Update Jan 4: MichelleObamaWatch, mentioned in Robin Givhan's story, takes issue with Givhan. Good to see. Everything that Michelle Obama has done in her first year as First Lady has revolved around one thing: Family.
Whether it be feeding the family healthy meals or taking care of military families, or visiting schools to let kids know that education is important, or leading healthcare forums for women, who often head families. Most importantly, she served as a role model, setting an example for what good parenting looks like.
But none of that was good enough for Robin Givhan of the Washington Post, who said Michelle spent too much time behind the lectern and wasn't focused enough. Givhan's story is all over the place trying to make a point that Michelle Obama has been scattered. It's apparent to me that Givahn hasn't observed well enough because if she had, she would draw all the points together and be able to conclude that Michelle Obama's agenda is all about families--educating them, getting them healthcare, feeding them properly.
Michelle Obama is one of the most dynamic First Ladies that we've ever had. She's redefining the role of First Lady.
Givhan's story just doesn't do Michelle any justice. The entire story is dull, really. Givhan is supposed to be a good writer but for some reason, this story really fell short for me. I think you get the point. Maybe it's because Givhan is a fashion reporter and the totality of Michelle Obama is far more than what she's wearing.
But instead of doing a little of this and a little of that, instead of merely being a fine hostess with a warm handshake, history expects, perhaps unfairly, that a first lady will select a signature project on which she will focus and that will become her legacy once she leaves the White House. After satisfying her role as mom in chief and settling daughters Malia and Sasha into their new school and home, Obama's approach to events has been scattershot. WaPoThe story leads to the conclusion that Michelle Obama is going to focus on childhood obesity, which has already been reported this summer. Givhan's story didn't add any depth or give us any new information:
In 2010, observers will finally be able to stop guessing about Obama's priorities. She plans to focus her energy next year -- to be neither wife nor first lady, but simply leader. "I am where policy and people intersect," Obama has said. She will dig deeply into a single issue: childhood obesity.
She will continue to amplify policy that is coming from the West Wing; she will continue to fill the traditional role. But the concern for childhood obesity is an outgrowth of the garden, the healthy-living events, the mentoring initiatives and her own interest in fitness. (See: her arms.) In 2010, the first lady will lead the charge to improve the health of the nation's children. And, perhaps, she will come out from behind the lectern for good.
