But the statement is out there, putting Michelle Obama up on the fitness pedestal. She's now the queen of lean.
Start the countdown
November 24, 2008 - 11:12 ET by Spinningplates2I give it less then six months until we start to here that "real" women have curves and anyone suggesting that Ms Obama looks "thick" is racist. She has 100% PTB.
(potential to bloat)
Look what an Ivy League school education gets you
November 24, 2008 - 09:47 ET by Arminius"One of the things I always talk about is got to exercise."
Flaws?!?
November 24, 2008 - 10:05 ET byOnce again...being in shape, eating healthy, trying new things, being intelligent are considered...flaws? He has a problem with smoking and continues to take steps in curbing his habit...a flaw? The WashPost has reported recently on his smoking habit and aren't they part of the Liberal MSM?
Übercon
More media gushing....over nothing
November 24, 2008 - 10:27 ET by krendler<< Once again...being in shape, eating healthy, trying new things, being intelligent are considered...flaws? >>
Uhhhh, who asserted that, other than *you*?
The only flaw here is the nauseatingly predictable hyperbole from the media. The same gushing over anything and everything having to do with His Worshipfulness that we've had to listen to since January.
Why is it so hard to see
November 24, 2008 - 10:31 ET by dvdaughtryWhy is it so hard to see these things as flaws? The only thing worse than a Socialist is a healthy Socialist.
You trying to say Jesus Christ can't hit a curveball?
I agree...
November 24, 2008 - 10:41 ET bydvd,
...Bush is in fantastic shape as our Socialist-in-Chief!
Übercon
→ Premiere Bush
November 24, 2008 - 10:46 ET by Cool ArrowYes, he is. Viva la revolucion.
Humor is no respecter of
November 24, 2008 - 10:52 ET by dvdaughtryHumor is no respecter of poor political ideologies ;)
You trying to say Jesus Christ can't hit a curveball?
Uh, yes, ubercon....
November 24, 2008 - 11:13 ET by motherbeltUh, yes, ubercon....
smoking IS a "flaw"....it's a habit that he has shown he can't (or won't) control.
And for a black man, particularly prone to hypertension, to me that's especially negligent.
Before you ask if I've ever tackled trying to quit smoking: I am a former smoker of a pack a day for twenty years. Then I quit cold turkey (no Nicorette, no nothing) 20 years ago when I got pregnant with my daughter, and never smoked again.
Ahhh...to be human.
November 24, 2008 - 12:55 ET byMotherbelt,
Good for you. A pack a day for twenty years?!?
I never found a need or want for the cancer sticks...too many people dying.
This comment struck me as odd...
"And for a black man, particularly prone to hypertension, to me that's especially negligent."
Do you want to elaborate on how you know Obama is prone to hypertension? His father was Kenyan not an African-American. His mother died of cancer which could be a possible link to cancer.
Unless you believe all blacks are the same?
Übercon
This is too good to pass
November 24, 2008 - 15:56 ET by motherbeltThis is too good to pass up....
Do you want to elaborate on how you know Obama is prone to hypertension? His father was Kenyan not an African-American.
Uh...where do you think Kenya is??????????????????????
I'd say that makes Obama...............wait for it..........African-American!! (at least half, but what the hey, he ignores his white half so I will too.)
FYI...that means an American of African descent!
blackhealthcare.com (scroll down for table)
And from WebMD:
The facts about hypertension in African Americans are grim:
African Americans develop hypertension-high blood pressure-at younger ages
than other groups in the U.S.
African Americans are more likely to develop complications associated with
hypertension. These problems include stroke, kidney disease, blindness,
dementia, and heart disease.
STOP MB
November 24, 2008 - 15:56 ET by SemperrightStop waisting those facts on Uberdouche.
Semper Fi
The Marines I have seen around the world have the cleanest bodies, the filthiest minds, the highest morale, and the lowest morals of any group of animals I have ever seen. Thank God for the
Sorry, for once I just
November 24, 2008 - 16:00 ET by motherbeltSorry, for once I just couldn't resist pointing out the stupidity of his saying Obama was not African-American, because his father was from Kenya!
ROFL!
I don't think he'll be back....
I get it MB sometimes the
November 24, 2008 - 16:00 ET by SemperrightI get it MB
sometimes the temptation is overwhelming. You're just standing there with a loaded 12 gauge, minding your own business when a troll comes up and puts a whole barrel of fish in front of you. What's a girl to do.........
Semper Fi
The Marines I have seen around the world have the cleanest bodies, the filthiest minds, the highest morale, and the lowest morals of any group of animals I have ever seen. Thank God for the
Not only that, but you
November 24, 2008 - 20:00 ET by ckc1227Not only that, but you aren't the one who called him an "African American" in the first place, lol, Uberdunce is. So, basically, he's arguing with himself.
ROFL, stupid libs....
Enjoyable, very enjoyable.
November 25, 2008 - 09:44 ET byMB and your supporters,
Take note- My comment on Obama's father was true...he's a Kenyan*. Of course, Obama is an African-American by definition. I never said he wasn't. He is a first generation African-American whereas your reference to "blacks" is by and large too broad of a term to link Obama to the health problems of the larger population of African-Americans with an ancestral history to the first Africans brought to America as slaves. Your implication is similiar to saying a Spainard shares the same health problems as Latinos. Motherbelt your comments are always on the edge with a tinge of ugliness and your implications speak volumes of what you hide inside...
Übercon
*These
findings confirm previous reports that in populations with a low salt
intake, there is little or no hypertension or rise of blood pressure with
age. -Intersalt study
As for the future health of President-Elect Obama...I'm sure his new Doctors will insure he eats right and exercises well...
→ mb
November 24, 2008 - 16:02 ET by Cool ArrowIt's hard to figure Ubercon's angle on this.
He can't totally disregard the statistical evidence that blacks suffer from hypertension more than blacks, and he can't help but try to put the observation into a racist frame.
I've actually seen stuff on TV that claims the descendents of African Slaves are more prone to hypertension because those who had a higher salt content in their blood more often arrived in America alive.
I don't know the science behind it, but the evidence exists. There's also less incidence of Sickle-Cell Anemia among whites, less Skin Cancer among blacks, and more Tay-sachs among Jews.
Ignoring these statistics doesn't serve us well.
*Fabulously* fit?
November 24, 2008 - 10:22 ET by krendler*Fabulously* fit? Uhhh, I don't think so.
I've seen the famous "Obama on the beach" shot. He's probaby fitter than a lot of American males his age, but he's definitely not as fit as most of my friends - guys in their mid-40s who swim, play soccer, jog, lift or ride their bikes.
And Michelle? She's fine from the wasit up but below the equator she gives Hillary a run for the money. "Baby got back"? That's an understatement. (And by the way, Hippos "got back" too). My guess is she's pushing 180 (then again, she's tall for a woman and has had 2 kids). Probably about 30 lbs oveweight, and it's all down south. And that outfit on election night! Not flatttering - especially from behind. The old adage "looks like 50 lbs of $h*t stuffed in a 5 lbs bag" came to mind.
I have 3 children
November 24, 2008 - 10:37 ET by choselife3xYoungest is 6 1/2 weeks old and I am currently 9 pounds over ideal weight for my height. (5'11") Having children does not automatically make you fat for the rest of your life.
I know women who refer to having 'baby fat' when their 'baby' is 10 years old. Feminine loyalty is one thing, but a lot of 'baby fat' claims are just a cop out.
In order to be pro-choice, one must first be born. Ah, the irony.
The fabulously fit new first couple...
November 24, 2008 - 10:25 ET by SickofLibs...as opposed to the notoriously unfit, fat slobs Mr. and Mrs. Bush.
I'd like to see Obama the smoker keep up with Bush on a 5K.
I don't mean to say that
November 24, 2008 - 10:37 ET by dvdaughtryI don't mean to say that smoking is good for you, but when I was playing ball in college we used to look forward to our "square" after practice. Those days I could turn in sub 6:30 miles.
I know that is not ground breaking, but pretty good for the slow fat catcher.
You trying to say Jesus Christ can't hit a curveball?
Idle hands and devil something....
November 24, 2008 - 10:38 ET by andophiroxiaIf they spend all their time working out, at least then they'll spend less time and attention in screwing up the country --thereby letting us go on with our lives undisturbed.
If he turns out to be 'teh Greatest President in teh World' it will because he didn't do anything and left people alone.
I'm being somewhat sardonic today.
“You have enemies? Good. That means you’ve stood up for something, sometime in your life.” ~ Winston Churchill
And don't forget how they
November 24, 2008 - 11:10 ET by motherbeltAnd don't forget how they ragged on Bush...insinuating that he was more interested in his treadmill than in running the country.
Now they're all agog when Obama spends 3 hours in the gym!
Yeah really!
November 24, 2008 - 13:39 ET by andophiroxiaI wonder when Obama passes gas, they laud him for eating his 3-5 servings of fresh fruit and veggies per day. I wonder if he's regular. I wonder when they will stop with all this crap!
Wow. I heard he played basketball. I never heard of anyone playing basketball.
“You have enemies? Good. That means you’ve stood up for something, sometime in your life.” ~ Winston Churchill
Another....
November 24, 2008 - 10:42 ET by jackie3Barf inspiring article about the messiah. The only ones who eat normal in that family is the kids. Who doesn't like fried chicken and mac&cheese?
Fabulously fit? LMAO. Obama looks a bit flabby to me.
Never under estimate the power of stupid people in large groups.
At least...
November 24, 2008 - 10:55 ET by Karinthey're not teatotalers. Can you imagine how insufferable they'd be? Probably go all nanny-state on us, and who can get through the next 4 years without a little something to take the edge off?
Mr. Ed
November 24, 2008 - 11:10 ET by Solrac7Michelle Obama when walking away and looking back over her shoulder reminds me of Mr. Ed. All that's missing is the tail. Heeeeehhh. A horse is a horse, of course, of course, And no one can talk to a horse of course That is, of course, unless the horse is the famous Ms Obama.
Not quite
November 24, 2008 - 11:30 ET by FinerThingsClubMemberInTrainingEd is cuter.
The peanut butter they put on his gums gave him a glowing smile.
Too bad we can't say the same for her.
I won't critique body size, BUT, her smile (or lack thereof) IS fair game. Has a woman, hell any person out there, looked so utterly incapable of smiling? And when she does, I can't help think to myself, Oh please God...Make.It.Stop.
The woman is truely hagtastic as evidenced by her facial features.
Maybe they'll have us
November 24, 2008 - 11:14 ET by RR GOPMaybe they'll have us standing in front of our TVs doing calisthenics every morning like a nation of Winston Smiths.
Michelle Obama: "40321! Why aren't you keeping up! Look at me. I've had two children and am perfectly capable of touching my toes. You must try harder, Brother!"
One of the 24% who thinks George W. Bush was a great President. One of the 89% who wants to bring back the stock and pillory.
The end of the Fitness informercials?
November 24, 2008 - 11:23 ET by PopularTechCould this be the end of all those fitness informercials now that Obama will make everyone in shape by being president?
Censored Global Warming Videos
The AP must have scoured the voluminous amount of
November 24, 2008 - 11:31 ET by Jaykemedical records released by BARRKY to determine that he is in fact healthy. Just like they scoured all his CITIZENSHIP documents to determine that he is in fact qualified to take the office of POTUS.
In shape??
November 24, 2008 - 11:32 ET by charlietexasHe's a skinny little liberal weenie. He has no muscle tone at all. Michelle has more tone then he does. We still haven't seen his medical records yet...typical liberal, seal all your records............keep smokin Obama...its good for your health.....mommy
Obama SKIPS Church and
November 24, 2008 - 11:36 ET by Delsagoes to the gym?
Duh!
A Marxist is NOT religious and has no Love for the LORD!
His past church? was not of GOD.
It was of hate and racisim.
He worships HIMSELF, He is the ONE!
And SHE is FAT!
In the spirit of the season, F em
Sorry guys.
Love to all of you and happy Thanksgiving
need real estate in Florida? PLEASE call me
→ Delsa
November 24, 2008 - 11:40 ET by Cool ArrowBut you've got to admit she really did fill out this dress well.
She's in great shape,
November 24, 2008 - 11:55 ET by cocodrieshe's running in the Derby this year.
→ It's really sad coco
November 24, 2008 - 11:59 ET by Cool ArrowMr. Ed's parents won't let them date.
LMAO
November 24, 2008 - 12:04 ET by cocodrieMaybe Francis?
Wasn't Bush in fab shape too?
November 24, 2008 - 11:45 ET by godfodderAs I recall, when W took office, the press made fun of his ambitious work-out schedule, suggesting he was some sort of jock/muscle head who was goofing off when he should be doing "the work of the American people."
Just one more example of our glorious O-man's ability to induce "change." Now it's cool again to spend hours a day in a gym!
and remember Slick Willy
November 24, 2008 - 23:31 ET by RR GOPand remember Slick Willy aka "pudge boy II" (the original is the premiere of North Korea) doing those jogs with the SS guys and stopping in at a McDonald's along the route?
The press ate those little jaunts up from what I can remember.
One of the 24% who thinks George W. Bush was a great President. One of the 89% who wants to bring back the stock and pillory.
Cool
November 24, 2008 - 11:55 ET by DelsaYou are so funny. Black Widow!!
I thought of Karl Marx with the red and black motif.
Naturally, your photo is too funny and perfect for Aunt Esther!
I made a comment regarding that stupid dress the night we all first saw it.
What I can't believe, is they actually mentioned who the designer was.
I'd be embarrassed but then They are the ONES.
→ The Black Widow dress
November 24, 2008 - 11:57 ET by Cool ArrowMy brother and I were both dumbfounded when we saw that dress.
We grew up looking at bugs and spiders. That dress was an obvious inspiration from the Black Widow. Why she would wear something so ghastly is way beyond my comprehension.
cocodrie
November 24, 2008 - 11:57 ET by DelsaI am just about to wet my panties.
She is truly a horse of another color!
Marxmomma at the starting gate.
Red and Black for colors.
Cool
November 24, 2008 - 12:00 ET by Delsathe sad thing is, She didn't know it was ghastly?
YOU guys have
November 24, 2008 - 12:02 ET by Delsamade my day.
I was down, no laugh in sight.
From this moment forward, my day will be GREAT!
Thanks
Amen!
November 24, 2008 - 18:31 ET by clinging to my guns and my religioni was having a really sad/bad day, too; just couldn't find anything to smile about. thanks for finally giving me something to laugh about in the terrible situation, everyone!!
"When bad men combine, the good must associate; else they will fall one by one, an unpitied sacrifice in a contemptible struggle." Edmund Burke
Barry and Michelle
November 24, 2008 - 12:14 ET by iveseenitallThe Marxist and the not-so-proud one work out. Wow! And what, exactly, will this do for me, my family, and the country??? Gotta love the ignorant, immature MSM as they continue to meet their Constitutional responsibilities. Riiight!
NEVER,NEVER, trust a "liberal"
It's called "working out at the gym" nowadays, huh?
November 24, 2008 - 13:05 ET by BarkerMeet the other "Sig" in Obama's life:
http://www.bittenand...
http://www.politico....
AP Hypes
November 24, 2008 - 15:49 ET by 1611LilacLadyI don't care what anyone else eats whether in Burger King or the Ritz, a neighbourhood home or the White House.
What is tilapia and arugula anyway?
Has anyone asked him if he ever has a chance to visit the 58th state yet? And that did not include Hawaii or Alaska . . . hmmm.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OrsBKGpwi58
Arugulia you can have.
November 24, 2008 - 21:34 ET by danboArugula you can have. Like a rather bitter lettuce. (To me.) But Tulapia is a fish we get locally. (I'm not sure if it's from local waters or what. About as common as catfish or sea trout. It's a light fish similar to catfish, trout or flounder. And, IMHO, great smoked. ( I smoke it in apple wood smoke.) (Grouper's good also.)
Limited Disclosure: I used to belong to the Sierra Club untill they went crazier. Worse of all, I was bribed by Exxon with free New Orleans Saints glasses with fill ups in the 70's.
What so special about
November 24, 2008 - 18:27 ET by msh1973What so special about workingout...the Bush's workout as well. President Bush ran, biked, pumped a little iron...Mrs Bush walked daily and lifted weights too. The press is going to make this couple the new Brangelina! Gag.
Is Rosie Ruiz in better
November 24, 2008 - 21:36 ET by danboIs Rosie Ruiz in better shape?
Limited Disclosure: I used to belong to the Sierra Club untill they went crazier. Worse of all, I was bribed by Exxon with free New Orleans Saints glasses with fill ups in the 70's.
Re:AP Hypes the 'Fabulously Fit New First Couple'
November 25, 2008 - 04:30 ET by williamgeorgeBellandi must handle all the light stories, since she recently talked
up the Obamas' sophisticated taste in food (but not too sophisticated,
unless it whiffs of elitism): President-elect Barack Obama loves chili and shuns beets. Obama's aversion to beets aside - "I always avoid eating them," he says
- the new first family are foodies with a wide-ranging palate. They
have hankerings for Mexican food, enjoy hand-crafted pastas and their
kids dig fried chicken and macaroni and cheese.
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williamgeorge
seo