< Back to Front Page Text size +

Michelle Obama: Not angry at GOP ticket

Posted by Foon Rhee, deputy national political editor October 8, 2008 07:55 PM

Michelle Obama says she wasn't offended by John McCain calling her husband "that one" during Tuesday night's debate and isn't angry at Sarah Palin for her attacks on Barack Obama.

Asked on CNN's "Larry King Live" tonight about McCain's remark, Michelle Obama replied, "In these debates, I am so focused on what Barack is saying, you know, and how he is phrasing his words. And I'm really trying to listen to the substance of what he is saying to make sure that I understand what it going on. That these little, you know, sound bites don't register with me. A lot of times I'm looking around at the faces of the undecided voters in the room, I'm trying to see how they're reacting. So there is so much going on in a room that a phrase here or there just doesn't -- you know, it just doesn't resonate."

Asked about criticisms by the Republican vice presidential candidate over Barack Obama's ties to William Ayers, who helped start a radical group that bombed government buildings during the early 1970s, Obama replied, "You know, these issues have come up before. But, the one thing that I'm proud about with Barack is that one of the things he's been talking about is our tone. And it's the notion that he says, we can disagree without being disagreeable. And that's, you know, where he's trying to get to in this campaign. The notion that we can disagree on some fundamental issues in this country. But, we have to do it without demonizing one another, without labeling one another."

Indeed, Michelle Obama had kind words for Palin, a fellow working mother.

"You know, I think she provides an excellent of example of all the different roles that women can and should play," she said. "You know, I'm a mother with kids and I've had a career and I've had to juggle. She's doing publicly, what so many women are doing on their own privately. What we're fighting for is to make sure that all women have the choices that Sarah Palin and I have. To make these decision and do it without hurting their families.

"And we're in a position now, as I go across the country and I've had conversations with working women and many find that they have to do the juggling," she added. "But, they're doing it without the support. They're living in communities where jobs have dried up. So, their family members have had to move away so they can't rely on mothers and all those informal support structures. They don't have access to decent child care. They're worrying about health care. So what Sarah Palin and I have that all women deserve is the choice and the resources to make their choices work. And I think that's what we need to fight for."

  • CommentComment
  • EmailEmail
.

Michell Obama is a nice person and I'm sure she helps her husband the Presidential candidate Barrack Obama to be the best President we will all support as people of this country despite our differences in these last few days of the presidential race.And this is the beauty of a freedom loving people in a freedom loving country is that we can disagree until the next President is elected and we will wholeheartedly throw our support behind him.I believe in each elected President there's strength and there's weaknesses because we are imperfect humanbeigns.in an imperfect world due to our nature.

Posted by skmj October 8, 08 08:40 PM
.

Wow, if ever there was an article worth writing...

Posted by Sploich October 8, 08 08:45 PM
.

Cool, very cool.

Posted by Martuni October 8, 08 08:46 PM
.

Why would America REWARD complete Republican failure ?

We wont.


---
Go Barack !

Posted by PulSamsara October 8, 08 08:47 PM
.

Class Act !!
Unfortunately you cant say that for Mccain or Palin.

Posted by Humberto Trujillo October 8, 08 08:47 PM
.

this is NOT the real Michelle Obama

Posted by gayle October 8, 08 08:47 PM
.

I can't believe we are concerned about what Michelle thinks about an innocent statement while we should be focused on the fact that until her husband was nominated she was never proud to be American

Posted by Grigor Mansfield October 8, 08 08:49 PM
.

If Sarah Palin had half Michelle Obama's intelligence, grace, and class, maybe there would be some life in the Republican ticket.

Posted by Smith 85 October 8, 08 08:51 PM
.

Classy lady ! Too bad some of her grace hasn't rubbed off on Smarmy Sarah.

Posted by henry landis October 8, 08 08:51 PM
.

A breath of sensible compassion! Thank you, Mrs. Obama. When Gov Palin said, (to paraphrase) "We're taking off our gloves! This is going to be good!" My heart sank. I actually wept with sorrow at the prospect that Americans revel, rejoice, at the prospect of battle of conflict, of the most primitive method of dealing with difference.

Mrs. Obama's word give me faith that the reason and the spirit of compromise and goodness may yet prevail.

In what way is Gov. Palin a Christian? Surely the comment paraphrased above is not an example.


Posted by Christine Morgan October 8, 08 08:52 PM
.

Michelle is the classiest woman in this campaign. After the debate last night she talked to people, really talked to them. It wasn't "working the room" or trying to get points. Instead, she continues to reach out like she has throughout the campaign to military wives throughout the country and others who see her as a strong role model. Keep it up, please. We need more of this civility and connection.

Posted by Robin October 8, 08 08:52 PM
.

Wow. Michelle Obama is a class act, all the way. She would certainly make a wonderful first lady (not that I don't love Laura Bush! I'm just not that crazy about George, after all these years).

Cindy McCain, on the other hand, just isn't as warm or approachable as Laura and Michelle. She's undeniably beautiful, but in the same fashion that an elegant ice sculpture is beautiful. Look, but don't touch. In that manner, she seems afraid to reach out and embrace voters the way the other two women do.

Posted by Amy in Cleveland October 8, 08 08:54 PM
.

Come-on Michelle you can't be this positive about Sarah Palin...this is the problem when she comes and says things like this working women think ok Michelle Obhama thinks she's ok...- ok I am going to vote her. We are working very hard to get Obhama in office...this kind of comments does not help in my mind.

Posted by bea wolfe October 8, 08 09:00 PM
.

Why don't to write a report about McCain's wife .... and her ideas?

Posted by Carl Schmidt October 8, 08 09:04 PM
.

Michelle Obama in one of the reasons why I am voting for Barach Hussan Obama and the message of CHANGE. There message, personality, parenthood and histories of personal struggle matches the reality of everyday Americans.
I know that they have had other advantages that most Americans did not have to assist there raise in stature, yet they used their early privilaged positions to grassroots activism where fighting the "good fight" requires identifying with the "common folks and their everyday struggles".
What an experience to bring into the most highest office in this country! The challenge will be to unite all classes, races and ideologies of Americanism to a common force, which will be benefical to the massive healing that this country has never really undergone. A healing where we as Americans can be proud of our diversity, yet together change the dynamics on a local level that will bring everyone up the social latter into the 21st. Century and beyond.
Senator Barack Obama and Michelle Obama are the first opportunity for America to chart anew the "I have a Dream". We may not get there all together, but we must start the journey anyway!
Thank You Michelle and Barack
I Love You

Posted by Davis-Lewis October 8, 08 09:10 PM
.

Michelle Obama is a classy woman. I look forward to seeing her in the White House !!!

Posted by Tarah October 8, 08 09:10 PM
.

Yes we can! The new face is coming to the White House!!!! I can't wait


You are the selected one's

Posted by Jacquelin October 8, 08 09:15 PM
.

there you go Michelle. Decent and smart. The world is watching america, you must lead with example, otherwise you will not have any right to attack these world rogue countries of behaving the way you republican america is bahaving.
cheap politics will not give any american president credibility..... you know what i mean.

Posted by Abwes October 8, 08 09:17 PM
.

Hope the Democrats use this in ther campaign.
- Point #1 - McCain and Palin always uses the word VICTORY on the Iraqi war ... remember world history, somebody said there's NO WINNER in a war, everybody loses - lives lost, properties gone, etc.

- Point #2 - Obama is being associated with these radicals but never put into court. What does McCain and Palin have in common???? They both love ETHICS! Seems like that's one requirement for Republicans - to have Ethics investigation in their resume.

Posted by RDG October 8, 08 09:27 PM
.

From the reaction of the crowd in the last few days, I would not be suprised to see pointed hoods the crowd., and burning cross in the parking lot.With the lipstick wearing soccer mon caught on cell cam runing away from the cross in 4'' heal carrying a empty fuel container

Posted by John Brown October 8, 08 09:28 PM
.

Michelle Obama is better than that!
Palin is just another loser who got an easy ride to the big stage! Now that she's seeing her star is dropping like a rock, she has no brains to use to save the ticket but spread smears about obama. Here is msg for Palin:
If McCain loses this election, its all because of you!
By the way, McCain is in his final days,Did anyone else hear McCain breath heavily during the debate? He sounds like he ran out of oxygen

Posted by Rich October 8, 08 09:29 PM
.

Mrs. Obama is a classy and intelligent lady. There are many more just like her in this country. She represents just what we voters need to be doing; that is, if we take seriously that this is a country of the people and by the people, then the people must be well-informed and conversant with issues that matter and then we must dialogue with others and be in often contact with legislators so that they know their constituents and understand their stand on the issues. Mrs. Obama exemplifies the smart and knowledgeable American who focuses on issues and is not interested in negativity but rather respects the other person's character.

Posted by Donald Shult October 8, 08 09:34 PM
.

I have been watching this interview for a while now, and I have to say I am coming away impressed by Michelle Obama. This is the first in depth interview I have seen with her, outside the little sound bites. I have confidence in her. She's much more level headed, professional, and astute than Sarah Palin. What an amazing contrast.

Posted by Jill Again October 8, 08 09:36 PM
.

She doesn't need to be angry.... Her husband will probably win the Presidential election in November, if the polls are to be believed. As a registered Republican and McCain supporter, I recognize that the Bush adminstration's failings will probably cost McCain (and me) this election, regardless of the fact that most of the economic issues we're now experiencing resulted from the Clinton administration repeal of the Glass-Steagall act of 1933 to allow more (unqualified) people to purchase homes (that they couldn't afford). I'm more concerned about my local crooks anyway, so who wins in November doesn't really bother me too much. Thankfully, the President can't really do too much without the consent of Congress and the Judicuary; neither McCain or Obama will be able to save us or destroy us unless we allow them to. Let's see how Obama and his supporters like it when he's the one being blamed for all the ills of this country for the coming 4 years.

Posted by EddieinNJ October 8, 08 09:36 PM
.

Barack & Michelle are class acts unlike McLame and Failin. We see proof of this over and over again. Barack shows continuous respect to McCain even during heated disagreements during debates. First McLame wouldn't look at him, not once and then he made the "that one" comment.

Posted by McLame & Failin in 08 October 8, 08 09:41 PM
.

I just watched the interview. The intelligence and grace with which she spoke was underscored by Cindy McCain's nasty comments today and yesterday. Michelle is a real class act, as is her husband.

Posted by CO Mom October 8, 08 09:51 PM
.

What an amazing first lady Michelle Obama will be! An eloquent, down to earth, real and intensely intelligent woman, she is diplomatic and above all kind. She, by being all she is, makes Sarah Palin and Cindy McCain look and sound like immature "valley girls" who are pretentious and venomous but never intelligent.
Michelle is superby composed, well informed and speaks from a place of knowledge and from the heart - no rehersal - no negativity. She will indeed be an enormous gift to the nation in her new role.

Posted by Elizabeth Weisner October 8, 08 10:11 PM
.

I just listened to Michelle Obama's interview on the Larry King Show and I
am so impressed with this lady. She has an amazing grace and style. One can
listen to her speak and know we are in the presence of a great lady of our
time. She refused to throw dirt at the Republicans who throw dirt at her
husband. What a graceful, diplomatic lady she is. She and Obama make a
phenomenal pair and, without a doubt, they represent some of the best
America can offer. I have no doubt whatsoever that this pair wants for
America everything that is good, just as surely as they want it for their
own beloved daughters. They are both intelligent people who want the best
for America. We can intrust this country to Obama. They are amazing people
who can see beyond the dirt being thrown at them and want to help this
country rise above it. I have no doubt whatsoever that Barack Obama will
strive to do what's best for this country and will strive to be a great
president with a great first lady by his side.

Posted by Mollie October 8, 08 10:11 PM
.

classy classy classy i wiould be honored to have her as the first lady, she speak life to our country while the other spits hate. you go girl, show the the class act you are

Posted by patricia October 8, 08 10:19 PM
.

Thanks, Michelle for taking the high road.

Posted by Dan October 8, 08 10:57 PM
.

From a distant part of the world, I read this article and noted that Mrs. Michelle Obama is a great lady. She deserves!

Posted by H. Aung October 8, 08 11:09 PM
.

Just goes to show a woman can have class and power without being a fool.
She could teach Cindy and Sarah a thing or three. It's a shame how Sen McCain (a war hero) hide behind two skirts. Way to go Michelle! Ladies shouldn't sling mud because they might get dirty.

Posted by Dee October 8, 08 11:11 PM
.

what an eloquent woman, she would be a fine first lady!

Posted by gwen October 8, 08 11:25 PM
.

I think Michelle Obama is a great support for her husband and is very intelligent,
understands the issues very well, and will be a good example of a dignified First
Lady. The other two women involved in this election have nothing positive to contribute and should maintain their silence, give them enough rope and they'll
"hang themselves" with the nonsense words they say. (Wink) You betcha!

Posted by Coffeecat October 8, 08 11:28 PM
.


Listen to her kind words for whites after Obama gets in. We remember her saying " I hope they don't vote for someone just because they are cute"!

I find her to be very disengenious and more concerned with her style..

Posted by Janet Downing October 8, 08 11:29 PM
.

This is silly now we have to do a background check on every person we are aquianted to. This all seems very thin to me. I don't understand why I have to vote for McCain if McCain want to put the country first he should vote for Obama.

Posted by Megan Medica October 8, 08 11:56 PM
.

She should be proud that she has a right to free speech (even though she is irrelevant).

Posted by Dmitriy October 9, 08 12:03 AM
.

What an impressive answer - I totally dig michelle obama as our first lady. Maybe some day, she should be our President too

Posted by Independent voter October 9, 08 12:19 AM
.

All Aboard.....All Aboard... The Straight Sleaze Express is leaving the station. Better check your life insurance cause Old Crash McCain is at the wheel. Featured speaker for this evening is Sixpack Sarah's very own Witch Doctor, to be followed by selected intellectual readings from Sixpack's interviews with Katie Couric... then off for a bit of some good ole kitten drowning! The evening will end with a laugh-fest featuring Bush, Rove & Crash hooting about the black baby scandal from Crash’s last run for Pres….
A doggone good ole time...you betcha!

Posted by MichMan October 9, 08 12:31 AM
.

Michelle Obama is a class act. 'Nuff said.

Posted by Jazzy1 October 9, 08 12:45 AM
.

What a classy lady. Michelle Obama has my respect. Unlike Mrs. Obama, my respect for the GOP has diminished, and I AM angry at the way they have approached this campaign.

Posted by Christina October 9, 08 01:48 AM
.

Michelle Obama is a beautiful, educated, intelligent woman of character and grace. She is the kind of role model we should have for our daughters. Compare her thoughtful and compelling discussion to the viciousness and shallowness displayed by Sarah Palin and Cindy McCain this week, and think of which of these women you'd like your daughter to emulate. But despite their horrible treatment of her husband, she only had kind and respectful words for Palin and Cindy McCain. Michelle Obama is a class act, and I will be proud to see her as Americas first lady.

Posted by Di October 9, 08 02:12 AM
.

Michelle Obama is hundred percent right

Posted by mo October 9, 08 02:35 AM
.

What a lady!

Posted by Luz Uzzell October 9, 08 03:19 AM
.

Michelle Obama is an amazing woman. It was important that she said we should not demonize each other. She's articulate, level, kind and REAL. What a great person to have as our President's partner in the White House! It was an inspiring interview for all.

Posted by MCR October 9, 08 03:35 AM
.

I am struck by the contrast between Mrs. Obama on one side and Gov. Palin and Mrs. McCain on the other. Mrs. Obama was calm, civil and temperate in her opinions. She was thoughtful and expressed herself clearly and eloquently. There was none of the shrill and strident rhetoric that has become the hallmark of the McCain campaign. Mrs. Obama is in many ways as inspirational as her husband - an african-american from modest roots who has achieved great academic and professional success in her life. And her ability to maintain such a gracious demeanor to her opponents is quite admirable.

Posted by Richard October 9, 08 04:09 AM
.

A vote for Obama is a vote for the beginning of the END OF OUR GREAT BUT TROUBLED COUNTRY! CNN & MSNBC Saintly Obama seems to grow smaller the closer we approach him and find out the truth that cable news pundits can’t seem to find and or report? No longer can Americans trust the media, which was given special constitutional privileges to look out for the folks."Obama is an empty suit. From the day he was sworn in to the Senate to the date he declared his run for the presidency, is only 145 days on the job. He has literally no experience. (Not figuratively, literally!) He's not qualified to run a Dairy Queen. Recently, we witnessed the disgusting treatment of Hillary Clinton, including not being named Barack Obama's running mate in spite of the fact that she drew 18 million votes. No Republican has mentioned race, but it has been the trump card for the Obama campaign even to the point of accusing Bill Clinton of racism. The savage treatment of Sarah Palin by the Democratic attack machine has gone beyond the pale even involving reference to her Down syndrome baby. What possible reason could there be not to vote for Obama? Maybe because he isn't the right man for the job, regardless of race. Proven Obama has most liberal voting record in the U.S. Senate. Obama is to the left of Ted Kennedy, Hillary Clinton, Russ Feingold, Pat Leahy and Barbara Boxer. That's extremely difficult to do. Obama is a textbook big-government, tax-and-spend liberal. He plans to raise income tax rates; capital gains tax rates, Social Security taxes (by virtue of eliminating the cap), dividend taxes, inheritance taxes, and introduce a slew of new taxes. His plan will destroy this country "I think he can be ready, but right now I don't believe he is," Biden said in 2007. "The presidency is not something that lends itself to on-the-job training." In debate among Democratic hopefuls, moderator George Stephanopoulos pressed Biden whether he stood by a recent quote. Biden said, "I stand by that statement."

Posted by Nobama EVER!!!! October 9, 08 06:14 AM
.

I am so impressed with the graciousness of this lady. In many ways she reminds me of Eleanor Roosevelt. I hope to see her blossom as did Eleanor, as first lady.

Posted by Cassandra A. Loerke October 9, 08 06:39 AM
.

Michelle blows me away with her grace. She is one class act.

Posted by ModerateMom October 9, 08 07:01 AM
.

Michelle Obama = mensch.

Sarah Pallin = ugh.

Posted by amarknyc October 9, 08 07:07 AM
.

I think she'd make a great first lady. What grace! What intelligence. We would be proud to have her in the White House.

Posted by Anna Van der Heide October 9, 08 08:11 AM
.

I have been, and continue to be, impressed with the way that Senator Obama and Senator Biden have conducted their campaign. They are focusing on the issues. They truly have a good understanding about the issues and what it is like for middle to lower class families...so different than what Senator McCain and his running mate have. I hope for the sake of "a better world for everyone", we are able to watch Senator Obama voted in as the next President of the United States. It will be a long road to healing, but I believe with a President who cares more about everyone than the elite few., we can heal and move forward.

Posted by Beth from Minnesota October 9, 08 09:19 AM
.

We expect nothing less from Michelle. She's an incredible person.

Posted by Sam October 9, 08 09:52 AM
.

I watched this interview last night. She is the consumate lady. She speaks clearly and intelligently, and with a sense of purpose. She did not say one disparaging thing about the opposition. It's refreshing to see someone who is taking the high road, unlike Cindy McCain. Congrats, Michelle, great job!

Posted by anon October 9, 08 10:10 AM
.

Pandering....Pandering....Pandering.....why doesn't the Real Michelle come out like the racist one during the primaries!

Posted by Whyputaname October 9, 08 10:51 AM
.

Michelle Obama must be a saint. I'm so angry I could explode.

Posted by icarus October 9, 08 11:21 AM
.

I watched her on Larry King Live, I had never watched any of her other interviews and knew very little about her. How refreshing it is to see a genuine, intelligent, strong woman. She handles herself with such grace and doesn't have a mean bone in her body. My heart goes out to her, having to battle the negative hate mongers out there. A real classy lady and inspiration to all, she will be a fine First Lady.

Posted by Conservative Not NeoCon October 9, 08 07:45 PM
.

Are you all nuts? Do you know anything about Michelle Obama other than what you read in this interview? Her views are just plain scary. Wake up and look beyond this smoke screen. I just can't decide who is the biggest fraud, Michelle or Barack. People...please look into both candidates background and track record before Nov. 2. You can't believe everything you hear.

Posted by House October 9, 08 11:37 PM
add your comment *(If you put a URL in your comment, it must be relevant )
Required
Required (will not be published)

This blogger might want to review your comment before posting it.

About Political Intelligence

Reports from Boston Globe reporters and editors about the Obama administration, the Massachusetts congressional delegation, and other national political happenings.

News from the Washington Bureau

Health care headache for House Democrats

WASHINGTON - Democratic House leaders scrambled to round up enough support yesterday for their sweeping health care overhaul, getting last-minute help from White House advisers on the eve of a historic vote scheduled for today. (Globe Staff, 11/7/09)

Health care opponents intensify late attack

WASHINGTON - The sweeping health care overhaul package before Congress is under an 11th-hour attack over a pair of emotional issues, abortion and immigration, that are complicating Democrats’ efforts to piece together the coalition they need to pass the bill. (Globe Staff, 11/6/09)

Patrick wraps up two-day visit to Washington

WASHINGTON - Governor Deval Patrick swept through Washington yesterday, wrapping up a two-day tour to advance the state’s interests in health care, economic development, and transportation - a trip that also let him showcase his access to the city’s most powerful Democrats, including President Obama. (Globe Staff, 11/5/09)

Public’s opinions of health care overhaul efforts have familiar ring

Americans’ opinion of the health care proposals now before Congress is eerily similar to public sentiment about the Clinton health reform initiatives in 1994, according to an analysis published online yesterday in The New England Journal of Medicine - and that may not bode well for Democrats. (Globe Staff, 11/5/09)

Frank reconsiders legislation after worry raised on loopholes

House Financial Services Committee chairman Barney Frank, under fire from some fellow Democrats and consumer groups for carving out what they call loopholes in legislation designed to prevent another economic meltdown, said in a letter released last night that “there may be a problem here’’ and that he wants to reconsider. (Globe Staff, 11/5/09)

Moderate Democrats fear shift to GOP

Democratic moderates who will determine the fate of much of President Obama’s domestic agenda heard an early warning from this week’s off-year elections: Congress had better do something about the economy, or sitting lawmakers will lose their jobs in 2010. (Globe Staff, 11/5/09)

BU professor turned Pakistan envoy draws flak

Professor Husain Haqqani, who took a leave of absence from Boston University to become Pakistan’s ambassador to the United States last year, is one of the most influential figures in his nation’s government. But in recent weeks, Haqqani has been fighting for his political survival, accused of something that can tank a government career in Pakistan: being too “pro-American.’’ (Globe Staff, 11/4/09)

In battle over credit abuses, Warren wields a plan

CAMBRIDGE - Her critics portray her as an ivory tower elitist intent on disrupting the American Dream. But to her legions of fans in the Democratic Party, Harvard law professor Elizabeth Warren is the nation’s leading economic David, fighting to protect middle-class families from corporate Goliaths. (Globe Staff, 11/3/09)

New England’s GOP moderates aiming to reverse ’08 setbacks

WASHINGTON - New England’s moderate Republicans, shoved out of power by two Democratic waves of anti-George W. Bush fervor, are scrambling to make a 2010 comeback, making early bids for congressional seats that GOP leaders say are critical to taking back majorities in the House and Senate. (Globe Staff, 11/2/09)

In Kennedy’s towering shadow, Senator Kirk discreetly toils

Paul G. Kirk Jr. kept to himself on a recent day in the Senate chamber, sitting quietly with a manila folder of policy papers while his colleagues milled around on the floor, back-slapping and schmoozing. (Globe Staff, 10/31/09)
archives