Tuesday, August 26, 2008

Ain't she a woman?


Thank God for Michelle Obama! Seriously, how many of us could do what she had to do last night? Gently, eloquently, sweetly...prove that she's just as human and normal as any white person. That her family has values. That they care about their kids and God and telling the truth. That she's not at all scary.

I couldn't do it. I'd be too full of righteous anger at the need at this late date to make such a case. Look at Sojourner Truth's Ain't I a Woman speech and tell me if much has changed. But then I couldn't have baked cookies like they forced Hillary to do when Bill first ran either. (Remember that? When she said "I suppose I could have stayed home and baked cookies" and the media treated it like being a career woman was the same as shoveling babies into stoves? So she had to serve up chocolate chip cookies on the campaign trail to prove that she wasn't scary.)

So, truly, I thank God for Michelle. What a woman! Someone who can keep her eyes on the prize enough to not let the petty b.s. get her down and look damn good doing it. Talk about grace under pressure. These Obamas are as strong, tough and smart as they have to be. Last night, again, Michelle showed they will do this country proud!

8 comments:

Lisa said...

I was actually in tears by the time she finished speaking. This is the first time I've ever felt like I've ever had anything even remotely in common with a potential candidate and his family. Of course, the fact that they're both younger (only just) than I am may also have something to do with that! I was also impressed with her incredible poise. I can't remember another first lady or future first lady who seemed quite so relaxed. I'm also not sure I remember seeing another one under quite the magnifying glass that she is at this point. I LOVE this woman. LOVE.

Ello - Ellen Oh said...

She is absolutely amazing! I am truly heartened by her. I adore her!

Judy Merrill Larsen said...

I know--she totally rocks. I'd love to talk to her over a cup of coffee or glass of wine. She is utterly amazing and I'll work my fingers to the bone to get these two in the white house.

Carleen Brice said...

Lisa, me too!

Ello & Judy, I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE Michelle!!!

Rebecca Hickman said...

I love her, too. She's my new style guru.

Gina Black said...

I've been thinking about your post since I first read it days ago. I missed totally the part about her having to prove that she's just as human and normal as any white person--probably because I *am* white, or maybe it's my particular shade that sees things in universals. ;)

What I have noticed about her from the very start is her elegance, her poise, and her charm. She's going to be the first first lady since Jackie O that's going to have the women of the world wanting to be like her.

I can't wait.

Sustenance Scout said...

I agree with this post so much and with every comment. She's a joy to to watch, and not just because of her style and grace. I love the photos of little Sasha last night resting her head in her mother's lap. An inspiring first lady with a winning smile, honest approach, and a determination to join her husband in helping humanity. What more could we want?

Also love your reference to Sojourner Truth's Ain't I A Woman speech, Carleen! It's definitely a speech all women should read; short and to the point but powerful as hell. Thanks for reminding me of it. K.

Tyhitia Green said...

She did wonderfully. What a woman, indeed. :-) Sojourner's speech is still relevant today. Yikes.