Rebranding Michelle Obama

Shiloh Musings, a conservative blog based in Shiloh, Israel, writes: "At one point in their campaign for the United States Presidency, Michelle Obama almost lost it for Barack, when it was revealed that she had stated that it was the first time [as an adult] she was proud to be an American. Michelle has rebranded herself from resentful Black Power to strikingly fashionable domestic goddess. She was a successful lawyer before her husband. Michelle, who like other political wives such as Hilary Clinton, Elizabeth Edwards, Eleanor McGovern etc, is no dumbbell and probably a lot smarter than her husband. Her taking control of her image is impressive and highly professional. I don't think that anyone doubts her influence over her husband, but she's more subtle and discreet about it than Hillary was. The big question is about her future. Will she branch out later to establish her own political career?"

Booker Rising response: I'm not sure if I'd say that Mrs. Obama is "a lot smarter" than President Obama. However, she and her team are making smart PR moves with "Operation Softer Michelle". While at times she has come off as combative (although not for at least five months), I think black nationalists would be surprised at Mrs. Obama's inclusion in the Black Power category LOL. Shelly O has made the political transformation of a lifetime. Behind the scenes, she's making some policy plays - e.g., rallying legislative support for the national service bill - and she seeks to deeply influence public policy. Her East Wing office has a policy arm. Mrs. Obama also strictly controls her image in those magazine covers that you see, and what sort of interviews she will grant. Some folks hope that she will use her popularity - which, like First Ladies traditionally, is higher than that of the president - to push policies. However, Mrs. Obama is popular precisely because she hasn't aggressively pursued policies a la Mrs. Clinton. If she does so, expect her popularity to tank and the "Angry Black Woman" meme to return.

I'd be surprised if Mrs. Obama starts her own political career though. Unless she has dramatically changed since she was my friends' boss at Public Allies, she doesn't have enough ego and jugular ethic to be a politician. I'm not saying that she lacks self-esteem (she has enough self-confidence). However, having worked for a politician, I'd argue that there's a certain amount of narcissism and go-for-the-jugular style needed to handle politics. That's not Mrs. Obama.