Must Read Mrs. O: The Obamas
Saturday, January 7, 2012 at 8:27 AM "Michelle Obama and the Evolution of a First Lady" [Jodi Kantor, New York Times]
The Obamas [Amazon]
Update #1:
"White House pushes back against Kantor" [Politico]
“This is the author’s take, reflecting her own opinions, on a remarkably strong relationship between the President and First Lady – both of whom share an unwavering commitment to each other, and to improving the lives of Americans,” White House spokesman Eric Schultz said in a statement. “The book, an overdramatization of old news, is about a relationship between two people whom the author has not spoken to in years. The author last interviewed the Obamas in 2009 for a magazine piece, and did not interview them for this book. The emotions, thoughts and private moments described in the book, though often seemingly ascribed to the President and First Lady, reflect little more than the author’s own thoughts. These second-hand accounts are staples of every Administration in modern political history and often exaggerated.”
Update #2: Two reviews of The Obamas worth a read:
"Partners in Love and the Presidency" [New York Times]
"State of the Union" [The New Yorker]
Update #3: Gayle King interviews Mrs. Obama for CBS This Morning:
Reader Comments (70)
Thanks for the post Mrs T. I've been following some other reviews on the new book in the papers.
Even though the White House has given it a frosty reception, I think FLOTUS comes across as a gutsy, intelligent force and #1 advocate for POTUS and the historic mission they've embarked upon. No shrinking violet or demure domestic!!! BTW, the Times slideshow that accompanied the article is a great review of some of FLOTUS's signature fashion looks. Looking forward to the New Year with Mrs O!
I don't like the sound of this book. The author interviewed the First Couple for less than half an hour almost 3 years ago for a piece for NYT magazine. And all of sudden she is an insider and wants us to believe she knows POTUS and FLOTUS inner thoughts and feelings, and all the behind the scenes in the West and East wing.
Just another pseudo-journalist wanting to make a buck out of the Obamas.
Like we say in French: circulez, il n'y a rien à voir !
The White House statement on Kantor’s book:
“This is the author’s take, reflecting her own opinions, on a remarkably strong relationship between the President and First Lady – both of whom share an unwavering commitment to each other, and to improving the lives of Americans,” White House spokesman Eric Schultz said in a statement. “The book, an overdramatization of old news, is about a relationship between two people whom the author has not spoken to in years. The author last interviewed the Obamas in 2009 for a magazine piece, and did not interview them for this book. The emotions, thoughts and private moments described in the book, though often seemingly ascribed to the President and First Lady, reflect little more than the author’s own thoughts. These second-hand accounts are staples of every Administration in modern political history and often exaggerated.”
Oh,,,SNAP!
Did you see the statement the White House issued re this book?
I've seen excerpts on a website. This book is not flattering for Mrs Obama nor for the administration. Please rethink your recommendation.
I was just reading an excellent article that discusses, among other things, this book and the fact that it looks like Mrs. Obama, more than ever is going to be seen as "fair game" by the opposition this presidential election cycle. I know that, while most of us come here for the fashion, and as a respite from the politics, but I think we have to acknowledge that it is likely to get ugly out there for someone we all admire, and many care greatly for.
Here's just a taste of the article (h/to lamh35 over at The Obama Diaries for the link)
http://www.balloon-juice.com/2012/01/07/first-lady-of-the-nation-last-resort-of-a-scoundrel/
Sam Stein, who really ought to know better, gleefully buys the portrayal of the First Lady as pretty much every awful stereotype ever associated with successful black women: mean-spirited, arrogant, overly controlling, petty and disdainful of her “betters”. Michelle Obama is an asset to the President and to the country, and just a few days into 2012 it seems the plan is to completely trash her in an effort to sink her husband.
I'm not happy about this da** book. Look at the picture--she looks mean. Out of the thousands of pictures of her smiling, they had to look hard for this particular picture. It explains the whole reason for the book--find something, anything, to go after her with. There was a period before the Health Care passage when I too started to worry a bit about the direction the administration was taking. Michelle knows, better then anyone, what President Obama stands for--Rahm was the wrong guy, egotistic, "win at any price", and work on back door deals--he needed to be out of there. He did not reflect the beliefs of this couple. I know this site has stayed away from political issues, but with the introduction of this book there needs to be some discussion. The job of President and first lady is impossibly hard. They both had to find their footing, and they have-- to the betterment of this country. Rahm looks bad--Michelle doesn't.
The "Angry Black Woman" angle that is getting promoted in the press because of this book is very troublesome to me and reminds me of 2008.
That NYT was a very interesting read (GIbbs' words on Valerie--yikes!) but I worry that the media will cause Michelle's popularity to take a hit which will cut into her effectiveness in helping Barack win again.
The book will surely cause a stir; and perhaps influence the outcome of the elections, which seems to be the author's plan....but
I've not read the book and am not recommending it per se (perhaps the post title is misleading in this sense). That said, as a major story focused on the first lady, I do think it should be acknowledged, and if not here, where? While I can understand why the White House would be displeased with the New York Times article, I would not call the depiction of Michelle Obama negative, not at all. My take is very much in line with what Yvonne wrote above. Do others see it differently?
To us it may not be negative, but I think it is the author's INTENT for it to be negative. She wants to depict Mrs. O as the "angry black woman" that they thought she was in 2008. Or maybe I'm wrong and she just needs some kind of drama to sell her book. However, HATERS(on the right and the left) will use it as a negative characterization of Mrs. O. They know that Mrs. O is "The Closer" and want to paint her in a bad light to try and hurt her popularity. However, that will not work. We all know Mrs. O character. We know that she is a strong black woman that believes in her man and wants to see him succeed. She also wants to do what's best for her fellow Americans. She lived through the struggle and succeeded and acutally wants to see others do the same. I don't doubt for a second that Mrs. O has some choice words for plenty of people. However, I doubt this lady or any of her "sources" have heard them. I think the White House's statement was right on point.
UH OH Groovy, they've already started!
I agree, Mrs. T. I read the NYT article and thought it represented a very human and strong woman who was frustrated by the lack of progress regarding certain issues her husband supports. It is utterly ridiculous to expect a husband and wife not to discuss the work they do, particularly when they work in the same "office," as do the Obamas. It's not like the President's staff is a bunch of people she doesn't even know. Every First Lady takes a hit like this whenever she steps into an active role, or even a discussion, of what is going on in the West Wing. I don't see anything different about this dust up and give Michelle a huge amount of credit for the force she is projecting both inside the White House with staff, and beyond it with the media and Congress. I thought Eric Schultz's response was way out of proportion.
I ordered the book.
Sigh...I had a feeling readers of this dear blog would not be impressed with it. I think there is a tendency for commentators here to be extremely defensive of Mrs. O and immediately reject perceptions of her that may come off as less than perfect. I implore all of you to read the comments of the NYT article as they are just as fascinating as the op-ed itself. People are almost unanimously lauding Mrs. O for her strength, vision, commitment to doing the right thing, and look out for the best interest of her husband and his administration. I completely reject this notion that Kantor's portrayal of the Obamas is unreliable and exaggerated - clearly she did not interview the Obamas and we definitely get a sense of not hearing from the horse's mouth. Any sensible person then takes information that follows with a grain of salt. But for her to interview 33 persons closely connected to the Obamas in the context of the White House and to tell their stories of what they've seen giving both the good and the not so picture perfect - I believe the book is an accurate representation of what went on albeit some may be exaggerated and speculative. Personally, my admiration for Mrs. O has only deepened after reading the NYT article. I have always found her charming, elegant, humble, smart, funny, and fashionable. Now I can truly say I respect her as a good person. A person fiercely committed to doing the right thing.
I haven't read the book, but I did read the article in the NYT this morning. I thought it was great. It confirmed my opinions about Mrs. O -- she is a strong, intellegent woman. She has her own opinions about the direction of the Obama administration, and -- at the same time -- she is completely devoted and supportive of her husband and her children.I appreciated that she was portrayed as HUMAN -- anxious at time, yes, making the wrong pronouncements at times, yes -- but -- at the bottom of it all -- decent, committed, and smart.
Just what we need in the White House. The Obamas have my solid vote in the next election and I intend to actively work on their campaign. This is the positive future of our country.
Allthough I can understand why the White House might want to react negatively toward the article -- I do believe they are being overly defensive. Smart, capable, beautiful women -- that's what I support. I visit this website every single day. The fashions are great -- but, mostly, what I do is sit back and admire our wonderful FLOTUS. Go Michelle, you totally ROCK.
Do Fox have a publishing arm?!!
I thought it was a potted version of every other crappy woman-hating, politically motivated, campaign damaging rot I've ever seen, cashing in on the campaign and the Obamas, and the attack looks pretty risible.
Hopefully there are plenty of us who can read an article and see that an isolated sentence does not constitute a fact, or the truth. It comes across to me as spiteful, misleading and a carefully constructed rumour-fest. Still, I expect the author stands to make some money out of it, which has to be the primary goal, right?
I'm sick of seeing women who have concerns and reservations, anger, frustration, different opinions, as "A Bad Thing"? Are women STILL supposed to be apologising for having a personality? Intelligence? Charisma? Something to say that's worth listening to? I don't think so. But that's what this article seems to foster. Am I supposed to be disappointed at the idea that Michelle didn't like some stuff? Is it reactionary? Per-lease.
Oh? Excuse me? The author met them for half an hour three years ago?!
Game over.
The man is doing his job in the White House. This does not necessarily make him popular, but he's doing the job. It isn't much of our business how he does it, and I don't care if Michelle Obama is involved or not. I don't think she is. She's always said she makes a point of not being involved. But I really get bored with so-called exposes written by people who weren't in the room. If you're not in the room, you don't know what happened. And if you don't know what happened and then you write a book about it....? That's just kind of sad.
I too have been reading all this. I just feel this will only help us see that Mrs.O is strong and courageous. She chooses her words and battles wisely. She has helped and supported her husband and the result is that he is in the White House. As a woman, I can only see that this supports my positive opinion of her. It takes courage to manage home, family and a career. She has done it with grace, style, and guts. We can not dismiss that. Her accomplishments are no different because she has strong opinions. We all do, that is what makes us successful.
She is to be admired. This just affirms for me that she will be a strong influence in the next four years and after she leaves the White House. Having been the victim of the "angry black woman" comments in my own work place, I do know that when things are needed to be done, they turn to the person who can get it done. Still is a black woman who has the personal commitment, passion and honesty to get he job done and still look good doing it.
Sounds like behind every strong man there is a tough as nails woman and this FLOTUS has been attacked on all sides by all sorts of people and has maintained her dignity. Wow!! What I read is a savvy woman with eyes in the back of her head, her ears to the ground, loving her man being tender with her children, caring and respecting her Mom and other family members. Sounds like a normal healthy marriage to me and not some fantasy concocted by handlers. As one who usually votes Republican, I feel safe and good about Commander in Chief Obama because of this woman that he can pillow talk with. Long may he reign! OK, OK, four more years. Michelle Obama was born for this moment.
Please, the NY Times is an arm of the democratic party. You can;t be more partial to the Obamas than the NY Times. Get over it.
I want to say I agree with Nyon. I didn't see anything in the review that made me think any less of Mrs. Obama, in fact it reaffirmed my opinion that she is a wonderful first lady. However, as Nyon said, the intention of the book is the problem. The INTENTION is to hurt her and that's what I hate. Does anyone actually think that it's possible to live in that pressure cooker of the White House and not have times of disagreement with staff members? It's gonna happen and people like Rush will blow this up--I just pray that Mrs.Obama can rise above the fray--millions love her. I don't think she is perfect and I wouldn't get mad at anyone who is critical of something she says, or does, but I sure don't like the direction this book will go. When she did that long toast, she said her truth out loud--said it all--and I admire that--who in politics does that? God bless that women!!!!
UH OH is right, Nyon!!
I have not read all of the article, but it reminds me of the way Hillary Clinton was treated when she was first lady. I don't think Laura Bush was treated this way, and I would not have liked it if she was, even if I did not like her husband's politics.
I too, think Mrs Obama came across as strong and wise in the NYT article...
I read a post on another blog where the author suggests donating $24.00 in increments to the Obama campaign.(This represents the total amount of minutes Ms. Kantor actually spent at the WH) I think that this is a powerful idea. I for one, will not be purchasing the book. However, my $24.00 donation for this month has been sent.
I feel you Posh!
Auni, I'm glad you feel what I'm saying. I have no issue about what is being said about Mrs. O. I just have an issue in the manner it is being said. Personally, I don't feel that the author is recounting these stories to praise Mrs. O strength. Like I said before she either wants to paint her in a negative light or she needs drama to make money and I'm more inclined to believe that it is the latter, which really makes me mad. People will do or say anything for a buck. And the MSM is definitely not going to use it to show Mrs. O as a strong black woman. They're already teasing stories with headlines like, "What's really happening in the White House." Give me a freaking break. There is no "juicy" drama in the White House, so I guess somebody had to make some up.
Also, there are parts in the article that are contradictory. One time she says Mrs. O hates Camp David, but then she says she forces PBO to go every weekend. WTH? Either she hates it or she doesn't it.
I see alot of people are saying that the book reaffirms their thoughts about Mrs. O being a strong woman that stands by her man. Personally, I don't need reaffirming, especially from a book by her. That's like someone telling me the sky is blue. I already know that and I already know Mrs. O is a "ride or die" chick.(I had to be hood or "urban", as some people like to call it, just for a moment). I know some of you probably see Mrs. O telling these people off demurely and elegantly. However, in my head I hope she's rolling her neck, pointing her finger, and using a few nice curse words(I'm sure she doesn't, but I hope she does when she's venting to her loved ones ;-) But I digress, my point is I don't need this lady to tell me anything about the Obamas. Now when Reggie Love writes a book, let me know.
The Michelle Obama followers like myself need no further affirmation that she is the best First Lady ever so in terms of this article reaffirming what I knew already, well frankly it's wasted. I fell in love with Mrs Obama after hearing her speech at the DNC when she wore the blue Pinto dress. Strong black woman ????? I am tired of hearing black women given this label, we don't hear of the strong Mexican woman or the strong caucasian woman or the strong Jewish woman. Strong black woman translates to angry, bitter, agressive black woman and Mrs Obama is none of these. I see her as a beautiful, smart, Harvard educated lawyer who mentored a man who became the first Black President. I see her as a mother who has managed to keep her girls grounded whilst living in the White House. I see a woman who cares about military families and the health of our children. Of course she is going to have her husbands back, he's her husband after all. But what I saw in the article was a very subtle attempt at portraying Mrs Obama as a 'strong (angry/bitter/paranoid) black woman' meddling in political affairs and ruffling feathers in the West Wing. It's a bit like someone paying you a compliment by telling you 'you've lost weight' when you haven't, just so that you can go out a treat yourself to a big cake (and put on more weight !!!!!)because you think you look good and have been told so. I'm not buying it. The article wasn't overtly negative but read between the lines, I think it was a slick attempt to discredit the Obamas in this election year.
A commenter on The Obama Diary had a great idea to counter this hack job of a book. Donate $24 to the campaign, follow that up with a letter of support and share the idea with your friends. Fantastic!! http://theobamadiary.com/2012/01/08/a-word-from-diane/
Hi guys,
I was watching CNN this morning and Soledad O’Brien pointed out a passage in the book( where the author claims that the white house had to keep the Halloween Party 'top secret' because the WH felt it was too 'fancy' and thus had to downplay the event from the public) as completely false. This is because CNN, AP whitehouse. gov, basically a lot of people covered the event.
so not only is the book exaggerated but also presents false info. My favourite part was when Soledad said 'Time to keep it real'
First of all, if there was anything credible about this Kantor hit piece, why would the Whitehouse be rebutting it from all angles?
Secondly, this is a woman who interviewed the Obamas for all of 24 MINUTES .....3 YEARS AGO!!!! From what I've read, the interview was meant to be for a NYT article about how the Obamas were settling into the Whitehouse. The President and First Lady were gracious enough to give Kantor access to their friends and staff for their own opinions. How on earth did it move from an article to a book? A very tabloidy, gossipy book IMHO!!! And she was paid a 7 figure advance for it!!!
People open your eyes, this is election year, alot of garbage about the Obamas is going to be coming out of the wood work! We at Mrs.O(commenters and lurkers) after following FLOTUS for all these years should know better than to fall for any of it.
I am not buying that book, and will wait for POTUS and FLOTUS to write their own accounts of life in the whitehouse!
@hello, I am sure there are several instances of this. I wish they could call them all out. The parts where she just writes things about what Mrs. O thought about this or that....ridiculous. How would she know that. It's completely presumptuous on the "journalist's" part. I doubt Mrs. O will read this as she usually stays above the fray. She's too busy doing good works for this country. Just keep keepin' on Mrs. O....we've got your back!
Thanks @hello. here's more....
http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/erik-wemple/post/kantors-not-full-access-book-on-the-obamas/2012/01/07/gIQAdlgNjP_blog.html
Strong black woman=angry black woman? WHAT?! I'm sorry Jestina, but I have to disagree with you. In no way are the two the same. When I think about a strong black woman, I think about a woman determined to make a better life for herself (and others) against all odds. I think about the woman who organized a railroad to get others to freedom. I think about the women who started a school so that black little girls could be educated. I think about the woman that refused to give her seat up on the bus. I think about the woman that has to work two jobs just to keep a little food on the table and the bills paid. I think about the young woman staying up all night and studying so that she can get that degree. I think about the woman that sacrificed so much for me and my siblings to supply our needs as well as some of our wants. And when I think about them, angry or bitter does not come up. Words like brave, determined, responsible, compassionate, tenacious, loving, dilligent, successful, intelligent, caring, etc come to my mind.
Why don't people say strong Mexican woman? I'm not sure. I guess the same way they don't say Mexican American. But just because it's not said, doesn't make it untrue.
Perception is a personal thing. I am so happy that we are entitled to our opinions. I respect yours, eventhough I disagree with it. All I can say is that I hope one day I am described as a Strong Black Woman. It will be a badge of honor.
Sorry for the double posts. I'm not sure why it did that. Mrs. T can you delete one? Thanks!
Interesting and thoughtful review of this book in today's NY Times. It is written by the wife of a US Senator, so has a perspective that none of us do. Worth a read. I look forward to the book, and don't really have a problem with the way Kantor went about writing it. She is a respected journalist, doing her job. Making money? Of course! Who writes any book without the expectation of money for it?
And, darling Nyon. you do not have to wait to be called a Strong Black Woman. You are what my mother would have called an "old soul" who was clearly born strong.
Things like this were said about Nancy R (the epitome of a loyal wife) and Hillary C.(the nation's Most Admired Woman) and to some exent, they were probably true. So let's assume this book is true. My question is.. So? Anyone who thinks this is bad news, here's a newsflash: It's 2012. Women are educated, intelligent, and speak up, and that is the norm nowadays (thank God!)
For those of us who admire Mrs. Obama this site has been a welcomed refuge. We will need to stiffen up and prepare for the political season that is clealy on the doorstep. Although this site was created to showcase Mrs. Obama's sartorial disposition, it has since become more than a community of spectators, but a community of advocates who love our beloved First Lady for who she is. She is true to her organic disposition and that is more endearing than the seasons of fashion that come and go.
Oh Charlotte, you have such a good way with words. I would say I have always come here to see what Mrs. Obama is wearing, and most comments I read are strictly having to do with her wardrobe. But watching her in her many roles, I do think we have gotten to know her at a deeper level. It's almost impossible to not be drawn to this lovely women. The attacks against her, especially the racial ones, are painful to see. I find myself, a 70 year old Finnish grandma, wanting to protect her. She certainly doesn't need that from me, but there you have it.
Did anyone just read that The White House chief-of-staff just stepped down and that this is the third chief? My point is that sometimes we have to look all around and see what is going on for where there is smoke, there is surely fire. We need a little more objectivity on the site, not only in fashion but other things as well otherwise the handful who post here will appear.....
I agree, Charlotte, that we may as well get ready for the inevitable onslaught.
I don't know when it happened, but I noticed a few months ago that Mrs. T had changed the "mission" of this site to encompass not only the fashion of Mrs. O, but also her style. And her style definitely includes formidable strength. Standing up for what she believes in - even when it entails becomong annoyed with her husband - is as much a part of who she is as are her belts, colorful shoes and cardigans. She is more than ready for the campaign season and all the drama it will entail.
I'll read the book quickly and post my thoughts in the Chat Room.
@lifeboat65 I bet you would take up arms or sent your offspring into battle to defend the right to free speech for the posters on this website who defend Mrs. O. If you won't then you are not a real American
Lifeboat65 seems to be a reincarnation of "nonpasserat." A troll from back in the day that surely we Mrs. O veterans remember.
I found the article intriguing. She's a tough woman. Without her there would be no him.
Thanks OpFan!!
Not at all am I a troll but there is something about sidestepping the truth ....the article is not at all flattering to the First Lady and other excerpts from the book are not flattering to the administration either. The other part of my comment about the resignation went to press yesterday amidst .all this raucos and my flags started going up, but some of you lost your calm really early.
COMMANDER In CHIC...Every Womans Guide to Managing Her Style Like the First Lady...Michelle by Mikki Taylor...and the video interview with Mikki Taylor on Roland Martins Washington Watch this past Sunday. This compliments THIS website ...www.mrs-o.org sooooooo Perfectly!!!
Mrs O will be interviewed tomorrow by Gayle King on the "new" CBS Morning News
Please stop promoting these books. From what I've heard, the Kantor book demeans the First Lady. Kantor seems to go out of her way to paint the First Lady as the "angry black woman." Michelle Obama said she has no intention of reading the book and neither do I. I hope all the people who come to this site (which has been a joy until now) will follow suit.
Mrs. T, I know this is your blog and you can do whatever you want with it.
However as a long lurker here (since you started in 2008) and a daily visitor, I now choose to not waste my time on a blog that's promoting people who have no respect for FLOTUS.
I'll miss all the contributors here. But choices have consequences!
Thanks for letting me know that Mrs. O will be on Gayle Kings "new" CBS Morning news show tomorrow morning THC. I'll have to set my DVR for that one. And I can't wait to get my "little paws" (smile) on Mikki Taylors new book on Mrs. O called "COMMANDER In CHIC..EVERY Womans Guide To Managing Her Style Like The First Lady". Michelle looks gorgeous on the cover of this book. Mrs. T, can you show this book along with Roland Martins interview with Mikki Taylor he had this past Sunday morning on his "Washington Watch" program, here on THIS website?........This is the Book we should really be talking about. These Pictures and Thoughts are TRULY "Worth a THOUSAND Words".
Thank you lifeboat, you just proved my point to the fullest! Do you see how people take information and twist it to their advantage. LOL, I knew that ish was going to happen. UGH!!!
Mrs. O will be on CBS This Morning with Gayle King tomorrow and she told her, "I have not read the book, and I don’t intend to". Mrs. O doesn't even want to read that ish. Here is a short clip of the interview and Mrs. O is letting it be known how it goes down in the White House.
http://www.cbsnews.com/video/watch/?id=7394647n&tag=mg;eveningnews
I agree with you 100% Nyon!
Funny how the two reviews only further support the suspicions of all fair-minded people who understand that this book was done specifically to diminish this First Lady, and her husband the President by extension.
The New York Times review by Connie Schultz, vocal Hillary Clinton supporter and wife of Senator Sherrod Brown who incidentally has voted more times against the President than with him in the Senate, is very telling.
Mrs Sherrod Brown (Connie Schultz) actually registers her own resentment of Mrs Obama when she complains that even though she interviewed and spoke with Mrs Obama in 2008, she has not spoken to her since then.
Another case of bruised egos mad at the Obamas for not seeking out the notorious D.C false and fleeting "friendships" and not having them over for dinner and sleepovers at the White House.
And good for the Obamas for having the foresight and good judgement to exclude and guard against further intrusion and snooping by the Connie Schultz's and Jodie Kantor's of the world who only seek ammunition to diminish and destroy.
Reading the reviews by both Connie Schultz and the New Yorker just reinforce the sense most insightful and honest people have:
That Jodi Kantor, besides the very obvious cash incentive, set out to negatively deconstruct and chip away at the person and marriage of Michelle and Barack Obama and his administration and leadership;
And in true form, quintessential PUMA Connie Schultz and the other reviewer predictably laps it all up with glee...
They have after all mostly spent the past 3+ years anonymously and otherwise taking their potshots at and chipping away at the Obamas while waiting for someone, anyone, to do a book like this that they hope will denigrate, diminish, cast doubt and poke holes in the character, marriage and partnership of the Obamas -
...The very things that people love and are inspired by the most about them, but also elicits the most jealousy, envy and resentment from those who harbor ill-will towards them and would love more than anything to see them fail.
Gazillion thanks to those who have echoed my sentiments. If we at Mrs-O, won't have FLOTUS' back, its more than disappointing. My question is what's the essence of hailing her as a fashion icon and role model, while in the same breath promoting those who are trying to tear her down?