As sleezy and sexist as the Republican nominee for president shows himself to be, let's be clear about the real danger of his behavior, a danger that is the common element in all his disqualifying words and actions: abuse of power. Sexual assault is only one of its manifestations, but maybe easiest to detect.
70
Yes, such poetic justice that Michelle Obama is the perfect antidote, and that Trump will be beaten by a woman as well. Thank you, Frank. You are a good person and a great writer!
56
I think it's totally great Michelle leaves sidelines for this chime in --But she could've also chimed in on Education, Immigration, Needless Wars. She is the First Lady and is totally dignified in her role--but this is an age unfortunately where Protocol should be "Collateral Damage" instead of our Children.
7
I find it interesting that in an effort to find a reason to criticize the First Lady, some have brought up her inviting rappers to the White House. Apparently that makes her a hypocrite.
Rap music is a popular art form, whatever some people think and the tradition of the White House is to invite the popular artists of the day.
If I remember correctly, during the 'golden years' of the Reagan presidency, Frank Sinatra practically had a lease on the Lincoln bedroom. Sinatra, who openly boasted about his association with Mafia thugs. He might have sung Gershwin, but his personal life was definitely off-key. Yet, Nancy Reagan, was often photographed dancing cheek to cheek with Old Blue Eyes.
Michelle Obama has been the perfect First Lady and the best in generations. She has never been a shadow of her husband; she's been his bright light. Michelle Obama has shown that class and grace isn't about money; it's about what's in your heart and soul. It's clear the President considers himself a lucky man to have such a intelligent, beautiful woman by his side. And Barack Obama knows that the fact that an amazing woman like Michelle chose HIM makes him amazing too.
If the worst happens and Donald Trump is elected (I STILL can't believe that's even a possibility) America will get the First Lady it deserves.
Rap music is a popular art form, whatever some people think and the tradition of the White House is to invite the popular artists of the day.
If I remember correctly, during the 'golden years' of the Reagan presidency, Frank Sinatra practically had a lease on the Lincoln bedroom. Sinatra, who openly boasted about his association with Mafia thugs. He might have sung Gershwin, but his personal life was definitely off-key. Yet, Nancy Reagan, was often photographed dancing cheek to cheek with Old Blue Eyes.
Michelle Obama has been the perfect First Lady and the best in generations. She has never been a shadow of her husband; she's been his bright light. Michelle Obama has shown that class and grace isn't about money; it's about what's in your heart and soul. It's clear the President considers himself a lucky man to have such a intelligent, beautiful woman by his side. And Barack Obama knows that the fact that an amazing woman like Michelle chose HIM makes him amazing too.
If the worst happens and Donald Trump is elected (I STILL can't believe that's even a possibility) America will get the First Lady it deserves.
129
It also is worth noting that Michelle Obama, who most would agree is a fine judge of character, not only excoriates Donald Trump, but also praises the leadership and compassion of Hillary Clinton, whom she has seen close up for eight years. Just as Mrs. Obama is not one to heap false scorn, she is not one to dispense false praise
94
Let's not forget that our "authentic" First Lady has made similar devastating charges against the erstwhile First Lady when she was on the stump for her husband. So, now she is lambasting Trump on behalf of the woman she had formerly dragged through the mud. So much "authenticity" is rare indeed.
22
"...and won’t be running for anything" We'll see about that.
17
Get real. She's 'shaken to the core' by the bus but Beyonce is a role model? Michelle goes with the wind, not unlike her hubby.
19
Michelle for Supreme Court!
15
"she and her speechwriters"
That's quite a badge of authenticity. Rather like a Hollywood script. The stuff they teach at UCLA, USC and NYU and Harvard Law. Reagan was good at it. So was the Big "I feel your pain" Dawg.
Hire the speechwriters. Cue the teleprompter. Fire up the fawning claque at the Times. Voila. Unctuous genuflections.
That's quite a badge of authenticity. Rather like a Hollywood script. The stuff they teach at UCLA, USC and NYU and Harvard Law. Reagan was good at it. So was the Big "I feel your pain" Dawg.
Hire the speechwriters. Cue the teleprompter. Fire up the fawning claque at the Times. Voila. Unctuous genuflections.
12
Simply brilliant. My spirits are rejuvenated by this article. There is hope .
I rejoice in Canada and wish all Americans well. May God bless all Americans and pray that they will choose wisely.
Whatever choice you make will affect the whole world.
I rejoice in Canada and wish all Americans well. May God bless all Americans and pray that they will choose wisely.
Whatever choice you make will affect the whole world.
31
America the leader, or not: At the apex, Michelle Obama, JFK and Bill Clinton; at the nadir, Donald Trump and G.W. Bush. Although Bush added buffoonery to the moral low ground of the CIA's Crimes Against Humanity, the NSA's immoral and illegal spying of America and the world, the United States of America - once the great leader of the Western World, is still a power and still looked to with hope.
Republicans and their supporters are America's criminals and hooligans. They frustrate and block, but do not contribute. They are America's Taliban and Puritans, Russia's Stalin, Spain's Inquisition - basing beliefs and actions on guns, societal stagnation and knee-jerk Good Ole Boy logic.
America's check-and-balance system based on two parties as adversaries needs revision: Both parties need to become colleagues, both receiving ONGOING education in moral standards that lead them to listen to another's ideas and at the same time measure theirs and other's plans equally against the greater good of Americans and the world.
I'm not American . . . just an appalled citizen of the world where American's have a lot of influence.
Republicans and their supporters are America's criminals and hooligans. They frustrate and block, but do not contribute. They are America's Taliban and Puritans, Russia's Stalin, Spain's Inquisition - basing beliefs and actions on guns, societal stagnation and knee-jerk Good Ole Boy logic.
America's check-and-balance system based on two parties as adversaries needs revision: Both parties need to become colleagues, both receiving ONGOING education in moral standards that lead them to listen to another's ideas and at the same time measure theirs and other's plans equally against the greater good of Americans and the world.
I'm not American . . . just an appalled citizen of the world where American's have a lot of influence.
27
The First Lady, talented, spoke, as Mr. B. says, from the heart.
As a former high school speech teacher, I recommend that instructors play a tape of her extraordinary speech when giving instruction to others.
Although any number of women may cast their vote with Mrs. O. in mind, her speech resonated with ALL of us.
Brava!
As a former high school speech teacher, I recommend that instructors play a tape of her extraordinary speech when giving instruction to others.
Although any number of women may cast their vote with Mrs. O. in mind, her speech resonated with ALL of us.
Brava!
33
Michelle in 2020 !!!!!!
14
She had me until she referred to Clinton as a uniter. I knew, immediately, that that would be all it would take for some to dismiss everything else she had said. And, indeed, that's where the clip Hannity showed began (that he was able to juxtapose it with a 2008 clip of her saying something to the effect of, "...and if she can't keep her own house in order, she shouldn't be in the White House" was a cherry on top). And, she didn't need to go there - didn't even need to mention Clinton at all - but - come on - I'm voting for her - but Clinton is no uniter. Don't belittle Trump supporters for their denial and then ask me to do the same.
12
Give us a break.
She basks among the rap artists.
She was in that church pew for 20 years.
She basks among the rap artists.
She was in that church pew for 20 years.
17
I watched the "leaning-in" video clip you mentioned. And, yes, it was a warm and lovely moment. When the song was over, however, Michelle reached out to Bush in an authentic gesture. She was greeted by his back, as he had turned around to reach out for hand shakes. You can't fake authenticity.
17
She is an outstanding communicator with a down to earth persona. I hope she considers a more active public role in the years to come, in politics or on the Supreme Court.
33
she has two daughters. she went into full lioness mode. michelle obama=everywoman
144
A friend of mine is voting for Trump. While we shy away from political talk, when we do it's mainly about Clinton. He does not defend Trump. He just hurls the word "murderer" out at a spittle driven roar. Ask who she murdered and you get "Benghazi". The hate in his tone is obvious. And I do mean hate. That's the problem. The hate directed at Clinton has taken root. None of Trumps terrible traits or actions matter as much as the hate. It's a burning hate that feels good to let out. To let go of the restraint and let the hate just ooze out. I think that's what the mob actually means when they hate political correctness. They want the satisfaction of letting all the energy their dark sides have created to get released with all those who feel the same. They crave the release and satisfaction like a drug addiction. An addiction Trump is feeding as sure as if he was a drug dealer standing on the corner. As with all addictions it becomes harder and harder to ignite the hate so Trump has to up the ante with even more outrageous lies, comments and fantasies.
58
1. I hope Hillary will immediately accept Trump’s proposal to take a drug test, provided he is also willing to take psychological and psychiatric tests to assess the current status of his mental stability. Not that American voters have any doubts about that.
2. Somebody should administer lie detector tests to both candidates. Trump would pass with flying colors because
he truly believes in all the sensational lies he is telling. Hillary would experience some difficulties because she never has had a day in her life when she was anywhere near Trump’s equal as a pathological liar.
2. Somebody should administer lie detector tests to both candidates. Trump would pass with flying colors because
he truly believes in all the sensational lies he is telling. Hillary would experience some difficulties because she never has had a day in her life when she was anywhere near Trump’s equal as a pathological liar.
16
As Ms. Obama made clear, Trump's rants hurt and women must speak out. But the battle against Trump is about requiring common decency. It's about getting to square one. The fact that Ms. Obama is effective at getting us to square 1 is beyond question. But she is an intelligent and capable woman and a lawyer to boot. She has spent her 8 years in the White House mostly playing the role of mother and good wife. As First Lady, she is defined mostly by the things she has not said and done. Watch her on Carpool Karaoke. She's going to be pretty happy when she leaves the White House, and what she'll miss most is the companionship of the help. This is a woman who has spent 8 years being nice and repressing who a lot of who she really is. Those who think she's wonderful are taken by an image that she has created. The real Michelle Obama is much more of a real person than the public knows. When she leaves the White House, I hope she parties hearty with her best Chicago friends and lets her hair down for the first time in a long time.
9
Michelle Obama is a role model. Her dignity and perseverance during her time in the White House is something special. We will really miss her - contemplating who will be in the White House in the "supporting" role regardless of who wins the election is rather dispiriting. We either would get Bill Clinton, who I'm sorry, is just kind of sleazy and will have to fill a role as yet undefined, or Melania Trump - who appears to be rather a non-entity, and has been caught plagiarizing Mrs. Obama's speech, and lying about her academic credentials on her web-site. President and Mrs. Obama kept to the high road - something that Donald Trump couldn't do if his life depended on it. The Clinton Administration will be an endless cycle of vilification from the alt-right Clinton haters. Yes indeed, we will miss the Obamas.
25
The importance of women voters in this election, and actually in every election, is why I do not support vote-by-mail, even as I enjoy the convenience in the state of Oregon. I doubt any of the original suffragists would have agreed to accept voting within the walls of their homes, under the watchful eyes of the man of the house. I know many powerful, smart, accomplished women who have admitted a history of asymmetrical relationships with men, and who confessed they would have done anything to avoid wrath; and an autonomous vote wouldn't have been worth the risk. Let's not allow the spread of universal vote-by-mail, as Oregon's Senator Ron Wyden is promoting. We cannot afford to disenfranchise any women voters.
12
Michelle Obama not only represents "her dignity as a woman, but the dignity of all women." Now the GOP has seen the future after president Hillary Clinton. The question is, will the redeemable deplorables be able to imagine their destiny in oblivion?
Farewell to the non-ending, absurd, and racial obstructionist of the worse, and most incompetent, tea bagging gang.
Farewell to the non-ending, absurd, and racial obstructionist of the worse, and most incompetent, tea bagging gang.
19
Mrs Obama has chosen her causes carefully and has not diluted her considerable influence. In this case, her cause is just and putting Trump's behavior in its proper context using simple, declarative sentences rather than political hyperbole perhaps increased the number of people who paid attention to her message. We should, however, be very worried by the number of people who continue to actively support Trump regardless of - or, worse, because of - his outrageous words and deeds.
12
We have been fortunate to have outstanding First Ladies. I put Eleanor Roosevelt and Michelle Obama at the top of the heap. Both we wonderful speakers bringing out the best in all of us and represent what is best about our country. Mrs. Roosevelt had to contend with a broken marriage and a lot of insults. Mrs. Obama had the right wing loud mouths about her husband;s place of birth, grades and so much more.
I hope before I die that we can get back to Presidential campaigns that not only talk about issues, but make the choice of who to vote for hard because both candidates are so excellent. Yeah, I know, when pigs flyl.
I hope before I die that we can get back to Presidential campaigns that not only talk about issues, but make the choice of who to vote for hard because both candidates are so excellent. Yeah, I know, when pigs flyl.
18
I'll never forget how Fox News crucified her when she started the, "Let's Move" campaign. As if she was asking us to abandon all moral principles and change our identities. All she really wanted us to do was eat better and move around a little.
52
Michelle Obama who proved to be the champion of Woman to start a movement which Anita Hill could not win from male Politicians.
Hillary Clinton is the Presidential candidate who was betrayed by her Husband so many times and now has come back swinging.
Watching the second debate the whole story was told . One lecherous Presidential candidate Trump was stalking her while Mrs. Clinton was unmoved by all his accusations and innuendos.
If Hillary Clinton loses this election which I doubt she can retire being a Lady who did not give in to the threat in this Male dominated society.
Hillary Clinton is the Presidential candidate who was betrayed by her Husband so many times and now has come back swinging.
Watching the second debate the whole story was told . One lecherous Presidential candidate Trump was stalking her while Mrs. Clinton was unmoved by all his accusations and innuendos.
If Hillary Clinton loses this election which I doubt she can retire being a Lady who did not give in to the threat in this Male dominated society.
27
When the most respected and admired FLOTUS in the past 4-5 decades, who never picked a political fight in 8 years, comes out against you with her 65% approval rating you know you are in trouble.
That was a very moving speech from a wonderful and well respected woman.
Trump is toast!
That was a very moving speech from a wonderful and well respected woman.
Trump is toast!
33
Mrs. Obama's speech eloquently drew the line between true class and crass.
And as for trump's aspersions about the Clintons and other women. Bill and Hillary Clinton have had a good marriage for 40 plus years. thrice married Trump, not so much. Short attention span?
And as for trump's aspersions about the Clintons and other women. Bill and Hillary Clinton have had a good marriage for 40 plus years. thrice married Trump, not so much. Short attention span?
27
If Trump will be defeated by women what does this say about the men of this country? Bill Maher observed that more than one Democratic candidate for president lost in landslides, winning only one state, but Trump will probably win 15 or 20 states despite his running the most disgraceful campaign in history. What does this say about "the greatest country in the world "?
26
I wasn't a big Michelle Obama fan when she first came on the scene over eight years ago.
Her reluctance to her post was very obvious and borderline annoying.
But what a difference several years make!
She has become a wonderful role model to all Americans, and that includes ALL Americans.
We all need a little more of Michelle's thoughtfulness and a lot less of the rancor being spewn about by desperate surrogates of a failed candidate.
Her reluctance to her post was very obvious and borderline annoying.
But what a difference several years make!
She has become a wonderful role model to all Americans, and that includes ALL Americans.
We all need a little more of Michelle's thoughtfulness and a lot less of the rancor being spewn about by desperate surrogates of a failed candidate.
36
Trump is not a star.
10
Go Michelle!
A great piece. Thank you, Frank Bruni.
A great piece. Thank you, Frank Bruni.
26
Donald Trump has been the biggest boon for the cause of women's rights, of equal pay, and of control over their own bodies since the suffragettes. He has awakened a sleeping giantess.
156
Maybe Mrs. Clinton first act as President, if she is elected, should be to withdraw the nomination of Judge Garland, and nominate Michelle Obama as an associate justice of the Supreme Court?
18
Yeah!!
thank you frank. she makes me very proud!
11
I wish Michelle was running for President. Maybe I will write her in.
4
Love it!
8
How is it that the "family values" party hasn't embraced the Obamas with open arms -- the first First Family in many years to actually believe in and live those values?
40
Family values for blacks and people of color like us, is a whole different standard.
8
I often wonder what qualities are needed to be a great president. Is it the ability to make great speeches? What if you arent good at making speeches? Is it a sign that you will be a bad president? Besides being a great orator, what other qualities does one need?
2
Another brilliant article from Frank Bruni. Bravo!
19
Finally, the Emperor Has No Clothes, but instead of a child, we have the First Lady as moral conscience. Let's see if the GOP chooses 4 years of misogyny, to follow their 8 failed years of racism. I hope not. They worked with Hillary as Senator, and they should work with her as President, at least until they figure out what they stand for and pick a worthier candidate for 2020.
23
Michelle Obama is a classy lady who's heard enough of Trump. She's probably heard enough of men saying they're offended for their wives and daughters.
I didn't grow up in a safe, middle-class home. I grew up fighting, so I fought off sexual attacks. It's relatively easy to get a knee or foot up, fast and hard, and floor a man. Obviously, if the predator has a gun and you don't, the situation changes dramatically.
We should not have to fight or give up and be raped in school, shopping, walking down the sidewalk, or in our place of employment. (Remember, ladies, that there are other jobs.)
Thanks, Michelle Obama, for telling everyone this is about women (and sometimes men) being the victims of sexual predators, not about some men being offended by Trump's language.
Historically, men have been useless -- or worse -- in protecting women from sexual predation. It's up to us to stop it. Now is the time.
I didn't grow up in a safe, middle-class home. I grew up fighting, so I fought off sexual attacks. It's relatively easy to get a knee or foot up, fast and hard, and floor a man. Obviously, if the predator has a gun and you don't, the situation changes dramatically.
We should not have to fight or give up and be raped in school, shopping, walking down the sidewalk, or in our place of employment. (Remember, ladies, that there are other jobs.)
Thanks, Michelle Obama, for telling everyone this is about women (and sometimes men) being the victims of sexual predators, not about some men being offended by Trump's language.
Historically, men have been useless -- or worse -- in protecting women from sexual predation. It's up to us to stop it. Now is the time.
36
And three cheers for the illustration by Ben Wiseman.
28
She will be seen as a better first lady than most of her predecessors, for sure. A beautiful woman in every way.
Obama in 2024? I'm all for it! She'd be great at it.
Obama in 2024? I'm all for it! She'd be great at it.
25
Michelle is Obama is a hypocrite because sh has invited rap artists to the White House whose lyrics contain derogatory comments about women and killing cops. Thank you.
11
I wouldn't call her hypocrite. but perhaps she could lend a hand and voice to clean up rap, hip hop and pop culture music. On major TV networks we have some kind of censorship in place and curse words are bleeped out. Not so much on cable tv, comedy central and BER. Even Dave chapelle is Not as obscene as some of the other comedians both black and white who joke in curse language. Children grow up listening to uncensored lyrics, they watch videos with women making lewd gestures, dressed in revealing skimpy clothes, all in the name of fashion and modernity. Similarly violence is glorified on TV. Prime time shows are all about crime, criminal minds, police violence, gore, blood...all in the name of entertainment. We are raising monsters thru our culture and they are supposed to come out unscathed and unscarred by it.
4
Any woman ( or man for that matter ) that can speak clearly with the convictions of their good character are a force.
Especially in the face of the daily and unwarranted criticism for any number of fictitious slights.
Especially in the face of the daily and unwarranted criticism for any number of fictitious slights.
8
Clinton "whisperers"??? Seems to me we should appreciate someone who seeks advice and counsel - especially when seeking to represent millions. The overwhelming impression of all the released or stolen emails is how routine they are and would be to any campaign.
8
Michelle Obama represents class, amazing good character, beauty, wisdom, all that Jesus Christ represented to the world when He was on this earth. She represents love, sacrifice, and I respect her greatly. As a woman of 71 years, I have had my share of being disrespected by some men...not all men. There are still some good guys out there and I have been married to one for 50 years.
Race has nothing to do with any of this mess.
Race has nothing to do with any of this mess.
10
Kudos to Ben Wiseman for his accompanying graphic. Most fashionistas would whence at white shoes after Labor Day but in this case the symbolism is both powerful and graphically perfect. Michelle Obama also wore pants to give that speech. Brilliant!
7
I am sorry to say White House may not see for a long long time ,such a Gentleman- Lady Couple and as well a dignified family.
26
Michelle Obama deserves a rest away from the public spotlight after her 8 years of service to our nation. I do wish that after a break, she would return in some capacity to bring her intellectual and moral talents that we so desperately need.
16
Michele Obama is an amazing woman, for whom I have the utmost respect. Our second woman president?
7
""That’s largely because she has the luxury of not being a politician. She isn’t and won’t be running for anything. She hasn’t been forced to weigh in on a bevy of issues, potentially alienating voters who disagree, or to exhaust her ammunition on a range of fronts. You want high approval ratings? Exit elected office, or never enter it in the first place."
Really, Frank?
Why not Michelle Obama for POTUS in 2024? She would bury creepy Ted.
And then Frank Bruni -- but not of course Maureen Dowd, who long ago embedded herself in the meme that HRC is the 666 of politicians, not to mention human beings -- would write a column about how HRC paved the way for Michelle Obama by slaying the sexist beast Trump with her grace under pressure -- and Alicia Machado -- as Paul Krugman has cogently pointed out in a series of 7 Tweets today @paulkrugman.
Really, Frank?
Why not Michelle Obama for POTUS in 2024? She would bury creepy Ted.
And then Frank Bruni -- but not of course Maureen Dowd, who long ago embedded herself in the meme that HRC is the 666 of politicians, not to mention human beings -- would write a column about how HRC paved the way for Michelle Obama by slaying the sexist beast Trump with her grace under pressure -- and Alicia Machado -- as Paul Krugman has cogently pointed out in a series of 7 Tweets today @paulkrugman.
2
Magnificent Michelle!
12
Michelle Obama has all of the attributes I'd like to see in a POTUS. My vote is for her.
6
A large majority of women will vote against Trump -- but so will their husbands, fathers, brothers, and sons. Women won't be the only ones who will bring Trump down. We'll be joined by men of strong character who are disgusted by the poor example Trump sets for all men.
22
i love Michele. There is no better speaker -- or weapon -- on the political stage. But don't say Hillary can't do that because she's a politician, and therefore, compromised.
We don't have perfect politicians. we have people who devote themselves to public service and we have electoral choices. Donald Trump can never be it.
We don't have perfect politicians. we have people who devote themselves to public service and we have electoral choices. Donald Trump can never be it.
20
Thank you Frank Bruni. Thank you Michelle Obama!
10
To save us all we needed a Dea ex machina. Michelle Obama played her part and we are grateful and thrilled.
5
Hillary Clinton WILL be the first WOMAN President not because she has a long lily white history, some due to her own making, others not her doing. But when you consider the alternative she comes out smelling of carnations. But Michelle Obama is the real deal. Yes, she does not have a long history in politics except as the First Lady. But she can connect with the people, intelligent, has seen Politics in Washington from the inside without being party to the insanity, greed and self-interests of the Washington crowd. Most important, she will come without any baggage. The only baggage she will carry is a stellar husband who is a decent, intelligent human being who was a President and two daughters, both fine young women in their own rights. Yes, there is not a paper trail of experience but that makes her not jaded and will show Democracy is live and kicking in our Country.
8
Only a few more months of having to suffer her, it's been a long eight years.....
5
This country will "suffer" much more with a sexist racist in the White House.
13
The accompanying graphic is jarring. It conveys violence unnecessarily, and the high-heeled pump conveys much more than gender. I can think of 10 much better ideas for graphics just sitting here over my coffee reading this excellent essay.
1
So how long do you think Michele will wait before she runs for the presidency? We're spawning our very own Perons. The Clintons and soon the Obamas.
2
So sweet to think of Michelle Obama taking down the lowly DT. But in truth he is taking himself down, because that's where he belongs. Even he knows that he cannot reach MO, I have not heard him attacking her. MO is showing us the way, that we can think and have the courage to act on our convictions. We do not have to put up with bullies and odious behaviour. Certain members of Congress could learn a lot from her.
11
I am not sure what to make of Michelle's claim that she couldn't forget Trump's words and was shaken to the core by them. One would think she doesn't hear coarse language frequently or at all, yet both she and the President are fans of the music of entertainers such as Beyonce, Rick Ross, Common and Jay-Z whose lyrics are filled with curses, speak openly of sex acts, and are misogynistic in ways that go far beyond anything Trump said. Stop being a hypocrite Michelle!!
9
Don't know what to make of those words???
Here's a hint.
When a person has two young daughters, and is forced to witness the behaviour, and hear the recordings of another person who is not only unfit in every imaginable way to lead this country, but who also comes across as a sexual predator -- it's not surprising that one might "be shaken to the core".
Hope that helps.
Here's a hint.
When a person has two young daughters, and is forced to witness the behaviour, and hear the recordings of another person who is not only unfit in every imaginable way to lead this country, but who also comes across as a sexual predator -- it's not surprising that one might "be shaken to the core".
Hope that helps.
14
The knock on Clinton is so typical. Her poll ratings as First Lady were also extremely high. Shockingly she had to run for the Senate and now President. Amazingly she makes political decisions. I do wish Times columnists showed some greater intelligence.
17
Well put, except... Michelle Obama put herself out there in support not only of her husband's legacy (reminder: Hillary Clinton was his Secretary of State), and women, but because of her years in service and competence (You summarize her in one sentence, wiping the purpose is what Michelle Obama intended). You struck Hillary a low blow, Charles Blow.
3
I was very much appreciating this column until the paragraph towards the end about how "authentic" is was for Michelle Obama to hold hands with former president George W. Bush at the funeral for the Dallas police officers and embrace him at the opening of the National Museum of African American History and Culture.
First, I don't think it adds anything to the point Bruni is making, and second, George W. Bush's presidency was built on two stolen elections, a war crime that was also the stupidest foreign policy decision in modern American history, and the biggest economic disaster in 79 years. For her to embrace such a man just shows they are both part of the same oligarchy that has made our country what it is today, the playground of the mega-wealthy at the expense of the rest of us.
I'm glad she spoke out against Trump's attitude and behavior towards women. As Bruni pointed out, Mrs. Clinton is not exactly in a position to. However, that's not just because of her "messy compromises" and "rococo calculations", it's because she is married to someone whose behavior was allegedly just as objectionable as Trump's.
I generally enjoy and appreciate Bruni's columns because they don't treat me as though I am uninformed. This one, not so much.
First, I don't think it adds anything to the point Bruni is making, and second, George W. Bush's presidency was built on two stolen elections, a war crime that was also the stupidest foreign policy decision in modern American history, and the biggest economic disaster in 79 years. For her to embrace such a man just shows they are both part of the same oligarchy that has made our country what it is today, the playground of the mega-wealthy at the expense of the rest of us.
I'm glad she spoke out against Trump's attitude and behavior towards women. As Bruni pointed out, Mrs. Clinton is not exactly in a position to. However, that's not just because of her "messy compromises" and "rococo calculations", it's because she is married to someone whose behavior was allegedly just as objectionable as Trump's.
I generally enjoy and appreciate Bruni's columns because they don't treat me as though I am uninformed. This one, not so much.
2
So imagine, if you can, an article in the NYT where the image/picture accompanying the article was of a man squashing a black (or white) woman with his shoe. (PS - I know that the image here is 'supposed to resemble Trump, but in what feminist/progressive world would it make a difference 'who' or 'why' any woman would be represented that way? Furthermore, imagine a picture of a white man's shoe squashing a black man (ie Romney squashing Obama.)
The unintelligible hypocrisy that is rampant at the NYT would be laughable if it was deliberate. Most days I feel like I'm reading the Onion but then I regretfully remind myself that people actually read this paper to get 'informed' or to have their world view validated by other likeminded group-thinkers.
Sorry Bruni, I didn't even bother reading your editorial. The picture told me all that I needed to know about what value there was in your words.
The unintelligible hypocrisy that is rampant at the NYT would be laughable if it was deliberate. Most days I feel like I'm reading the Onion but then I regretfully remind myself that people actually read this paper to get 'informed' or to have their world view validated by other likeminded group-thinkers.
Sorry Bruni, I didn't even bother reading your editorial. The picture told me all that I needed to know about what value there was in your words.
2
It's all about context. You gotta be a little smarter than that to get the picture. Here it is: the context is how women, represented by Michelle Obama's speech (not her) have the power to squash misogyny and vulgarity as presented to the country by Donald's campaign. That's it.
10
It's not sexism, racism or violence if it comes from liberals.
2
I love this piece, yet the election isn't over yet. With Trump's talk of sedition and the possibility of civil unrest after the election, it's more important than ever for everyone who reads this to go to the Hillary website and spend a few hours (or more) a week to make calls to voters in swing states (or volunteer in one if you can). I made 50 calls the other day...it is very easy. The campaign gives you a script and if you have an Internet connection and a nationwide phone plan, you can do it! Complacency is our enemy. We need to have as big a margin as we can!
7
This is turning out to be the year of the woman. Maybe we should have a commemorative stamp for that after the election.
4
She was amazing and spoke to everyone regardless of party affiliation, gender, class, race. She spoke to decency.
I must pivot here though and wonder why the media have not reported on Trump's statement about if Hillary fell down in Tianamen Square the Chinese will leave her there, they won't pick her up.
Is he being woefully ignorant about the government murder of protesters in Tianamen Square or is he once again coyly calling for Hillary to be shot?
I must pivot here though and wonder why the media have not reported on Trump's statement about if Hillary fell down in Tianamen Square the Chinese will leave her there, they won't pick her up.
Is he being woefully ignorant about the government murder of protesters in Tianamen Square or is he once again coyly calling for Hillary to be shot?
8
That was jarring to me as well. It was callous and startlingly cruel. What kind of a man is this?
5
Michelle is right: https://goo.gl/hp5ihJ
1
Michelle Obama is such an intelligent, classy positive energy person.
I am ashamed as an American for the way the Republicans treated her. She had to keep a low profile because these old-white-haters were waiting for even the slightest stumble. When she did not make any errors they had to invent them like condemning her for planting a vegetable garden on the White House grounds - that was unAmerican! because anything that does not look like Chris Christie is unpatriotic!
We will miss you Michelle! you showed us what it is like have class even in a political setting.
I am ashamed as an American for the way the Republicans treated her. She had to keep a low profile because these old-white-haters were waiting for even the slightest stumble. When she did not make any errors they had to invent them like condemning her for planting a vegetable garden on the White House grounds - that was unAmerican! because anything that does not look like Chris Christie is unpatriotic!
We will miss you Michelle! you showed us what it is like have class even in a political setting.
15
Thanks for a column that speaks volumes about an astounding woman that also speaks volumes. Michelle's speech was from her heart and it made my heart swell reading it.
3
Frank Bruni - you have just written an amazing article!! Talented and eloquent as always. Every single line in your article represents how we feel about our amazing First Lady. She glows in Grace and has the Brains most of us could only dream of having.
9
"women will dispose of him — at the urging of the first lady, in the service of the first female president"
Should be placed in the dictionary as the definition of poetic justice.
Should be placed in the dictionary as the definition of poetic justice.
8
Wonderful column, Frank, and wonderful writing. Thank you for "rococo calculations," which is perfect. You have always been an astute observer of politics and culture, and you are outdoing yourself this election season. (Also, yes, poor Kellyanne. I'd say she's sold her soul, but I don't think she had one to begin with.)
7
Michelle reminded me of the goodness there is in America, and that we should resoundingly reject the moral turpitude that is Donald Trump.
13
This campaign could stand a little honesty to say the least. And a little perspective is sorely needed in the discussion about Donald Trump and women. In the rush to get Hillary elected, hypocrisy abounds. Make no mistake: Donald Trump is a piece of garbage that shouldn’t be let within a 1000 miles of the White House -his treatment of women is despicable. However, we need to take a broader view of the treatment of women by men and include some sobering honesty. There is, of course, Bill Clinton’s treatment of women about which nothing else needs to be said. And, while I was moved by Michele Obama’s speech about Trump’s “sexually predator behavior," I am confused by the Obama’s inviting rap singers to the White House (everyone’s house) and publicly embracing their music. White House performers like Kendrick Lamar, Ludacris, and Niki Minaj have churned out lyrics that make the Donald look like a choir boy. In these artist’s songs is the most vile treatment of women imaginable; women aren’t even people, but body parts. And the behavior depicted in some of these lyrics is disseminated in a more pervasive way than Donald Trump could ever do. Trump will crawl back into his hole after the election, but the treatment of women in song lyrics and pop culture, on college campuses, and in the media will continue. I believe to my core about how men’s behavior makes Michele Obama and women feel, but that behavior comes from many sources. And we need to look at all of them.
11
There is no doubt that speaking out for women's rights and against those that would abuse or molest women needs continued championing by ladies in positions to do so, but I may be the only one to think Ms. Obama's speech was vapid. It was so laced with political overtones to laud fellow democrat Ms. Clnton and demean the opponent Mr. Trump, that the speech sounded forced and phony to me. With three daughters and dozens of lady secretaries and assistants over the years, I have been openly and totally for advancing the progress of women for a very long time, (as well as advancing the cause of people of color, gays and lesbians, and the handicapped, I might add). However the diatribe delivered by Mr. Obama was so strident and laden with catch phrases and political rhetoric, it seemed to me to be mostly an opportunistic attack on Mr. Trump, using the current release of his comments on women, to lambaste him as openly as possible and get maximum press coverage.
3
Yes, David Sutlif, it is right, good and logical that possessors of clear thinking speak out against dangerously immoral and inept would-be leaders. If the Michelle Obama's did not protest, point the finger of reason, you would be screaming, "Where were you when our nation was captivated and misled by evil people?"
4
How I would relish watching Michelle Obama meet Donald Trump on a debate stage!
8
Delicious indeed!
6
there was an article recently here that stated "when times are tough elect a woman" other than the headline the article was about merkle may mier and others who have helped their respective countries through tough times. well now it's Hillary's turn. we americans may be slow in getting the right batter up in time but when we figure it out...well there are no limits to the things we can get right. so america get right and get rid of that rightie tying up our evolution as humans.
6
I second all of the laudatory comments for Michelle Obama. She is singular no doubt. I would like to remind people of stupendous irony of Melania Trump choosing to co-opt and rip-off Michelle's Obama life in her plagiarized convention speech. It was determined MT gave her speech writer examples of Michelle's writing and spoke to her as someone she greatly admires. If that wasn't a not-so-secret subversive cry for help ("get me out out this gilded madhouse") from MT I don't know what is! All hail Michelle and, I guess, let's Free Melania!
18
Thanks for writing about Michelle's speech. With two jobs, it just didn't happen before now so I stopped right at the top of this article to go an listen to the speech while I had a chance.
Michelle's speech was interrupted with advertisements that were all about using fear in the exact opposite to the unity Michelle's speech so well works toward. Not once, not twice but FOUR times some nut job came on something about making the use of cash outlawed.
This has never happened before to ANY video I've watched. Why this speech? Why now?
J'accuse the tentacles of republican illegitimate power seized behind closed doors in the media. Even if it was just big data that broght those adds to that video today, it's not just an algorithm, algorithm's are just mathematical formulas written by people and reflect the biases, intended or not of the writers of that formula.
Given the strength of the results of an unprecedented 4, four, FOUR interruptions where in 10 years of avid political video watching, how much more clear can it be that big money is buying big media with the intention of destruction of Women, minorities, black people in particular, and anything potentially jeopardizing the stranglehold of big money of the congress, supreme court, the Presidency, but also the leadership at the state and local level.
As mad as it makes me, I am also pleased. Those who've ruined my life are seeing the day when we are going to make them pay and they are scared.
Good!
Michelle's speech was interrupted with advertisements that were all about using fear in the exact opposite to the unity Michelle's speech so well works toward. Not once, not twice but FOUR times some nut job came on something about making the use of cash outlawed.
This has never happened before to ANY video I've watched. Why this speech? Why now?
J'accuse the tentacles of republican illegitimate power seized behind closed doors in the media. Even if it was just big data that broght those adds to that video today, it's not just an algorithm, algorithm's are just mathematical formulas written by people and reflect the biases, intended or not of the writers of that formula.
Given the strength of the results of an unprecedented 4, four, FOUR interruptions where in 10 years of avid political video watching, how much more clear can it be that big money is buying big media with the intention of destruction of Women, minorities, black people in particular, and anything potentially jeopardizing the stranglehold of big money of the congress, supreme court, the Presidency, but also the leadership at the state and local level.
As mad as it makes me, I am also pleased. Those who've ruined my life are seeing the day when we are going to make them pay and they are scared.
Good!
7
"Misogyny will play midwife to history."
Perfect, just perfect, in sentiment and structure. Well said, Mr Bruni.
Perfect, just perfect, in sentiment and structure. Well said, Mr Bruni.
12
Game. Set. Match.
4
So what are all you liberal/progressives now saying...
That the wrong ex-president's wife is running???
On the other side, the wrong NYC billionaire is running...
Since there's such free sharing of speech-ware among the candidates and their spouses, she coin the slogan...
"Make us Proud of America Again"
I'd vote for that...
Much else good might follow...
That the wrong ex-president's wife is running???
On the other side, the wrong NYC billionaire is running...
Since there's such free sharing of speech-ware among the candidates and their spouses, she coin the slogan...
"Make us Proud of America Again"
I'd vote for that...
Much else good might follow...
1
Michelle Obama is a beautiful woman, inside and out. Many woman paying attention in this election are similarly beautiful. And, just like in a certain movie I recall, in the end, it will be the "beauty killed the beast." Go get him ladies!
12
I would vote for Michelle Obama for President anytime. I wish she was on the ballot.
9
All Americans can be very proud of Michelle Obama as a professional, a mother, a First Lady & an exemplary role model for all Americans. She has the ability to clarify the principles we all should stand for and radiate the best of what it means to be an American woman to the rest of the world. She exhibits such class in every thing she does.
10
I don't think Barack Obama was seeking revenge, I think he just wants people to understand how we got to theis sad state, and how we could do better.
17
Michelle Obama's speech was powerful because she spoke with the voice of moral authority and she expressed her very real feelings of fear and disgust. She and her husband show the country a relationship built on love and respect every day. It was like a drink of cool water in the desert.
16
One of the media outlets mentioned in passing that Michelle Obama actually wrote the powerful speech Frank Bruni references with his own ample dose of eloquence. In any case the First Lady embodies the sentiments in every heartfelt sentence. She wasn't serving up glib or reaching for quotable quotes. She is the real article. Real describes the Obama family's eight years in the White House. Politics aside, they have served with devotion and sincerity. 'Family values' wasn't a dog whistle for them. It describes how they live their life.
18
I can't imagine many things looking worse than Trump's vainglorious vulgarity and blatant immorality. However, in a normal election cycle, it doesn't look great to have the sitting President and First Lady out there fighting the candidates battles for them. If you ask me, Hillary Clinton's silence is actually becoming an elephant in the room. Maybe Democrats should have run Michelle Obama on the ticket instead.
4
Where will they be and what will they be doing six months after the election?
President Hillary Clinton -- Opens branch office of the White House in New York City where she says the shopping, restaurants and plays are better. Often seen in the company of Paul Ryan planning her next moves in the revival of the American economy.
First Gentleman Bill Clinton -- Appointed Special Ambassador to Hollywood with responsibility for relating to the stars.
Donald J. Trump -- Currently residing In the section of the Guantanamo Bay Naval Base reserved for serious tax evaders who have lost their mental grasp on things.
KellyAnne Conway -- Experiencing difficulty finding work of the type she has been accustomed to. Now writing a book tentatively entitled “Why Are They Following Me Around Washington and Always Towing My Car Away?”
Chris Christie -- Following trial for his role in Bridgegate, he is sentenced to a lifetime of service as a toll collector
on the George Washington Bridge.
Huma Abedin -- Appointed Secretary of Getting Even with subpoena powers and an unlimited budget.
Mayor Giuliani -- Working the 3AM to 4AM slot on Fox News competing against porn movies and reruns of I Love Lucy.
The Trump family -- Trump Tower is taken over by the U.S. Government for unpaid taxes. Melania is working on a book with Billy Bush entitled “Everything You Want To Know About Donald.” The Trump children are experiencing difficulty getting their children into good day care programs.
President Hillary Clinton -- Opens branch office of the White House in New York City where she says the shopping, restaurants and plays are better. Often seen in the company of Paul Ryan planning her next moves in the revival of the American economy.
First Gentleman Bill Clinton -- Appointed Special Ambassador to Hollywood with responsibility for relating to the stars.
Donald J. Trump -- Currently residing In the section of the Guantanamo Bay Naval Base reserved for serious tax evaders who have lost their mental grasp on things.
KellyAnne Conway -- Experiencing difficulty finding work of the type she has been accustomed to. Now writing a book tentatively entitled “Why Are They Following Me Around Washington and Always Towing My Car Away?”
Chris Christie -- Following trial for his role in Bridgegate, he is sentenced to a lifetime of service as a toll collector
on the George Washington Bridge.
Huma Abedin -- Appointed Secretary of Getting Even with subpoena powers and an unlimited budget.
Mayor Giuliani -- Working the 3AM to 4AM slot on Fox News competing against porn movies and reruns of I Love Lucy.
The Trump family -- Trump Tower is taken over by the U.S. Government for unpaid taxes. Melania is working on a book with Billy Bush entitled “Everything You Want To Know About Donald.” The Trump children are experiencing difficulty getting their children into good day care programs.
5
Frank, thanks for this wise and eloquent summary of what has easily become the most important issue of this election. As for those of us who admire, respect and love Michelle Obama, can hardly wait to see what she does next.
3
I love Michelle Obama just like all other liberal Democrats. But she moved the needle zero for Hillary nationally. In fact, the whole "p...y" flap failed to move it. It turns out that Trump was right. He truly could shoot someone in broad daylight, on camera, and 44% of voters would be all for him. And those voters are not going anywhere if Hillary wins. They'll just be more enraged at her, and the GOP establishment, than ever. The GOP has now ceased to exist as a national party, since they can't elect a dog-catcher outside of Greenwich and Boca without their only significant voter base, or former base, the Trump voters.
4
I have always liked and even admired Mrs. Obama, but I think she should stay out of this fight altogether. Although I fully agree that Donald Trump is a disgrace, I am holding it against Mrs Obama that she is campaigning to bring a known sexual predator back into the White House.
Let's face it, all the efforts downplaying Bill Clinton's trait of sexually harassing women do not change the fact that had he sexually pursued an intern while in the employ of a business, he would have been booted. He was a the most powerful man in the world, and went after a young intern who had little experience and skills to resist him. But Democrats, of course, blame the victim; she was young, pretty, a harlot, etc.
Unless Hillary Clinton promises NOT to move her predatory husband back into the White House, I will not even consider voting for her. I am an independent voter, a feminist, and I will absolutely not support to move a known threat to women--whether he be called Bill Clinton or Donald Trump--into the White House.
Let's face it, all the efforts downplaying Bill Clinton's trait of sexually harassing women do not change the fact that had he sexually pursued an intern while in the employ of a business, he would have been booted. He was a the most powerful man in the world, and went after a young intern who had little experience and skills to resist him. But Democrats, of course, blame the victim; she was young, pretty, a harlot, etc.
Unless Hillary Clinton promises NOT to move her predatory husband back into the White House, I will not even consider voting for her. I am an independent voter, a feminist, and I will absolutely not support to move a known threat to women--whether he be called Bill Clinton or Donald Trump--into the White House.
5
Thank you for the most intelligent comment made on this post today. All things are seen through a political prism aren't they? Her speech would have more meaning if she had spoke against the appalling sexual misconduct of fellow Democrat Bill Clinton or the vile and misogynist lyrics penned by the various rappers invited to the White House over the years. I am sure the Times will not print this.
4
A relatively modern phrase, I believe, sums up Michelle Obama's cool, steady, contemplative demeanor which always underscores her appearance and words; simply stated, she is a totally 'class act.'
She exemplifies what we, as Americans should strive to both be and become. She's 'real; and that comes across loud and clear.
I'll leave you with a mental image that, once ingrained, simply cannot be shaken loose or ignored:
Picture in your mind, if you will, Michelle on the debate stage with 'The Donald.' Got it.... Ok, now try to dislodge it.
That's who and what Michelle Obama is to America.
She exemplifies what we, as Americans should strive to both be and become. She's 'real; and that comes across loud and clear.
I'll leave you with a mental image that, once ingrained, simply cannot be shaken loose or ignored:
Picture in your mind, if you will, Michelle on the debate stage with 'The Donald.' Got it.... Ok, now try to dislodge it.
That's who and what Michelle Obama is to America.
4
As a journalist who writes about the history of the presidency, I believe everyone has a patriotic duty to save the country from Trump, regardless of personal political view. My contribution is this documented list of reasons Clinton, while imperfect, is the far superior candidate. This has been read by nearly 17,000 people, so please continue to share--even small steps may save us from another disaster as in 2000: https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/open-letter-sanders-supporters-scott-s-sm...
5
I too greatly appreciate our First Lady and am moved by her comments on behalf of women, and in defense of her husband's legacy. BUT - I take issue with how her motto "when they go low, we go high" is being embraced, and amplified.
That is a classic sentiment shared by many minorities... it's an arrow in a quiver that also includes "when one goes bad, makes us all look bad." But is it appropriate as a political slogan? I don't think so.
Sometimes we NEED our politicians to go low... to get into the sausage making of policy to make good policy.. to compromise. We are often reminded that democracy is messy- as messed up as it is.. sometimes we have to go low to then elevate.
That is a classic sentiment shared by many minorities... it's an arrow in a quiver that also includes "when one goes bad, makes us all look bad." But is it appropriate as a political slogan? I don't think so.
Sometimes we NEED our politicians to go low... to get into the sausage making of policy to make good policy.. to compromise. We are often reminded that democracy is messy- as messed up as it is.. sometimes we have to go low to then elevate.
The first paragraph is a gem. Bravo from a small town in Louisiana.
2
Is this the same Michelle Obama who said of Hillary Clinton in 2008 that if she couldn't run her own house, she certainly couldn't run the White House?
6
It's the same bill Clinton also who thought Obama was an amateur holding the highest office. Times have changed 8 years later.
4
Brilliant. But confess that by dawn's early light and before coffee I read the last sentence - "They will let him know that no matter how much money he has or how big a star he is, there are places where his tentacles can’t travel."
as, " ... there are places where his testicles can't travel"!
as, " ... there are places where his testicles can't travel"!
2
........an aside to your great column; it was the Republican Party that should have been drug tested before setting out on nominating Trump as their standard bearer.
They were obviously high on something - was it greed, lust, and power?
They were obviously high on something - was it greed, lust, and power?
5
Michelle Obama has no voice when she looks at her unbecoming replacement in waiting. Full of rehearsed stand-in vitriol, she suddenly goes mute and purring compliant when the ex-President stands near. Mirroring the media, she traverses salacious coffee cup to locker room banter while purposely broad jumping over the one who went well beyond the grope and all the way to the bow-tie and beyond without a media critique or even a latent fingernail scratch.
3
Every time I think "well, this is Bruni's best column ever", he tops it.
5
That Michelle Obama was not given a larger role to play during the President's tenure was a real loss for America. Her intellect and grace would have been a beacon during the last eight years of darkness. I am grateful that she is the First Lady, in every sense of the words.
4
She has a full time job as a mom, as a First Lady working quietly behind the scenes promoting many causes that will benefit the health of entire nation.
2
The Obamas have the moral gravitas to give the speeches that the Clinton can not.
And what rough beast, it's hour come round at last, slouches towards Election Day to be killed. Borrowing Yeats to make a point. He should never have come this far, it's more of a reflection of " we the people", than of him.
5
Great piece, brilliant illustration.
6
This graphic is ridiculous and tiresome. A woman's foot in a high-heeled shoe stepping on a tiny man - this implicitly reinforces the deeply held sexist viewpoint that women's empowerment equals men's subjugation, and it's far from helpful.
5
Absolutely right. Michelle Obama's speech was powerful, genuine and spoke for womenkind. Not only Americans. Her latest speeches are going to be studied in universities for decades to come.
You are also on the spot saying that she can do it because she is not a politician. Well, she is a stateswoman.
By the way, I love the art of this article. Please tell Ben WIseman.
You are also on the spot saying that she can do it because she is not a politician. Well, she is a stateswoman.
By the way, I love the art of this article. Please tell Ben WIseman.
9
Too bad Michelle Robinson Obama is not running for President of the United States.
Hillary Clinton is no Michelle Obama. Bill Clinton is no Barack Obama. Bill was not the first black President. Hillary will not be the second. No Clinton nor Obama has been a fully formed liberal progressive working for the best socioeconomic political educational interests of the most loyal long suffering Democratic Party base....colored black African American women.
Hillary is no Rosa Parks nor Ella Baker nor Fannie Lou Hamer nor Shirley Chisolm nor Barbara Jordan nor Carol Mosely Braun nor Margaret Thatcher nor Angela Merkel nor Theresa May nor Sheikh Hasina nor Julia Gillard nor Ellen Johnson -Sirleaf nor Nancy Pelosi nor Elizabeth Warren.
Who was or is their Mister? Who among them had a Clinton family $121 million fortune "earned" by public service? Who among them engaged in black mass incarceration and black welfare deformation?
Michelle Obama is far more majestic and real than a statue standing in New York who is not relevant to the heirs of the enslaved Africans.
Hillary Clinton is no Michelle Obama. Bill Clinton is no Barack Obama. Bill was not the first black President. Hillary will not be the second. No Clinton nor Obama has been a fully formed liberal progressive working for the best socioeconomic political educational interests of the most loyal long suffering Democratic Party base....colored black African American women.
Hillary is no Rosa Parks nor Ella Baker nor Fannie Lou Hamer nor Shirley Chisolm nor Barbara Jordan nor Carol Mosely Braun nor Margaret Thatcher nor Angela Merkel nor Theresa May nor Sheikh Hasina nor Julia Gillard nor Ellen Johnson -Sirleaf nor Nancy Pelosi nor Elizabeth Warren.
Who was or is their Mister? Who among them had a Clinton family $121 million fortune "earned" by public service? Who among them engaged in black mass incarceration and black welfare deformation?
Michelle Obama is far more majestic and real than a statue standing in New York who is not relevant to the heirs of the enslaved Africans.
5
Michelle Obama has been like a refreshing gale over a swamp. She speaks out on the important issues with intelligence and sincerity. Hope she doesn't disappear on the public stage after January.
6
Wow, Frank. Not only do I wholeheartedly agree, but I think this is the best piece from you I've read! Thank you.
2
Mrs Obama stands for the goodness and kindness of our country. She opened her heart to calm our wounded souls. We are very blessed to have her as strong and smart role model for all genders.
16
Clinton will be leading the way.
She's the candidate.
MIchelle Obama will be right there with her
She's the candidate.
MIchelle Obama will be right there with her
2
Michelle Obama's extraordinary speech is for the history books. But Bruni actually minimizes her impact by romanticizing both Mrs. Obama and her position, placing her on a strange pedestal ("She isn't, and won't be running for anything." How could Bruni know this? It was once said about our Democratic nominee). Speculating about her humility-fueled lack of revenge with an odd grandiosity, he mythologizes Mrs. Obama's by-marriage role and presumptuously compartmentalizes her emotions rather than grant her agency as an accomplished woman. She's also a mother of two daughters who has simply had enough. We don't need to explicate her motives or grace by stripping her of a human response to Donald J. Trump. Frankly, many of us heard an earned anger toward him, and welcomed it.
3
Trump's campaign has been the longest running of the movie 'Mean Girls' in history. For America's sake may there never be another sequel. Michelle Obama is the antidote.
2
I like Michelle Obama a lot.
Maureen Dowd spoke well about her, and this topic, this weekend, in her column, and rightly pointed out that the only drawback to all this is… “Of course, Michelle’s inspiring message is somewhat undercut by the fact that her husband is ushering the lecherous Bill Clinton back to the White House.”
Every time I hear about Trump’s inappropriate (or worse) actions toward women, my very next following is ~ “that’s sooo true, so why did/do we look the other way with Bill Clinton, and what does that ALSO say about us as a nation?”.
Thank you very much.
Maureen Dowd spoke well about her, and this topic, this weekend, in her column, and rightly pointed out that the only drawback to all this is… “Of course, Michelle’s inspiring message is somewhat undercut by the fact that her husband is ushering the lecherous Bill Clinton back to the White House.”
Every time I hear about Trump’s inappropriate (or worse) actions toward women, my very next following is ~ “that’s sooo true, so why did/do we look the other way with Bill Clinton, and what does that ALSO say about us as a nation?”.
Thank you very much.
1
Wow. This hell realm we have been in is the necessary process to get to a better place. In such a perverse way, Trump has served us. So has the more insidious racists in the Republican party--Mitch McConnell et. al.. It is time to pay the piper. First, having a black president has exposed racism in a disturbing and yet ultimately effective way--now we are working on it as allies and activists of all kinds. Second, those long-standing male entitlements to women as objects--the subtle and overt indignities we have endured for centuries--thanks to Trump's extreme, uncensored form of misogyny, we can now say, "There is no going back." Thank you, Mr. Bruni, for your succinct words here, and for being an ally.
3
Both Michelle Obama and Donald Trump are plenty authentic. The mistake comes when we label authenticity as a virtue in its own right. Mrs. Obama authenticates the class of human decency and dignity. Mr. Trump is an authentic -- well, that topic has already received more than enough coverage.
www.endthemadnessnow.org
www.endthemadnessnow.org
8
Great column. Perhaps the Secret Service can use Mr. Trump's new handle and start calling him "Octopus"
3
Frank, you've outdone yourself. And, just when I was bored stiff with election 'news' that went nowhere and taught nothing, Michelle Obama's teaching 'moment' said it all.
"The Authentic Power of Michelle Obama" says it all, captures it all. I think you too were "reveling" as you wrote.
Fond as I am on quotes and quoting, I wouldn't know where to start – maybe the whole piece? Thank you.
“I always have a quotation for everything - it saves original thinking.” ~ DOROTHY L. SAYERS
"The Authentic Power of Michelle Obama" says it all, captures it all. I think you too were "reveling" as you wrote.
Fond as I am on quotes and quoting, I wouldn't know where to start – maybe the whole piece? Thank you.
“I always have a quotation for everything - it saves original thinking.” ~ DOROTHY L. SAYERS
5
And you can be sure that Melania Trump agrees with Bruni's brilliant words as well.
4
No clever words here. Michelle Obama is pure and simple, the best of America. Thank you for 8 years of discipline, grace, humor and authenticity.
9
Hero Worship knows no bounds just ask Frank Bruni. Michelle Obama does the obvious which is in her self-interest to attack the opposition and that supposedly makes her some larger than life heroic figure. This is just one more way society is always manipulated by its Elites. The only story here would be if Michelle Obama refused to criticize Donald Trump and remained silent instead. Exactly what risk is there and what courage does it take to attack a con man like Trump. None at all !
2
Thankfully we have a smart, compassionate, young,
beautiful black first lady who knows how to deliver a speech. It is a counter point of hope in an election season full of hypocritical dinosaurs trampling the earth and fouling the air in their ascent to power. Thank you Mrs. Obama.
beautiful black first lady who knows how to deliver a speech. It is a counter point of hope in an election season full of hypocritical dinosaurs trampling the earth and fouling the air in their ascent to power. Thank you Mrs. Obama.
9
Beautiful said. Beautifully written. Perhaps the most memorable speech of this election.
4
White, male, registered Republican and over 50. Michelle is the bomb. Go girl. 100% behind you. The new face of America if only the old ugly face will step aside.
6
She may not be a politician but I hear many admirers who want her to run for president. Irrational exuberance perhaps since we have never had a woman president...yet.
I am not a fan of the Obamas but Michelle was the best ever speaker the other day on misogyny. She should be appointed to a cabinet post or to the supreme court. She is wonderful! Now I am a fan of her.
1
Too many of us, who love Michelle Obama also see through the hypocrisy! We are aware of how many times she invited Beyonce to the White House, to sing her lyrics in person to Michelle's daughters about how men treat women!
1
Kudos to Ken Wiseman on his illustration. No words, no comment, can speak as loudly.
“Every word is like an unnecessary stain on silence and nothingness”
~ SAMUEL BECKETT
“Every word is like an unnecessary stain on silence and nothingness”
~ SAMUEL BECKETT
2
Fine, meaningful commentary by Frank Bruni. I take issue with Ben Wiseman's illustration, however. Michelle Obama has been reduced to a pair of feet in white high heels. (In clean, sophisticated lines, but still.) Not only that, she's depicted as treading on a tiny Trump. This represents a "crush" fetish: a male figure (typically) is abused/squashed by a giant, sadistic woman. Though the high heels are huge (and deadly), the scenario is in service of a male masochistic fantasy. And I do not believe that is what Michelle Obama (or Frank Bruni) had in mind.
2
I don't care anymore what the Republican nominee says.
I am going to the poles.
Secretary Clinton is going to the White House.
The Republican Nominee is going back to his tower.
I am going to the poles.
Secretary Clinton is going to the White House.
The Republican Nominee is going back to his tower.
2
Good article, too bad about the ridiculous, trite illustration. Really, must try harder, Mr Wiseman.
1
Michelle's speech was the best one at both the Democratic and Republican Conventions.
4
GWB at the Dallas Funeral? How can you bring that up?
Although another illustration of the class and dignity that the Obamas restored to the White House, the former president was very undignified, acting like a buffon - leading many to surmise that he was drunk: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=caL6BrhmvEA
Although another illustration of the class and dignity that the Obamas restored to the White House, the former president was very undignified, acting like a buffon - leading many to surmise that he was drunk: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=caL6BrhmvEA
--------------------------------------
Before we go too far celebrating Michelle's speech and Trump's demise, just consider that 3 weeks is an eternity in politics.
People are already getting tired of the sexual assault scandals. Reporters will tire, readers are tiring, and soon, Wikileaks will take over the news cycle.
So far, it's been mostly pablum (and risotto tips), although earmarks of Haitian contracts for FOBs (friends of Bill) are disturbing. Her coziness with Wall Street while not unexpected is also unsettling. (Her words suggest that she sees the game being rigged as a problem of perception not her heartfelt concern or real belief.)
So, what happens when the sex scandals fade and something more devastating drops?! The election will close and the hoped for repudiation of Trump-- we desperately need Hillary at 50% and Trump smashed into the low 30%s-- may be yesterday's dream.
Let's hope it doesn't happen. The Clinton campaign needs to resurrect his failure as a businessman and highlight it, along with his ignorance and his temperament problem. Relying on the assaults and his misogyny will not be enough.
------------------------------------
Before we go too far celebrating Michelle's speech and Trump's demise, just consider that 3 weeks is an eternity in politics.
People are already getting tired of the sexual assault scandals. Reporters will tire, readers are tiring, and soon, Wikileaks will take over the news cycle.
So far, it's been mostly pablum (and risotto tips), although earmarks of Haitian contracts for FOBs (friends of Bill) are disturbing. Her coziness with Wall Street while not unexpected is also unsettling. (Her words suggest that she sees the game being rigged as a problem of perception not her heartfelt concern or real belief.)
So, what happens when the sex scandals fade and something more devastating drops?! The election will close and the hoped for repudiation of Trump-- we desperately need Hillary at 50% and Trump smashed into the low 30%s-- may be yesterday's dream.
Let's hope it doesn't happen. The Clinton campaign needs to resurrect his failure as a businessman and highlight it, along with his ignorance and his temperament problem. Relying on the assaults and his misogyny will not be enough.
------------------------------------
The astounding thing about this issue of Trump and women is that Clinton is leading Trump with American women by only 15%.
This number SHOULD be 50% instead.
Come on, ladies. Repudiate Trump, this racial and sexual bigot!
This number SHOULD be 50% instead.
Come on, ladies. Repudiate Trump, this racial and sexual bigot!
7
Mrs obama is hardly the standard bearer of excellence you portray her to be. Trump is a pig but she is not sweet Polly pure bread.
She and her husband routinely have rap artists perform at the White House whose lyrics commonly use the N word, speak of sexual violence toward women and supporting violence toward the police. One such pillar of excellence had his ankle alarm go off at the White House. Lovely role models for our kids.....write a song about misogyny and get applauded by Flotus.
I prefer my leaders to be more authentic on these important matters.
She and her husband routinely have rap artists perform at the White House whose lyrics commonly use the N word, speak of sexual violence toward women and supporting violence toward the police. One such pillar of excellence had his ankle alarm go off at the White House. Lovely role models for our kids.....write a song about misogyny and get applauded by Flotus.
I prefer my leaders to be more authentic on these important matters.
4
Michelle Obama said in her speech that were Mr. Trump elected we would be "telling our sons that its O.K. to humiliate women". Yet she and POTUS have invited several rappers to the white house whose vile and misogynist lyrics are unfit to print on this page. So it is fine to humiliate and degrade women if one fits into a certain cultural niche? The hypocrisy of it all sickens me.
3
Power? How could anyone ever forget Mrs. Obama's speech 7 years ago when she said, admitted, spoke and conceded that this moment (whatever it was is irrelevant) was the FIRST time in her whole entire life and existence of almost 50 years that she was proud of her country, proud of America, proud of this great nation. Think about that! A whole entire life of never being proud of ones country and she is our errr first lady! Four more months of her and then good riddance! America can do much better than a Saul Alinsky disciple as FLOTUS.
2
An incredible inspiring speech that speaks to us all. Makes us think to demand the right to live life without those incidents we move forward from, forget which happen to all women.
1
Michelle Obama is "horrified" by Trump's vulgar talk and relation to women. Didn't stop her from having J.Z. in the White House, though.
Hypocrisy can go little further...
Hypocrisy can go little further...
4
Thank you Mr. Bruni, I agree one hundred percent.
1
A wonderful speech - but what if, after all, Trump wins? Women who call themselves "conservative" are more likely to vote for a Misogynist than for a Democrat. There is no solid bock of "women's votes".
Michelle Obama has made us proud. So too has her man. But Frank B: take a look at yourself and your double standards. Clinton has made too many compromises and rococo calculations? Let me instruct you, Frank. Show me someone who has never compromised and never made a mistake, and I'll show you a purer-than-thou columnist who never did a dangerous thing, never stepped into the no-mans land of snipers and of heavy artillery.
4
Authenticity to progressive liberal Marxist Democrats is saying whatever might be expedient to win elections. The progressive liberal Marxist Democratic party is a disgrace to the USA.
Hillary is promising to destroy what is left of the Constitution. If the pendulum doesn't start swinging the other way, the USA will go the way of Obamacare.
Do yourself and your country a favor...Vote for Trump.
Hillary is promising to destroy what is left of the Constitution. If the pendulum doesn't start swinging the other way, the USA will go the way of Obamacare.
Do yourself and your country a favor...Vote for Trump.
1
I loved the comment that Bill Clinton made back in 2008 (or was it 2012) that Barack Obama had proven that he was extremely intelligent and had impeccable judgement when he showed the good sense to marry Michelle Obama!
5
With her countervailing argument, Michelle Obama forcefully demonstrated what Donald Trump has also been demonstrating: words matter. However, her words towered with moral suasion while his dripped with his vile entitlement.
You go, girl!
You go, girl!
3
Mrs. Obama is the yin of gracious class to Trump's yang of crass bluster. What a much needed breath of air.
1
All the years that I fought for women's rights were vindicated by Michelle's speeches. I feel enormous pride and a sense of "at last."
5
Spot on analysis regarding the First Lady. You know in my opinion, if anyone has a right to be a tad bit petty. It is Barack Obama.
2
Great column. Thank you President and Mrs. Obama. You make me proud to be an American.
6
Yes, FLOTUS is as authentic and appealing as it can get. That quaver in her voice connects with me, a white, male.
Michelle's voice is powerful and full throated, and Bruni says it well.
Michelle's voice is powerful and full throated, and Bruni says it well.
2
How phony her speech was. She's "shaken to her core" by Trump, but never said anything about Sen. Ted Kennedy.
If it wasn't for Kennedy, Obama wouldn't be president. Someone needs to remind Michelle that Ted Kennedy killed a woman.
But he's a Democrat who got her husband elected president. So he's cool.
If it wasn't for Kennedy, Obama wouldn't be president. Someone needs to remind Michelle that Ted Kennedy killed a woman.
But he's a Democrat who got her husband elected president. So he's cool.
4
Wonderful column! One thought...Bruni mentions the paranoia revealed in Hillary Clinton's emails. It might be noted that the amazing Michelle Obama's path was paved by Hillary Clinton and all the brave women like her who have struggled for years to have a voice and make a difference. If Hillary is a little paranoid at this point, there's darn good reason. Read Nicholas Kristof's column today to find out why.
4
I agree with everything you say about Michelle Obama's speech. Like many other comments below, however, I cannot agree with you about President Obama's comments in Ohio on Friday. His comments did not come from any shallow well of revenge. His comments came from his deep love of country and his obvious, yet justified, anger at what some active conservatives and many compliant Republicans have done over the past few decades to destroy this country.
11
thank you for this uplifting editorial. and yes please vote for the fine women running for congress.
4
What did I get out of my all-girl high school and college educations? Nuns were my teachers, most of the time. From high school: "Use your head"..."Think for yourself" and: "You don't like what's going on"? Do something about it"...
and from priest who taught Theology: "I love teaching girls. They pass on what they learn to future generations".
Thank you Michelle Obama, eloquent, sincere and a role model for the ages.
and from priest who taught Theology: "I love teaching girls. They pass on what they learn to future generations".
Thank you Michelle Obama, eloquent, sincere and a role model for the ages.
4
What amazes and scares me is that Trump still has nearly 40% support among all Americans and Clinton only leads women by 15%. At this pointing I would expect Trump's support to be less than 30% and Clinton's lead among women to be over 80%.
6
First Lady, elegant, eloquent, sincere, impressive American woman. First Lady represents the awesomeness of America. She has been vilified by the right wing, by the disgusting racism still existing in this country. She is impressively smart and wise not to engage in their destructive hate. First Lady is showing there is hope, yes we can to continue unifying our great nation, with liberty, happiness, economic freedom, and justice for all.
7
I applaud Michelle Obama's speech, but please don't dismiss President Obama's remarks. He is absolutely correct that the Republicans have been spewing crazy and false theories, and that Trump is the result of this behavior.
I have been making calls for Hillary. Yesterday I spoke to an undecided voter from coal country. This woman was polite and had good things to say about Hillary, and especially Bill Clinton. But she also believes that "Hillary left a man behind in Benghazi", and this worries her because her son is in the military.
I used to be angry at the voters, but now I understand how the vulnerable are being exploited by the Republicans, who have spewed so much misinformation that these voters don't know who to believe. I am absolutely furious at the Republican leadership and will do everything I can to remove them from power. They are just as much of a national disgrace as Trump is.
I have been making calls for Hillary. Yesterday I spoke to an undecided voter from coal country. This woman was polite and had good things to say about Hillary, and especially Bill Clinton. But she also believes that "Hillary left a man behind in Benghazi", and this worries her because her son is in the military.
I used to be angry at the voters, but now I understand how the vulnerable are being exploited by the Republicans, who have spewed so much misinformation that these voters don't know who to believe. I am absolutely furious at the Republican leadership and will do everything I can to remove them from power. They are just as much of a national disgrace as Trump is.
22
She DID leave four men behind in Benghazi
1
Of course Michelle Obama is amazing but so is her husband. They have been the best power couple example I can remember in politics. To chid Obama for saying the GOP in recent years as based on lies, based on hoaxes is also telling the truth that is important for Americans to hear. They haven't been hearing it from much media coverage which has made it appear that the gridlock in Washington has been created by both parties equally. The strategies of Lee Atwater and Karl Rove have cynically abandoned any concern for the welfare of the country in order to divide and conquer. Up till now it has been pretty successful. We should all be celebrating that Trump is the face of what Republicanism has become, and people are beginning to get it.
15
Michelle Obama would make a great Senator from...well, I sure would love it if they would move to Oregon. We have vote by mail, we have a lot of relaxing open spaces and plenty of need for reasoned champions of women's rights.
Sure, our present Senators are doing good work in the Senate, forgetting for the moment Senator Wyden's support of TPP, but if colleges can recruit, then so can the citizenry. After the utter disaster of the administration of the George W. Bush/Cheney team, the Obama's have been a wonder.
Just sayin'...the stress of dealing with a bitter Congress and a world lost in greed and the love of war must have been terrible. Come to Oregon and relax a bit, and in return, we get to enjoy having such a family that has acted with grace in the face of...well, a lot of hate and ignorance. And thanks for your willingness, Mrs. First Lady, to speak up when it really counts.
Hugh Massengill, Eugene
Sure, our present Senators are doing good work in the Senate, forgetting for the moment Senator Wyden's support of TPP, but if colleges can recruit, then so can the citizenry. After the utter disaster of the administration of the George W. Bush/Cheney team, the Obama's have been a wonder.
Just sayin'...the stress of dealing with a bitter Congress and a world lost in greed and the love of war must have been terrible. Come to Oregon and relax a bit, and in return, we get to enjoy having such a family that has acted with grace in the face of...well, a lot of hate and ignorance. And thanks for your willingness, Mrs. First Lady, to speak up when it really counts.
Hugh Massengill, Eugene
4
Yes, Tic Tacs. If you listen carefully to the tape, when he says he better take some, you can hear him shaking the little box of TicTacs. I like TicTacs and I know the sound of shaking them out into your hand. And in the ensuing seconds his voice sounds like someone chewing something, it's pretty easy to hear that. So he was getting ready in case Arianne Zucker presented herself in a way that gave him an opening.
4
I am not as frightened anymore that Trump will win the election. His defeat will not make him go away though. He and his cohorts will continue to stir up trouble after the election. It will take a while for them to crawl back into their holes.
8
That is how is supposed to work. So that power is not handed over to one branch of government. Although Obama has made some dictatorial presidential orders that have been borderline dictatorial.
1
@me
Are you referring to the presidential veto power Obama has???
Well of course he has had to employ it! -- how else could he get by a Republican-led Congress sworn to obstruct him since Day 1 of his administration????
Are you referring to the presidential veto power Obama has???
Well of course he has had to employ it! -- how else could he get by a Republican-led Congress sworn to obstruct him since Day 1 of his administration????
3
Frank, you have lost all objectivity to the point that you are a fawning follower.I remember when I looked forward to your columns and wonderful ability to write and make a difference. You and I, years ago, even exchanged email-I initiated-and you responded; in that email I complimented you. What happened?
Jim
Jim
1
Donald on Hillary: "She is the devil. It´s true." And the crowd cheered.
History is full of men associating evil with the female, designating the strong and non-compliant female.
In early 2008 a revelation of a man speaking in the Dr. King´s Church in Georgia, packed with aged civil rights veterans whose faces showed those impressive carvings as they can also only emerge with equal beauty in our canyons after being pained by countless merciless windstorms, left me me ablaze with hope.
In the meantime Piketty, McKibben and Sanders became my political heroes, but today I am humbled to be shown a blind spot.
2016 I again saw an audience lift a monumental speech to a higher level. Ushering in a new era of women empowerment I heard and saw Michelle Obama speak in New Hampshire.
It's like all those women like Harriet Tubman, Anita Hill, Gloria Steinem etc. didn't sacrifice and serve in vain and as if all the slow incremental change they brought is now amassing to a massive moment of change, a showtime where the girls finally show it them boys so rife with mature blessing, that the obstructionist complacent overconfident heartless disgusting and oh so resistant remnants of the patriarchy are finally crumbling down before our bright but often deeply saddened female eyes and our much too often really awfully ownership claiming male eyes.
Thank you Hillary for never giving up and standing strong as the lightning rod for all that male bigot hate.
Looking forward to a celebration.
History is full of men associating evil with the female, designating the strong and non-compliant female.
In early 2008 a revelation of a man speaking in the Dr. King´s Church in Georgia, packed with aged civil rights veterans whose faces showed those impressive carvings as they can also only emerge with equal beauty in our canyons after being pained by countless merciless windstorms, left me me ablaze with hope.
In the meantime Piketty, McKibben and Sanders became my political heroes, but today I am humbled to be shown a blind spot.
2016 I again saw an audience lift a monumental speech to a higher level. Ushering in a new era of women empowerment I heard and saw Michelle Obama speak in New Hampshire.
It's like all those women like Harriet Tubman, Anita Hill, Gloria Steinem etc. didn't sacrifice and serve in vain and as if all the slow incremental change they brought is now amassing to a massive moment of change, a showtime where the girls finally show it them boys so rife with mature blessing, that the obstructionist complacent overconfident heartless disgusting and oh so resistant remnants of the patriarchy are finally crumbling down before our bright but often deeply saddened female eyes and our much too often really awfully ownership claiming male eyes.
Thank you Hillary for never giving up and standing strong as the lightning rod for all that male bigot hate.
Looking forward to a celebration.
11
I often wondered how any woman could vote Republican. A woman who votes Republican is voting against her own self-interest and yet many are rabid Republicans. I've examined possible reasons, but, in the end, could it be that lunacy knows no gender?
Or could it be attributable to something almost unnoticeable, such as the minute difference of having an additional "L" in your name? The difference between "Michelle" and "Michele." One is Obama. The other, Bachmann, who, for anyone who has heard her speak, is missing more than an "L".
Or could it be attributable to something almost unnoticeable, such as the minute difference of having an additional "L" in your name? The difference between "Michelle" and "Michele." One is Obama. The other, Bachmann, who, for anyone who has heard her speak, is missing more than an "L".
7
Obama would not have been normalized without Michelle. He would not have won.
I can hear Hilary sometimes copying Michelles speech cadence. And then for not so much imitation as platiarism there was of course Melania
Michelle seems like a wonderful decent human being.
And BTW she has incredible personal style. She works her unusual face and body in incredible simple modern clothes. Copied by Sam Cam on down.
B. Obama clearly adores her. We all do.
I can hear Hilary sometimes copying Michelles speech cadence. And then for not so much imitation as platiarism there was of course Melania
Michelle seems like a wonderful decent human being.
And BTW she has incredible personal style. She works her unusual face and body in incredible simple modern clothes. Copied by Sam Cam on down.
B. Obama clearly adores her. We all do.
7
Michelle Obama. Octopus Slayer. 2024.
6
Misogyny will play midwife to history is a classic line and says it all.
7
Michelle Obama is the one who should be president of this country. She has a commanding presence, not only this country, but these world needs. It's too bad she is not the candidate for first woman president.
2
Here, here
1
It is very unfortunate and sad that a great party like GOP has chosen A man with no morality and character as their Presidential candidate. My teacher used to tell us in high school " if wealth is gone nothing gone, if health is gone something is gone and if character is gone every thing is gone" . For Trump and GOP everything is gone. Hillary will get the presdency on the platter.
7
You had a great teacher. I wish they would all say that.
4
I couldn't help but think, watching her speech, that Michelle Obama was thinking of the man she knows her husband to be - a man who has been reviled and slandered as no sitting president perhaps ever before, largely because of the color of their skins. And, by the way, much of this slander has come from the orange buffoon who is THIS CLOSE to becoming president himself. She knows her husband to be principled and decent, courageous and moral, and they have had to silently listen to the horrible way he has been talked about for eight years, right up to today.
Of course, she's a champion of all women and young girls. Of course, she sees the terrible possibilities looming in November. Of course, she's deeply aware of how much effort she and her husband have put into raising two fine young daughters.
But this speech also felt, to me, like the gates finally opening for her and all the emotions pouring out of having to endure the treatment she and her family have received. And even in the outpouring of emotions, her intelligence and dignity continued to be her shining grace.
Of course, she's a champion of all women and young girls. Of course, she sees the terrible possibilities looming in November. Of course, she's deeply aware of how much effort she and her husband have put into raising two fine young daughters.
But this speech also felt, to me, like the gates finally opening for her and all the emotions pouring out of having to endure the treatment she and her family have received. And even in the outpouring of emotions, her intelligence and dignity continued to be her shining grace.
20
What a beautiful article!
Perhaps genuine authenticity can breech the walls of this tragic and toxic pre-election horror.. How rewarding it would be.
Perhaps genuine authenticity can breech the walls of this tragic and toxic pre-election horror.. How rewarding it would be.
6
"She isn’t and won’t be running for anything."
Let's hope that turns out not to be true.
It's hard to imagine a more compelling, persuasive element of someone's humanity than the First Lady's impassioned but unsullied dignity.
Michelle 2028 !
Let's hope that turns out not to be true.
It's hard to imagine a more compelling, persuasive element of someone's humanity than the First Lady's impassioned but unsullied dignity.
Michelle 2028 !
2
Michelle Obama absolutely made a moving speech. However, the tapes, accusations, etc. against Trump are all from the past. The pendulum has shifted to such a state of "political correctness", that SNL skits from 10 years ago now air with "warnings". What was once acceptable conduct and behavior is now criticized, and punishable. I think it is grossly unfair to judge Donald Trump today for past behavior. Let's get back to focusing on the REAL issues plaguing this country TODAY! Clinton deleted emails are being leaked DAYS ago, and the media is focusing on incidents from 30 years ago...that are SUDDENLY remembered! Can you believe this?
1
Michelle Obama's speech should go down in Am. History for its importance. She has been the moral and articulate voice for today. How refreshing to see her walk the talk, "When they go low, we go high." Thanks for your excellent ed.
9
In response to Michelle Obama's truths - no more difficult to grasp than any of the self-evident truths that Americans hold dear - Michael Pence said he "could not understand the basis of her complaint". May he never be allowed to forget this and never live it down.
19
Michelle Obama makes us all proud to be Americans. Her lasting effect will be felt for years and I, for one, will miss her terribly when President Obama's term ends.
19
I'd love to believe that Michelle Obama's speech was heard by anyone other than an already-decided Clinton crowd. I hear Fox didn't air it.
11
It was on Fox several times
1
Megan Kelly ran it. Bill O'Reilly ran it, Maybe others.
1
Why assume that Michelle Obama will never run for elected office? The country needs people of her caliber and character and it increasingly looks like FLOTUS may become POTUS.
6
For years Hillary Clinton has been in the top ranks of 'most admired women' surveys. Michelle Obama has reached the top of those ranks more recently. I don't take those surveys, but I sure would vote for her if I did. That we have always had such ineffectual roles for the "First Lady" - mostly they pick a cause then try to achieve real change without any real power - will change with the election of a woman. Will the "First Husband" (or would that be "First Man"? Sounds foolish, doesn't. Yet we have for decades put it the other way... no bias there, eh?) settle for a thoroughly diminished role, and 'adopt a cause' like the president's spouse had had to for such a long time. I wonder if Bill Clinton, with all his baggage, can be 1/100th as effective as Michelle? She isn't a politician, she's not running for anything, but if she were I'd be proud to vote for her. The lady has uncommon common sense, and so much class.
5
Indeed, if Trump wins it will be because of election fraud perpetrated by Trump and his ilk.
5
Michelle Obama as a role model for black girls is surely a good thing.
But Michelle Obama as a role model for ALL girls - now that' going to have an enormous impact.
But Michelle Obama as a role model for ALL girls - now that' going to have an enormous impact.
6
Michelle Obama is a model for ALL humans.
4
Michelle Obama's eloquence and grace is the high point ot what is arguably the most despairing and frightening moments in our nation's political history.
If Trump loses, even if his loses by a landslide, I doubt that the First Lady's eloquence will staunch his inflammatory rhetoric or prevent his base from abandoning his insurrectionist threats. It's impossible for some of us to believe that when he loses this election, he will concede, pledge his support to the new administration and vow to work for a better America. Instead, we must judge him by his behavior and words: "lock her up;" "she has hate in her heart;" "this election is rigged;" "maybe the second amendment people can do something, I don't know".
Some supporters continue to physically assault those opposing him at demonstrations. Memeber of the media who've covered campaigns for years are for the firat time in their lives genuinely frightened by how they are threatened by his base.
Do we really believe Trump will go away quietly into that good night?
While we justifiably fear his victory, a bitter acidic loss by this man is also very, very frightening. I hope I'm wrong. Despots and tyrants rarely, if ever, exit graciously.
If Trump loses, even if his loses by a landslide, I doubt that the First Lady's eloquence will staunch his inflammatory rhetoric or prevent his base from abandoning his insurrectionist threats. It's impossible for some of us to believe that when he loses this election, he will concede, pledge his support to the new administration and vow to work for a better America. Instead, we must judge him by his behavior and words: "lock her up;" "she has hate in her heart;" "this election is rigged;" "maybe the second amendment people can do something, I don't know".
Some supporters continue to physically assault those opposing him at demonstrations. Memeber of the media who've covered campaigns for years are for the firat time in their lives genuinely frightened by how they are threatened by his base.
Do we really believe Trump will go away quietly into that good night?
While we justifiably fear his victory, a bitter acidic loss by this man is also very, very frightening. I hope I'm wrong. Despots and tyrants rarely, if ever, exit graciously.
19
In 1992, Bill Clinton promised us a "twofer." Barack Obama never did so, but we sure got one.
13
Money and being born with a silver spoon in your mouth cannot buy you class, grace, compassion and intelligence. At some level, DT knows that which explains his hatred for the Obamas. Too bad Donald, most us will take the qualities exmplified by the Obamas any day over your money.
17
First Lady Michelle Obama's speech last week provided much-needed catharsis and validation. Her voice trembled with righteous anger, and I am so grateful to her for that voice. She is a beautiful light in what has been an otherwise utterly demoralizing election year.
13
On election day, the 19th amendment people are going to do something about Donald Trump.
6
Michelle Obama is sensitive, eloquent and high class__that's why she'll never lower herself to run for public office.
Meanwhile back in the sewer, despite Trump's revealing himself as the devil incarnate this week, he is still only 7 points behind Hillary. Face the ugly truth: if there is a terrorist attack in this nation over the next three weeks, Trump could actually win.
So let's end the premature victory laps in the comments section and get out and vote!
www.newyorkgritty.net
Meanwhile back in the sewer, despite Trump's revealing himself as the devil incarnate this week, he is still only 7 points behind Hillary. Face the ugly truth: if there is a terrorist attack in this nation over the next three weeks, Trump could actually win.
So let's end the premature victory laps in the comments section and get out and vote!
www.newyorkgritty.net
6
Nice last line!
1
While her husband was historic, she was the woman who had never been proud of this country. Not a voice of importance. A weak voice. A shame.
Truth Teller: obviously you're not.
4
Michelle Obama's speech was powerful but, please, only she could give it precisely because she has not been "in the arena" of political battles as Hillary has for 30 years. What do you have against powerful women who actually exercise power?
5
The graphic of white stilettos that Melania wore at the last debate, squashing a teeny tiny Trump...Bravo!
10
Dear First Lady Obama,
Congrats on your stellar performance in the Ugly Campaign of 2016. As much as Trump needed no help in burying his chances of holding public office you came flying in like a super-hero to save the day. For the last eight years you kept a buttoned lip but now in the eleventh hour you realized this was a win-win opportunity for both you and the Clintons. Bill and Hillary owe you a great deal of gratitude. My only problem with your speech was that anyone who comments on Trump's actions or words is acknowledging that what he says demands a response. Michelle, I think you would have come off looking better saying nothing to his foolishness.
Congrats on your stellar performance in the Ugly Campaign of 2016. As much as Trump needed no help in burying his chances of holding public office you came flying in like a super-hero to save the day. For the last eight years you kept a buttoned lip but now in the eleventh hour you realized this was a win-win opportunity for both you and the Clintons. Bill and Hillary owe you a great deal of gratitude. My only problem with your speech was that anyone who comments on Trump's actions or words is acknowledging that what he says demands a response. Michelle, I think you would have come off looking better saying nothing to his foolishness.
3
I don't know what kind of news you're getting over there -- but Michelle Obama has been far from silent. She's just very judicious of what she says, and when she says it. Some people don't always search out the spotlight.
On the other hand, she has been very active behind the scenes in educating ths country in the power of good nutrition and how to behave with grace.
Another thing.
As the mother of two young daughters, she has every right to brand Donald Trump for the sexual predator he has already revealed himself as being.
On the other hand, she has been very active behind the scenes in educating ths country in the power of good nutrition and how to behave with grace.
Another thing.
As the mother of two young daughters, she has every right to brand Donald Trump for the sexual predator he has already revealed himself as being.
2
Great column. The first lady's speech reminded me of a quote from Gautama Buddha: "The gift of Truth excels all other gifts."
She does indeed have the gift of Truth.
She does indeed have the gift of Truth.
13
Sensational piece. Stellar work as always Mr. Bruni. You have kept me sane thru the madness.
7
In an election cycle that has been so rancorous and vicious, it is so nice to have a breath of fresh air from Michelle Obama. Thank you
19
I personally consider Michelle Obama's speech to be the beginning of The Countdown to the Election, that is, insuring Trump's overwhelming defeat November 8th, and his political banishment forever.
18
oh please. Michelle is unbearably sanctimonious. Bill Clinton took advantage of WH interns!
3
Barack and Michelle are having the last word. After years and years of hatred and ugliness that was birthed by the right wing, they have continuously taken the high road. It cannot have been easy, but for the most part, they stuck to it.
On a personal level, I find them deeply inspiring. But more important, history will give them their due, while shedding a very harsh light on those who so deceitfully tried to bring them down.
On a personal level, I find them deeply inspiring. But more important, history will give them their due, while shedding a very harsh light on those who so deceitfully tried to bring them down.
447
"Insults aren't badges of authenticity. They're evidence of rudeness and frequently cruel." How true and well put, Mr. Bruni. Trump represents all the people (in all political parties) who rationalize and excuse their cruel remarks and actions as being "authentic." Hence, they insist that people who are offended are thin-skinned or too politically correct, etc. There is no room for civility or empathy. Certainly the country is not moving towards more "perfect union."
10
Politics is messy - has always been. The personalities that inhabit the world of politics are not always the kind of humans we want representing us - but no system is perfect... it must function adequately within the restraining power of checks and balances. But what I find shocking is that in today's political arena in the nation, we are actually surprised to find one single human being who embodies simple decency and honesty. We cannot thank Michelle Obama enough.... The Welch-McCarthy exchange comes to mind: "You've done enough. Have you no sense of decency, sir, at long last? Have you left no sense of decency?"
Trump has no sense of decency... that he continues to have supporters is disturbing. We cannot thank Michelle Obama enough for giving us hope that there are still left people who can be moved to speak up and shake us so we do not let political reptiles get away with their misdeeds.
Trump has no sense of decency... that he continues to have supporters is disturbing. We cannot thank Michelle Obama enough for giving us hope that there are still left people who can be moved to speak up and shake us so we do not let political reptiles get away with their misdeeds.
26
How different it feels to hear words that are spoken with complete authenticity to uphold virtue, integrity, and decency. But there was more of that, we would have different leaders in this country and real progress for the common good. Thank you Michelle.
28
Michelle Obama never a politician was a successful lawyer then left all behind to support her Husband and never looked back. Raised two beautiful daughters .
But when the lady is on stage she has the power to reckon with. Even Melania Trump borrowed from her powerful speech in the Republican convention.
.
She remained silent when Trump brought the birther movement .
No other President was ever undermined or insulted that way but now the time has come to put Donald Trump an angry old man to where he belongs.
But when the lady is on stage she has the power to reckon with. Even Melania Trump borrowed from her powerful speech in the Republican convention.
.
She remained silent when Trump brought the birther movement .
No other President was ever undermined or insulted that way but now the time has come to put Donald Trump an angry old man to where he belongs.
37
Melania Trump didn't borrow. She stole. Plagiarism is theft.
5
Anne...I stand corrected.
1
The first lady is, and has always been, a class act. I am grateful that she has indeed "gone high" and chosen to fight a battle Hillary herself cannot wage. She breathes a critical warning and seriousness of what we are up against into a campaign that blurs the essence of why we vote and what we expect of our leaders. Hillary, I believe, will win. She is a very flawed candidate, with her history, her husband, her defensiveness, her always walking too close to the edge of propriety, of integrity, of ethics. But she is our last hope out of our national nightmare. And I will cast a vote for her, not based on her history thus far, even though she is eminently qualified, but with the hope that as a woman, a mother, and grandmother, she truly understands this moment in history, and what it will demand of her -- and that 4 years from now, I will look back with pride at having voted for her.
28
Michelle 2020?
I can remember standing on a jetty at the beach with my mother and brother when a jeep with two guys sped by and one of them made a wolf whistle at my mother because she was wearing a two piece outfit. My mother was probably 32 and an attractive woman. I was ten and did not understand why she clearly bristled at what I thought of as a kind of compliment. But I was ten! That was fifty years ago and this column reminded me of the incident. I am sure it was something my mother, a widow raising two sons in the 60s, did not give much more thought to because it was nothing out of the ordinary but it remains for me a symbol of all that she and countless other women have endured over time. I now fully understand why she bristled. I know I am just one of millions of men who thought of themselves as fully enlightened but now, thanks to the discussion over the past week, have a much deeper understanding of what women feel when they are objectified.
34
What a magnificent posture of our classy First Lady, Michelle Obama for exposing so clearly the pain, humiliation and suffering that women have been enduring in the hands of many men. What a perfect definition of a man who enjoys assaulting women; what a revelation of the true Donald Trump; the “Casanovas” who see women as objects to be used to satisfy their sexual needs; just looking to get off.
We all have unique feeling and different interests. We shouldn’t condemn decent people for having casual sex or for experimenting in search for true love. What we should condemn are the “Trumps” that habit this world looking for women in a metaphorically “predatory” abusive manner when they go hunting like wild animals to catch women.
Thank you to our First Lady; your superb speech will be inscribed in our history.
We all have unique feeling and different interests. We shouldn’t condemn decent people for having casual sex or for experimenting in search for true love. What we should condemn are the “Trumps” that habit this world looking for women in a metaphorically “predatory” abusive manner when they go hunting like wild animals to catch women.
Thank you to our First Lady; your superb speech will be inscribed in our history.
27
Michelle and Barak Obama deserve the respect and gratitude of Americans and citizens of the world for their intelligence, dignity and grace under the circumstances manufactured by the GOP to undermine his presidency, the thinly veiled racism now in the open with their odious nominee. Trump is the natural conclusion to decades of dog whistle politics.
Michelle Obama is fierce and fearless. Her righteous wrath is no less than Trump deserves. Although she says she has had enough of politics and is anxious to return to private life, I can see many talking about her becoming the first female African-American President.
Michelle Obama is fierce and fearless. Her righteous wrath is no less than Trump deserves. Although she says she has had enough of politics and is anxious to return to private life, I can see many talking about her becoming the first female African-American President.
43
Judy, the Mlllenials are talking about your last point; they have hope that she will run in the future.
I pray that this ugly political season driven by Trump will be a good lesson for all Americans and especially our politicians. Regardless of our political positions we must stand together as Americans. Sadly, Trump has caused greater divide among us.
I don't agree with Pence or Romney on most political positions but I respect these decent men and now appreciate more than ever that they at least comport themselves as men worthy of the office of POTUS. Trump will degrade the office and the American people.
I don't agree with Pence or Romney on most political positions but I respect these decent men and now appreciate more than ever that they at least comport themselves as men worthy of the office of POTUS. Trump will degrade the office and the American people.
7
Please check out Pence's history as congressman and as governor. He is clearly a homophobe and a misogynist. Don't let his cool businessman appearance and evangelical claptrap fool you. He really has a black heart.
2
No matter the outcome in November, the Office of President has been forever sullied, and for which no amount of eloquence from FLOTUS can compensate. Hillary Clinton is one of the most disingenuous politicians I've ever heard or seen, and she acts only out of unbridled ambition. On the other hand, Donald Trump is the most disingenuous person I've heard or seen, and he acts out of almost pathological need for attention. He plays out and preys on the irrational fears of millions of Americans in desperate need of feeling secure in their own country, and hoping to experience the economic revival of those benefiting from globalization. So, reluctantly I will cast a ballot for Mrs. Clinton on Nov. 8th!
7
No offense. But if you think: "Hillary Clinton is one of the most disingenuous politicians" you have ever seen ... you obviously haven't seen that many.
But at least you recognize Donald Trump for what he is, and are voting accordingly.
But at least you recognize Donald Trump for what he is, and are voting accordingly.
4
Please Michelle, run for public office. Or better yet, consider an appointment to Hillary's cabinet.
13
TB: I think Michelle wants a break from politics to be appointed by Hillary to a cabinet post, but she might surprise us.
They say it takes one to know one, so who better to take down an angry racist like Trump than another angry racist like Michelle Obama? They have so much in common: two people who somehow got way further in life than their intellect or temperament should have taken them (both Ivy Leaguers who, when reading her Princeton paper or hearing either talk, show they're just not that bright), who are quick to blame others (and especially racism) for their own inadequacies, and who have leveraged media to get more of the attention they crave despite not really deserving it. Oh, it really is just too rich.
6
Karma.
17
When will celebrate HRC for bearing the burden of being first lady to be the first nominee and hopefully the first woman President. All the women we might have "preferred", are waiting for their time, which could only from HRC willingness to put in her time.
WE are blessed with a powerful combination of eloquence, strength, wisdom and ideas.
WE are blessed with a powerful combination of eloquence, strength, wisdom and ideas.
49
For Philip in NJ:
The woman you are praising is the late Eleanor Roosevelt, not HRC. The USA will have to wait for a female President who is a credit to her nation. Hillary doesn't make the cut.
When the ostrich puts its head in the sand, his tush presents a perfect target. Don't minimize Hillary's shortcomings. It's not what intelligent people do.
The woman you are praising is the late Eleanor Roosevelt, not HRC. The USA will have to wait for a female President who is a credit to her nation. Hillary doesn't make the cut.
When the ostrich puts its head in the sand, his tush presents a perfect target. Don't minimize Hillary's shortcomings. It's not what intelligent people do.
Mrs. Roosevelt IS a lovely candidate to join a long line of women who supported their husband's ambition with out fault or flaw that we know of or disapprove. There are few who exceed her contribution. But is Mrs. Roosevelt THE role model for the women of 2020 and beyond?
Make a list of faults and flaws for HRC, there are many because she never backed down and never gave up. Celebrate her errors and teach them to the next generation of women and men who we hope will make different mistakes as they pursue their goals and ambitions, hopefully with us in mind.
Make a list of faults and flaws for HRC, there are many because she never backed down and never gave up. Celebrate her errors and teach them to the next generation of women and men who we hope will make different mistakes as they pursue their goals and ambitions, hopefully with us in mind.
Mrs. Obama is the epitome of Intellectual acuity, grace, class, modern cool, and a powerful Black FLOTUS! She is a natural woman.
56
Ms. Obama is well-educated and very intelligent. She has been pressed into service as First Lady to save a "candidate overboard,"
However, HRC is incapable of being an effective President. Ms. Obama is promoting another very intelligent woman. Her endorsement is like a rose promoting a skunk cabbage. Wasted words, sadly.
However, HRC is incapable of being an effective President. Ms. Obama is promoting another very intelligent woman. Her endorsement is like a rose promoting a skunk cabbage. Wasted words, sadly.
Michelle has made a great FLOTUS and will make a great POTUS soon
1
Remember when the President sang Al Green's "Let's Stay Together" to her from his lectern a few years ago? He surely knows the prize he has.
1
I am an almost 92 yr.old white person, born in Miss. and grew up in S.C. I was well versed in the white supremacy and racism that seared my soul as a child. Never did I think I would see s Black couple in the White House. Now that it has happened we've experienced one of the finest human families ever to occupy the White House. It will be a long time before we experience the likes of them gain.
I am very proud of them. They will be sorely missed.
I am very proud of them. They will be sorely missed.
68
A spectacular piece!
5
It always bolsters my hope that there is justice in the universe when a good person is rewarded by finding love with another good person. Michelle and Barack Obama are each other's reward.
I was awed by the power of Michelle Obama's speech. She gave voice to all who have suffered such assaults in silence. She voiced the deep, life-long pain these assaults inflict on their victims. Her voice trembled with outrage, carrying the outrage every decent person feels that Trump has done what he has done, so many times to so many women, and that even though he bragged about it on tape, still he has gotten away with it.
politicsbyeccehomo.wordpress.com
I was awed by the power of Michelle Obama's speech. She gave voice to all who have suffered such assaults in silence. She voiced the deep, life-long pain these assaults inflict on their victims. Her voice trembled with outrage, carrying the outrage every decent person feels that Trump has done what he has done, so many times to so many women, and that even though he bragged about it on tape, still he has gotten away with it.
politicsbyeccehomo.wordpress.com
16
There is little that is less appealing than a woman who depends of her mate for her success.
3
So you basically despise the role of First Lady, because playing a public role is part of the deal. Were you just as disgusted every time Nancy Reagan opened her mouth because nobody would have listened to her opinions were her husband not the President?
Generally, American First Ladies become famous due to their husbands. In recent decades, they have also had their own careers: Nancy Reagan, Laura Bush, Michelle Obama. Hillary Clinton was excoriated so badly for keeping her maiden name--a.k.a., not relying on her husband for her success--that she had to bend to tradition and take the name Clinton to mollify the people who vilified her.
How has Michelle depended on her husband for her success? She had her own successful career, which she gave up to move with her husband into the White House when he became President. What else would you have her do? Divorce him so she wouldn't "depend" on him?
Generally, American First Ladies become famous due to their husbands. In recent decades, they have also had their own careers: Nancy Reagan, Laura Bush, Michelle Obama. Hillary Clinton was excoriated so badly for keeping her maiden name--a.k.a., not relying on her husband for her success--that she had to bend to tradition and take the name Clinton to mollify the people who vilified her.
How has Michelle depended on her husband for her success? She had her own successful career, which she gave up to move with her husband into the White House when he became President. What else would you have her do? Divorce him so she wouldn't "depend" on him?
12
"Rococo calculations" describing Hillary' ways of acting. That's just about the best thing I've read about her. A virtuoso piece of writing. The essence of Hillary in two words.
Thank you, Frank!
Thank you, Frank!
8
Thank you Mr. Bruni for this article
As a female (with a good brain,lots of stamina, endurance) As a self-made person, self-supporting female --withhold-fashioned principles) who did not use her female foxy looks in any way whatsoever in the work world.....I am most grateful to the first lady for her words that solidify my belief that my work and personal life conduct were carried the right way.
I am trying to send Michelle a thank you message--either internet or written.
As a female (with a good brain,lots of stamina, endurance) As a self-made person, self-supporting female --withhold-fashioned principles) who did not use her female foxy looks in any way whatsoever in the work world.....I am most grateful to the first lady for her words that solidify my belief that my work and personal life conduct were carried the right way.
I am trying to send Michelle a thank you message--either internet or written.
16
Absolutely riveted by the power passion of that personal walk she took us on. A detour from the political arena to check if we are carbon or silicone after all. On a human level she body checked him with truth and light. So totally honest and uncontived reminding us not to drive by the accident sight but get out of our car and do triage. Not support or tolerate his ilk in any way, the crowd came totally alive by midpoint with screams to preach it sister, it was like that.
22
"Authentic" is a ridiculous word to describe an intelligent, poised, woman who can speak her mind sharply, eloquently.
Please throw away this overused, silly word.
Please throw away this overused, silly word.
8
I think you just defined "authentic."
2
I must say, over the last 8 years FLOTUS has just hit it out of the park over and over and over.
In 2008 I was blah in my impression of her. But the woman has not had a significant mis-step in 8 years, and has been smart, gracious, gorgeous, elegant, brilliant, appropriate, eloquent, authentic, warm, funny and downright amazing.
Wish she was in my book club.
And my speedwalking crew.
And shopped at my farmers' market.
And used my library.
How cool it would be to bump into some like her in the nabe.
Brains, beauty and courage.
FLOTUS ROCKS.
I will miss her.
In 2008 I was blah in my impression of her. But the woman has not had a significant mis-step in 8 years, and has been smart, gracious, gorgeous, elegant, brilliant, appropriate, eloquent, authentic, warm, funny and downright amazing.
Wish she was in my book club.
And my speedwalking crew.
And shopped at my farmers' market.
And used my library.
How cool it would be to bump into some like her in the nabe.
Brains, beauty and courage.
FLOTUS ROCKS.
I will miss her.
42
Once again, I am shocked by the racism and cruelty of the New York Times' visual picture accompanying this article. My parents were lifelong Democrats supporting the Kennedy and Johnson administrations and the Civil Rights movement. However in racist Republican Texas they were both abused by racist black and hispanic and white Republicans in nursing homes and hospitals. My mother after she supported Obama for presidency was murdered by her hispanic aides who left her window open in freezing weather when she had pneumonia which brought on her decline which eventually killed her. The image of Michelle Obama wearing a white shoe which she uses to step on a white male like Donald Trump is not acceptable to me as someone who has experienced racists of all colors abusing people in Texas nursing homes and hospitals to vent their various angers on paralyzed white elderly people. By encouraging racist shoe stomping, your paper is just as violent as Communist Totalitarian states and their brutality. Both Fascism and Communism, the far left and the far right are equally disgusting and we should reject the dehumanization of both these cruel and often racist extremes. All people are sacred and created equal by their Creator according to Jefferson which is why we have human rights even for people we dislike or for criminals. No one should be treated as less than human, a bug to smash or dirt or garbage or disease or trash or germs or furniture to be cleaned up or eaten.
9
@Phoenicia - so, a black shoe would be acceptable to you? Or not? And as for "No one should be treated as less than human" - do you have the same anger towards Trump for his mistreatment of women, minorities and people who worked for him?
1
POTUS and FLOTUS, how I will miss you come January.
Even after Mrs Clinton takes the oath of office, I hope neither of you disappear from view. You have too much class and grace. You need to re-teach our fellow americans how one conducts oneself.
Even after Mrs Clinton takes the oath of office, I hope neither of you disappear from view. You have too much class and grace. You need to re-teach our fellow americans how one conducts oneself.
57
PREZ Obama stated this past week that he isn't going anywhere once his presidency is over with. Good News!
1
" Those hacked John Podesta emails suggest that she doesn’t blink until a sprawling committee of Clinton whisperers has hashed out the wisdom of it."
Or, to put it another way, she doesn't react compulsively; she takes time to think issues through.
Exactly the opposite of Trump's GOP enablers.
Or, to put it another way, she doesn't react compulsively; she takes time to think issues through.
Exactly the opposite of Trump's GOP enablers.
58
Michelle for President!
11
I was thinking the same thing, or as someone above mentioned, a cabinet post.
Michelle is magnificent, never more so than in her speech on Thursday. "Misogyny will play midwife to history" — a beautiful sentence.
42
She spoke from experience as a woman and she is a class act. So proud that she is our First Lady.
12
'She isn't and won't be running for anything,' you say?
I would not be so sure. Michelle Obama sure looks Presidential to me; and is without question orders of magnitude more thoughtful, measured, knowledgable and competent than the GOP candidate for President in this election. I doubt anyone can find any skeletons in the closet that could be used to derail a Michelle Obama political campaign.
If Ms. Obama were on the ticket in 2020 or 2024, she'd get my vote in a heartbeat.
I would not be so sure. Michelle Obama sure looks Presidential to me; and is without question orders of magnitude more thoughtful, measured, knowledgable and competent than the GOP candidate for President in this election. I doubt anyone can find any skeletons in the closet that could be used to derail a Michelle Obama political campaign.
If Ms. Obama were on the ticket in 2020 or 2024, she'd get my vote in a heartbeat.
8
@chambolle. "I doubt anyone could find any skeletons in the closet that could derail a Michelle Obama campaign." Hillary Clinton's experience should demonstrate to you that Republicans don't need to "find" skeletons. They simply invent them. Your comment grossly underestimates the right wing capacity for fabrication. That said, I'd work my fingers to the bone to get Michelle Obama elected to any office of her choosing.
1
Michelle Obama has about as much voting influence as I do. No one with an intellect above 75 cares about what she says. Particularly after she charmed us all by saying she was finally proud to be an American.
2
Perhaps Melania Trump can repeat Michelle Obama's New Hampshire speech on election night.
5
Yeah she's authentic. Her pastor Rev Wright preached from his pulpit that Bill Clinton was "ridin dirty." In 2008 she said Hillary Clinton couldn't take care of her own house, how could she take care of the White House. She holds Jay Z and Beyoncé as role models, and invited worse rappers to the White House, yet she's shocked to her core about Trump,
In the real world, that would be hypocritical not authentic.
In the real world, that would be hypocritical not authentic.
5
My fantasy-prediction: while Hillary is serving out her 2 terms as the 1st female POTUS with Bill as the 1st First Gentleman ex-POTUS, Michelle Obama will run for Senate and win and serve her 2 terms and then run for and be elected as the first, female minority POTUS with Barack as the 1st minority First Gentleman ex-President.
And they all lived happily ever after. The end.
And they all lived happily ever after. The end.
5
I have a feeling that if Michele Obama decided to run for president, she would win in a complete landslide no matter who the republicans picked to run against her. Who could beat her.? Luckily for her family I dont think she has those ambitions, but we can dream. I know that whatever she does when they leave the White House she will do with dignity and success.
7
Bruni captures the purity, the elegance, the grace, the power of Michelle Obama. She makes me proud to share the stage of humanity, even as Trump leaves me cringing.
Doug Matthews
Brea, California
Doug Matthews
Brea, California
13
Everything you say Mr. Bruni here is true and on point. And yet 37 percent oof women and more than half of men can not hear it. She is a black woman just like the honorable Anita Hill and that makes her words and honesty irrelevant to them, either that or they have sacrificed their honor to a political agenda or fall back on false equivalencies between Hillary or Trump. Our society has a long way to go before it can lift its head honorably or be respected around the world. Women are abused around the world, but our voice means nothing if we can not clean up our moral conscience at home.
9
Why in an op-ed about a woman's power/influence does the NYT use a pair of high heels as the graphic?
11
I agree that this graphic is inappropriate. It plays into the the rhetoric that strong women hate men and want to destroy them.
If you aren't listening to the right say that women who stand up to unfairness are man-haters you might miss the significance.
If you aren't listening to the right say that women who stand up to unfairness are man-haters you might miss the significance.
9
The Republican party must be wondering why Trump got through the primaries when everyone knew what he was. Their ability to expose the next con man who pretends to be able to stand up to a real Presidential candidate will determine whether they ever control the Executive branch again. Trump is a mean spirited bully with nothing but fear to sell, and against Hillary he is out of his league.
7
Listening to Michelle Obama inspires me to think that our next two presidents will be former first ladies. What heart. What eloquence. Superb!
7
Nzirler:
Michelle Obama is too savvy to become a politician. Her gifts are better spent in arenas where she can make a difference. Political life is a trip through a mud fight...and nothing improves. She knows this.
Michelle Obama is too savvy to become a politician. Her gifts are better spent in arenas where she can make a difference. Political life is a trip through a mud fight...and nothing improves. She knows this.
Frank:
Bravo! Someone finally said something about KellyAnne Conroy, to whom I have emailed the same question at least a dozen times:"How can you sleep at night?" How will she justify her actions to her children? To herself? She is utterly revolting, transparently manipulative, incapable of telling the truth, and frozen faced even as she lies into the camera. She is deplorably irredeemable for having sold her soul for money- she simply must realize what a catastrophe he is!
Bravo! Someone finally said something about KellyAnne Conroy, to whom I have emailed the same question at least a dozen times:"How can you sleep at night?" How will she justify her actions to her children? To herself? She is utterly revolting, transparently manipulative, incapable of telling the truth, and frozen faced even as she lies into the camera. She is deplorably irredeemable for having sold her soul for money- she simply must realize what a catastrophe he is!
22
I suspect Frank admires Michelle a lot. How can I tell?
Well, let her run for our 2nd woman pres in 2020! Wow. Something to look fwd to, to wipe out the ugly memories of 2016.
I like the phrase, Clinton's rococo calculation---yes, overly elaborated. What's really behind it? We'll find out after she's elected!
And Kellyanne--- "how creatively she can gin up distractions and how subtle an expression — by turns bemused and beatific — she can wear."
She's a real professional--as a political marketer. No one is more dolled up on TV. And few believe a word she says----even when she says 'and and the'!
Well, let her run for our 2nd woman pres in 2020! Wow. Something to look fwd to, to wipe out the ugly memories of 2016.
I like the phrase, Clinton's rococo calculation---yes, overly elaborated. What's really behind it? We'll find out after she's elected!
And Kellyanne--- "how creatively she can gin up distractions and how subtle an expression — by turns bemused and beatific — she can wear."
She's a real professional--as a political marketer. No one is more dolled up on TV. And few believe a word she says----even when she says 'and and the'!
5
Where is the authentic power of Michelle Obama when it comes to expressing an outrage at the millions of victims of terrorism including Muslim women, men and children who either have died or have had to endure bombardment, rape, beheading and devastation that resulted in epic migration in recent memory from their once stable homeland in the cradle of civilization? I wish I could say USA had nothing to do with it and be done with but that would not be true. Our flawed foreign policy with emphasis of regime change and arming of rebels in some countries and propping up regimes in others under George W. Bush and Gen Powell duo followed by Obama Clinton duo has to bear the responsibility of the misery that has been caused to our fellow human beings. Michelle O was right to help her husband to crush Hillary in 2008 and stop her in her path to the white house. Now there is even greater reason to do the same but there is nothing in it for her. There is no comparison to the nonsense of Trump in the bus, the alleged handy work of Trump on women and the colossal misery that has been caused to Muslims in this century by the foreign policy under presidents Bush and Obama. With Obamacare being called the craziest system in the world by an ex-president Bill Clinton and the cradle of civilization rocked by violence, the Obama legacy is reduced to only a handful of accomplishments. There would include better relations with Cuba, the Iran deal and the strategic partnership with India
7
Bill Clinton's comment is a bit out of context. I am sure Obama would agree that if you were designing a system from scratch, the Affordable Care Act would indeed be a crazy way to do it, but as a compromised tweak to the existing system, it was probably the only way to get more people covered in today's political climate. And it barely got passed. For its many flaws, millions of people now have health coverage who didn't before and nobody can be dropped or denied coverage for a pre existing condition. I'd say that's a pretty big accomplishment that should not be dismissed so flippantly. It's literally life and death for a great many people. Social Security was a very different program in its early years. It hardly covered anyone, but it was improved over many years.
1
So Michelle has moved off the fashion pages and out of the expensive resorts and finally said something after eight years. She had to as Hillary is afraid to discuss the Trump sex scandals for fear her husband's sexual misconduct will come up. Bottom line, according to the most recent Washington Post poll the scandal had no effect on Trump's numbers - which are just four points below Hillary with a margin of error of plus/minus four. The whole thing backfired on the Democrats - way to go Michelle.
3
If you haven't heard Michelle Obama over the last 8 years you haven't been listening. Or maybe more likely you don't want to hear a voice that doesn't agree with your own world view. Although that is admittedly a common failing in our current polarized political society, if you can't imagine the viewpoint of American women who vote, start and manage businesses, educate our citizenry, and hire employees you will remain shocked forever. Not to mention uneducated and unemployed.
Women understand that Bill Clinton is not running for President, Hillary is. You choose to ignore the female candidate in front of you and deal with her husband instead. This sounds all to common to women. We're done with it. Learn to live with the world as it is or you can expect to be outside the conversation.
Women understand that Bill Clinton is not running for President, Hillary is. You choose to ignore the female candidate in front of you and deal with her husband instead. This sounds all to common to women. We're done with it. Learn to live with the world as it is or you can expect to be outside the conversation.
2
When I listen to Michelle Obama speak, I become a better person.
When we listen to Michelle Obama speak, we become a better nation.
Thank you Michelle.
When we listen to Michelle Obama speak, we become a better nation.
Thank you Michelle.
594
Thanks so much Robert!
Michelle Obama is uniquely positioned to summon the better angels among all of us, and she did so in that extraordinary, heartfelt, poignant and compelling speech, during which she utterly eviscerated the vulgar, ignorant juvenile boor nominated by the GOTPower uber alles brigade. She is class and grace personified - everything the GOTP POTUS candidate has never been, and will never be. President Obama, for the record, has every right in the world to "revel in his revenge," considering how graciously he has dealt with the unspeakably vicious, racist, nullification initiative launched by the GOTP the very eve of his first inauguration - many of us would say that this brilliant, deft verbal revenge is long overdue and was richly earned. Our first family will be sorely missed, and whatever they choose to do after President Obama's term concludes, they will enrich the nation and the world with their grace, intelligence, deft humor and class.
12
A very fine column about one of the finest Americans there is. Her mother is a class act, too! And I suspect that even if her husband were still in the Illinois legislature she would be speaking this way among friends, presented with such an awful situation. Aren't we lucky we elected him, so we could also have her! Beautiful, smart, but above all caring . . . .
11
Let's hear it for Barack Obama as First Gentleman in eight years as Michelle becomes our next woman President. Isn't all you describe about her what we really need leading this nation?
Hillary needs to clarify to those Republican believers in the North Carolina HB2 (Hate Bill 2 - Bathroom law) who use as a "pretext" for it the vile and creepy guy they imagine in their nightmares entering girls bathrooms, locker rooms and changing rooms - that the creepy vile guy they imagine is Trump. He should be the reason for that bill; a bill that needs to be changed to guard against the predatory Trumps of this world - not those merely looking to use the facilities they feel most relatable and secure to them.
Trump treats everyone - not just women - atrociously. However it is the women for which he saves his worst, cruel and dehumanizing treatment of all.
Hillary needs to clarify to those Republican believers in the North Carolina HB2 (Hate Bill 2 - Bathroom law) who use as a "pretext" for it the vile and creepy guy they imagine in their nightmares entering girls bathrooms, locker rooms and changing rooms - that the creepy vile guy they imagine is Trump. He should be the reason for that bill; a bill that needs to be changed to guard against the predatory Trumps of this world - not those merely looking to use the facilities they feel most relatable and secure to them.
Trump treats everyone - not just women - atrociously. However it is the women for which he saves his worst, cruel and dehumanizing treatment of all.
3
Terrific piece on a terrific speech.
6
Michelle Obama has class, authenticity, passion, and integrity. Trump has none of these attributes and his wealth means nothing. She will always hold the high ground in any comparison with him.
13
Yes. Michelle Obama gave the speech that Hillary could not.
2
"Those hacked John Podesta emails suggest that [Hillary] doesn’t blink until a sprawling committee of Clinton whisperers has hashed out the wisdom of it."
Huh? Those emails reveal campaign staffers doing their JOB. Their job is to think about and discuss EVERYTHING that might effect the campaign. That's what campaign staffers are hired to do.
What, you thought those emails were Hillary's thoughts? That they reflected her own personal decision-making process? How naive.
Honestly, it's to Hillary's credit that she hired such diligent, effective people. If that's the kind of staffer she chooses as president, fewer mistakes will be made and America will benefit.
Huh? Those emails reveal campaign staffers doing their JOB. Their job is to think about and discuss EVERYTHING that might effect the campaign. That's what campaign staffers are hired to do.
What, you thought those emails were Hillary's thoughts? That they reflected her own personal decision-making process? How naive.
Honestly, it's to Hillary's credit that she hired such diligent, effective people. If that's the kind of staffer she chooses as president, fewer mistakes will be made and America will benefit.
21
@Bert. Thank you. Why is this so obvious to you and me and so seemingly lost on the normally insightful Frank Bruni?
I love our president so much I'd like to vote for him again. Since I can't, I will definitely be voting for Hillary. In a few years I'd like to vote for Michelle. There are good things to come from her in the future. She is indeed awesome.
12
Michelle Obama might have been the right person for THIS speech, but I don't think Hillary Clinton should be silent. She should speak, the truth about what she has endured, as a humilated spouse, the treatment she has received over the years, and how hard it is to keep your head up and move forward. It ain't easy, and she deserves to speak to that to all of us. You might be surprised, she might move a lot of people in a positive way.
10
Great column, and I love the illustration that accompanies it, of a woman's high heel crushing a little man with a tiny tuft of yellow hair. Brilliant.
7
Can you imagine the satisfaction President Obama must feel seeing the decline of the opposition? His "I told you so " moment was well overdue after 8 years of the treatment by his opponents: "Our goal is to make him a one-term president", "His ideas are dead on arrival" "He's not an American".....I think he still shows grace under fire and does not give the bombastic attacks we see so often in the political races at ALL levels.
18
It seems appropriate that the Republicans are beaten by a women this go around. Eight years from now maybe a ?
I prefer the President’s swamp of crazies narrative. When your political strategy is focused on validating racist, xenophobic, misogynist sociopaths, Donald Trump is the inevitable outcome. Donald Trump is not the disease; he is the symptom. The Republican Party is he disease.
22
I don't know how anybody with a mother, wife, daughters, or sisters can vote for Trump, the octopus-in-chief wannabe.
9
Thank God for this classy woman, in the muck of this campaign. I believe Trump musyt not be just a loser, but must be repudiated soundly.
7
Thank you for this column, and thank you, Michelle Obama for that tremendous speech. You spoke for all of us who denounce Trump's amoral, horrible behaviour and venomous talk.
It's been terrifying to see the national conversation sink to the gutter, and to think this disgusting man might hold the power of the presidency.
Michelle Obama, you lifted our sights back up. We admire and love you!
It's been terrifying to see the national conversation sink to the gutter, and to think this disgusting man might hold the power of the presidency.
Michelle Obama, you lifted our sights back up. We admire and love you!
8
Terrific column! I just added this line to my email signature:
"Misogyny will play midwife to history. "
"Misogyny will play midwife to history. "
8
Michelle Obama has always been authentic, intelligent and compassionate. It has taken some Americans, mainly White people, a while to acknowledge what many African American woman (myself included) knew all along. Michelle speaks truth to power every time she opens her mouth and we are better for it.
12
Oh my gosh. Is it the secret Geopolitical Organization of Women that is conspiring to take down Trump? One can only hope.
7
Thanks for this thoughtful analysis.
And thank you, beloved Michelle for all you give to all of us.
And thank you, beloved Michelle for all you give to all of us.
11
Oh Michelle Obama has power all right. She has fleeced the U.S. taxpayer for eight years with over thirty attendants along with flying them all over the world. And taxpayers paid for it. If Trump shakes her core, Bill Clinton, the rapist, must bury her.
1
The more the Donald's talk buries him, the more a question keeps niggling at me. Has anyone ever heard anything about his mother? Did he have one? Did she skulk off into the twilight when she realized he was becoming his father? I only ask because it is hard for me to believe that any mother's son can be so disgustingly rude and ignorant of the need to respect other beings, let alone women. Thank god for Michelle Obama, who clearly has had a wonderful mother and father and a childhood imbued with grace and kindness.
12
I wish women could dispose of him but The lucky sperm Donald is a level of narcissist that only death can dispose of. He will force himself on to the American psyche most likely using Fox News or a new alternative reality media company. Argh.
5
I will excuse the equivalences scattered throughout this Op-Ed because of the high and deserved praise of Michelle Obama.
But I cannot let your criticism of Mrs. Clinton go unanswered. Of course she has a committee of advisers and speech writers working with her. Donald Trump would do well to get himself some and then do as they suggest.
But Michelle Obama is not a candidate for any office at this time. She can operate pretty much with a handful of advisers and writers. But for all we know the speech you admire (and I agree) could have passed through multiple hands and multiple revisions. If the e-mails exchanged in that process were made public there could well be criticism even of Mrs. Obama for things she said "in confidence".
Do you get it? All the things being revealed about Mrs. Clinton through the Wiki-leaks documents only show a group of serious people trying to build a serious campaign to elect a serious politician to do a serious and important job. And all you guys can see is "politics" at work. What in heaven's name do you expect to find?
But I cannot let your criticism of Mrs. Clinton go unanswered. Of course she has a committee of advisers and speech writers working with her. Donald Trump would do well to get himself some and then do as they suggest.
But Michelle Obama is not a candidate for any office at this time. She can operate pretty much with a handful of advisers and writers. But for all we know the speech you admire (and I agree) could have passed through multiple hands and multiple revisions. If the e-mails exchanged in that process were made public there could well be criticism even of Mrs. Obama for things she said "in confidence".
Do you get it? All the things being revealed about Mrs. Clinton through the Wiki-leaks documents only show a group of serious people trying to build a serious campaign to elect a serious politician to do a serious and important job. And all you guys can see is "politics" at work. What in heaven's name do you expect to find?
29
About the wiki leaks email...I am sure we all have written something in an email or two that we would not want to be revealed publicly. And, we presume they are confidential. The hacked wiki-leak emails indeed, need to be viewed through the prism of politics. As politicians they were having dialogue asking questions on policies, attitudes, beliefs, comportment etc. That is their job as political staffers and operatives. What's more taking a line or two out of context is more often than not misleading.
6
Who knew, or could have predicted a year ago, that sexism and sexual assault would be the defining issue of the 2012 campaign?
6
We are blessed to have such an admirable role model as Michelle Obama.
Her powerfully moving exhortations will help put the kibosh on a Trump victory.
Her powerfully moving exhortations will help put the kibosh on a Trump victory.
11
Michele Obama said everything I have been thinking and feeling. Shaken to my core, and reminded how diminished every woman I know has been at one time or another, by a man entitled by his own brashness to insult, degrade, judge girls and women. Enough ! ENOUGH ! I want my daughter to grow up in a better world than the one I was raised in. Repudiate Trump, Elect Hillary Clinton for President .
17
I'd like Michelle Obama to show up in Las Vegas on Wednesday night and debate Trump. Give Hillary a night off. Watch Trump melt into a puddle like the Wicked Witch of the West while the flying monkeys take off in all directions. Reality TV at its best!
8
I love Michelle. I will sorely miss her when she's no longer FLOTUS. I will always remember her dignity, her intelligence, her compassion, her authenticity, her strength and her beauty.
I watched the speech live, the tv was just on, I wasn't looking for that speech to come my way. But I was awe-struck and I cried. I cried because of who Trump is and I cried because she spoke to all women about misogyny in a way that we all understood - because it's happened to all of us.
I guess we should thank Trump for being so crass, so demeaning to women. He's bringing it all out in the open for all to see.
Paul Ryan, Mitch McConnell.....FLOTUS shamed you. For all who are in power and still for Trump....she shamed you good.
I watched the speech live, the tv was just on, I wasn't looking for that speech to come my way. But I was awe-struck and I cried. I cried because of who Trump is and I cried because she spoke to all women about misogyny in a way that we all understood - because it's happened to all of us.
I guess we should thank Trump for being so crass, so demeaning to women. He's bringing it all out in the open for all to see.
Paul Ryan, Mitch McConnell.....FLOTUS shamed you. For all who are in power and still for Trump....she shamed you good.
9
Wow, bravo!! What a great, articulate piece -- thank Goddess for Michelle and her strength and authenticity.
3
It warms my soul to be alive to witness such a class act of a First Family in the White House.
Eleanor Roosevelt was about the only Michelle before Michelle.
And then I stare at what else transpired as news today...
Eleanor Roosevelt was about the only Michelle before Michelle.
And then I stare at what else transpired as news today...
4
She's smart, smart, smart. Smart -- and strong -- carries the day.
I wish her and Pres. Obama years of peace and happiness ahead, in whatever endeavors they apply themselves to. Or choose to retreat from.
How perfect actually that next year, fully free of office, they will mark their 25th wedding anniversary. What a great milestone to kick off their 'next chapters' after such breathtaking achievements so far, and so young.
They and their super classy -- and did I say smart -- selves will be missed!!!
I wish her and Pres. Obama years of peace and happiness ahead, in whatever endeavors they apply themselves to. Or choose to retreat from.
How perfect actually that next year, fully free of office, they will mark their 25th wedding anniversary. What a great milestone to kick off their 'next chapters' after such breathtaking achievements so far, and so young.
They and their super classy -- and did I say smart -- selves will be missed!!!
5
What an exceptional person, I hope she runs for public office one day. We need more people like that.
4
With the uproar over sexual harassment and how badly women are treated by snarky sexists like Donald Trump was it really necessary to illustrate Frank Bruni's column with a pair of female legs in high heels???
3
Michelle Obama, class times 100!
5
How do you know Michelle Obama won't be running for anything? I hope she does, ideally in 2020.
2
Thank you for this. Nicely put.
2
Yay, International Day of the Girl! That was one heck of a speech. Would it belittle its significance to say that it was "just what the doctor ordered"?
The Obamas are truly a gift.
The Obamas are truly a gift.
11
My comment was Freudian. I meant 2024. But in the worst case, 2020.
1
If God forbid Michelle Obama did not exist, would anyone have the courage or imagination to invent her?
5
What a tragedy that people with the administrative ability, the wisdom and the common touch of Michelle Obama are not interested in politics. We were lucky to have Obama serving as President for eight years and hopefully he will see fit to serve on the Supreme Court for thirty years.
America is not suffering from lack of talent and wisdom but people with wisdom don't jump into fetid cesspools.
America is not suffering from lack of talent and wisdom but people with wisdom don't jump into fetid cesspools.
7
@Montreal Moe, WestPark, Quebec
Michelle Obama was a great First Lady. Her work to bring attention to childhood obesity was a tremendous contribution to the last 7 years.
Although I voted for Obama in 2008, he proved to be a very charismatic candidate but was a disappointing President.
Laura Bush was also a great First Lady. Best Ever First Lady award goes to Eleanor Roosevelt whose influence is still felt 60 years after she left the White House. Now there was a pioneer. HRC will be an apostrophe in history, but Eleanor will be a light of inspiration for many generations. HRC strolls down a road paved by her predecessors. Eleanor Roosevelt was on the crew that paved the original road upon which later wannabes like HRC have walked with an arrogant self-importance that rivals "The Perors New Clothes."
Michelle Obama was a great First Lady. Her work to bring attention to childhood obesity was a tremendous contribution to the last 7 years.
Although I voted for Obama in 2008, he proved to be a very charismatic candidate but was a disappointing President.
Laura Bush was also a great First Lady. Best Ever First Lady award goes to Eleanor Roosevelt whose influence is still felt 60 years after she left the White House. Now there was a pioneer. HRC will be an apostrophe in history, but Eleanor will be a light of inspiration for many generations. HRC strolls down a road paved by her predecessors. Eleanor Roosevelt was on the crew that paved the original road upon which later wannabes like HRC have walked with an arrogant self-importance that rivals "The Perors New Clothes."
I'd vote for Michelle Obama for President in a heartbeat. She's the real deal!
9
"Trump trails Clinton by 15 points among women, according to an analysis of October polls that Nate Silver did last week". Shouldn't Trump be trailing Ms Clinton by 99.99% minus (Ivanka & Melania Trump) among Women?
3
Your wrong about Barack Obama in your attempt to be fair and balanced. Speaking a shameful truth too often ignored by the mainstream media is not reveling in revenge. It is a simple wake up call to cynical opinion writers unable to acknowledge without reservation two facts of political life. Republicans as a party do not respect the truth. And President Obama is an honorable man who has the best interest of our country in his heart and mind.
15
Why do I get the feeling that Congratulations go to Marian Robinson, Michelle Obama's mother? Mrs. Robinson, you have a lovely daughter.
13
One other quality that endears Michelle Obama to many of us is that in contrast to so many politicians, so many people in this self-era, she does not feel entitled. She's everymom. I once met her at a book signing. Everyone paraded in front of her and watched while she smiled and signed their books. I, on the other hand, stuck out my hand, introduced myself, and told her how honored I was to meet her. A very brief flash of surprise and delight crossed her face -- she did not expect me to say this. And that immediate, authentic reaction made me like her even more.
10
I clicked on a Fox News article on my iPad. Surprise, they found a way to turn Michele's speech around saying she is hypocritical because she entertains rappers and because of Bill Clinton. I am so tired of hearing about Bill Clinton. He is not running. And he is old old news. If he were running then it would be an issue but he is not.
How anyone can take that marvelous speech that hit's to the core of every woman and turn it negative is beyond me. Although the tape was older, many of the numerous women coming forward report incidents that are not. Trump is not qualified to be the leader of the free world pure and simple. And he is quickly becoming unhinged.
How anyone can take that marvelous speech that hit's to the core of every woman and turn it negative is beyond me. Although the tape was older, many of the numerous women coming forward report incidents that are not. Trump is not qualified to be the leader of the free world pure and simple. And he is quickly becoming unhinged.
13
@AHW: Many people who disparage rappers as a group have no idea what they are talking about. They don't follow rap or hip-hop and don't have any idea that there is a huge variety of different kinds of rappers and rap music.
I am a 56-year-old white woman who loves music, and I can tell you that artists like Kendrick Lamar and Beyonce are advancing music in amazing ways. Their intelligent and powerful lyrics and their approach to music is enhancing the genre and bringing many young folk, both white and black, to think and talk seriously about the issues they face in this world.
Michelle and Barack Obama are right to acknowledge the contribution that artists of all kinds make to this country. They are strong supporters of the arts -- yet another reason to admire them. The people over at Fox and in the right-wing media are simply perpetuating outdated stereotypes.
I am a 56-year-old white woman who loves music, and I can tell you that artists like Kendrick Lamar and Beyonce are advancing music in amazing ways. Their intelligent and powerful lyrics and their approach to music is enhancing the genre and bringing many young folk, both white and black, to think and talk seriously about the issues they face in this world.
Michelle and Barack Obama are right to acknowledge the contribution that artists of all kinds make to this country. They are strong supporters of the arts -- yet another reason to admire them. The people over at Fox and in the right-wing media are simply perpetuating outdated stereotypes.
1
Amazing the religious zealots of the right would not see that we have had the most moral and upright family in the White House these eight years.
571
Our First Lady has worn that title with pride her entire tenure. Never was she more eloquent recently when she spoke at the DNC Convention in Philly and the other day about the strengths of Hillary and the profound and myriad weaknesses of HRC's opponent.
I imagine many professional highly educated women like Mrs. Obama especially Democrats of course but also many Independent and Republican have this same sense: Well, it's about time. We've already heard from many women like Barbara and Laura Bush who if they haven't come out and endorsed Hillary have come awful close. We know when they enter that polling booth whom they will be voting for you can bet your bottom dollar.
But head and shoulders above them all stands Michelle Obama, even towering over an ardent Hillary supporter Senator Warren. Mrs. Obama had her audience in the palm of her hand. There was weeping, to be sure, but it was not a sign of weakness as men often portray women to be. They were tears of joy and pride for how far they have come. President Lincoln signed the Emancipation Proclamation but it has been less than a century since women were emancipated and given the right to vote. And we got to see through Nate Silver's site how this election would result if only men voted, in a Trump victory. Thank God for women, for picking this nation up from its ugly past and uplifting beyond the past mistakes of chauvinist males. Your centennial will occur in 2020, when Hillary seeks re-election.
DD
Manhattan
I imagine many professional highly educated women like Mrs. Obama especially Democrats of course but also many Independent and Republican have this same sense: Well, it's about time. We've already heard from many women like Barbara and Laura Bush who if they haven't come out and endorsed Hillary have come awful close. We know when they enter that polling booth whom they will be voting for you can bet your bottom dollar.
But head and shoulders above them all stands Michelle Obama, even towering over an ardent Hillary supporter Senator Warren. Mrs. Obama had her audience in the palm of her hand. There was weeping, to be sure, but it was not a sign of weakness as men often portray women to be. They were tears of joy and pride for how far they have come. President Lincoln signed the Emancipation Proclamation but it has been less than a century since women were emancipated and given the right to vote. And we got to see through Nate Silver's site how this election would result if only men voted, in a Trump victory. Thank God for women, for picking this nation up from its ugly past and uplifting beyond the past mistakes of chauvinist males. Your centennial will occur in 2020, when Hillary seeks re-election.
DD
Manhattan
24
First Lady Michelle Obama has lived up to her title for her entire term. She is an inspiration to all of us, women and men, and like Barack, we men should listen closely to her wise words of wisdom. What she said about Trump in reference to crude behavior toward women, opponents, Mexicans, Muslims, anyone not rich and famous like him, has been horrible. Trump will go down as the worse candidate in history, and go down he will.
DD
Manhattan
DD
Manhattan
13
Michelle Obama has a kind of Mary Tyler Moore/Laura Petrie charm going on, without the ditziness and updated for the 21st century.
1
We will miss our FLOTUS so much. Not only has she endured personal vilification and professional second-guessing with superb grace, she has raised two great daughters in the worst hot-house/fishbowl in the world. Her support of worthy causes is unmatched by any other FLOTUS. Her verbal assassination of the current Republican nominee is just what we all needed.
I hope to read of her ongoing good works for the rest of my life.
I hope to read of her ongoing good works for the rest of my life.
8
Frank, wonderful wonderful I just love your writing and this was just grand. Mrs. Obama has been a true gift to us for the last eight years. A perfect spokeswoman and a woman true to herself. We shall miss her as our lovely
First Lady
First Lady
7
I wish Michelle would address Congress and remind them why they are there..
14
Yes, we will.
You're welcome.
You're welcome.
2
It's too early to write off Mr. Trump. You and I might find him loathsome, but a lot of Americans like him and every ugly thing he stands for.
Drive around and see the Trump signs.
Besides, he won't concede. He'll sue everyone he can, the Republicans will go along with it, and he'll keep Hillary out of the White House as long as he can.
He wants that bit of real estate. It's gnawing at him,
Drive around and see the Trump signs.
Besides, he won't concede. He'll sue everyone he can, the Republicans will go along with it, and he'll keep Hillary out of the White House as long as he can.
He wants that bit of real estate. It's gnawing at him,
1
sounding a lot like Maureen Dowd and Clinton, back to your old false equivalencies again. Even Maureen kept Hillary out of this one. Every time I think you're coming back, you go backward.
2
Don't forget Michelle's other speech this summer: at the Republican conference. Very well received, very eloquent. It shows how well she can reach a wide audience.
5
I am so glad you mentioned the poisonous, beatific Conway and her coterie of Trump apologists who are trotted out for 'balance' after yet another outrageous Trump revelation has been reported.
She is the perfect accompaniment to Trump. Another skillfully lying weasel willing to sell her morals and credibility (I am assuming that she has some) on behalf of her boss.
It's too early to claim victory over these partisan hacks but along with election finance reform, banning Conway (and her ilk) from the airwaves would be high on my wish list
She is the perfect accompaniment to Trump. Another skillfully lying weasel willing to sell her morals and credibility (I am assuming that she has some) on behalf of her boss.
It's too early to claim victory over these partisan hacks but along with election finance reform, banning Conway (and her ilk) from the airwaves would be high on my wish list
9
Please do not insult weasels by equating them with anyone on the Trump team. Weasels clearly have much higher moral standards.
1
"It’s her dignity as a woman. It’s the dignity of all women."
Yes.
And it is also about whether our country is to have any dignity at all.
Michelle Obama has done her part to try to make sure that we do. The rest is up to us.
Yes.
And it is also about whether our country is to have any dignity at all.
Michelle Obama has done her part to try to make sure that we do. The rest is up to us.
17
This is an amazing tribute to FLOTUS and her heart felt speech this week.
The race is not over. We all have to go out and vote for Hillary to swiftly defeat an opponent who has proven over and over again that he is unfit to be president. Get to the polls early to make sure your voice is heard. Bring your friends. Have a voting party.
Once the election is over, we will have to pick up the pieces and figure out how to move ahead together instead of sliding into the abyss. We do not all have to see eye to eye on the issues, but we need to pull together. We can start with simple gestures and acts of kindness, especially toward those who have been put down over and over during this election.
Thank you Frank Bruni. Keep lifting our spirits, we need it now more than ever.
The race is not over. We all have to go out and vote for Hillary to swiftly defeat an opponent who has proven over and over again that he is unfit to be president. Get to the polls early to make sure your voice is heard. Bring your friends. Have a voting party.
Once the election is over, we will have to pick up the pieces and figure out how to move ahead together instead of sliding into the abyss. We do not all have to see eye to eye on the issues, but we need to pull together. We can start with simple gestures and acts of kindness, especially toward those who have been put down over and over during this election.
Thank you Frank Bruni. Keep lifting our spirits, we need it now more than ever.
12
Bumper stickers to buy:
Hillary 2016
Michelle 2020
Chelsea 2024
Malia 2028
Sasha 2032
See, America? There is hope - and life beyond the nightmare that is Trump.
Hillary 2016
Michelle 2020
Chelsea 2024
Malia 2028
Sasha 2032
See, America? There is hope - and life beyond the nightmare that is Trump.
9
Ivanka ???
Dynasties? We are better than that.
2
So this is the second time in her adult life she is really proud of her country?
3
I'm curious, have you ever in your life made any contribution to a meaningful discussion of important issues?
2
Sorry to know that you've been asleep for eight years. Now that you are awake I hope you stay tuned in. Maybe you can catch up.
1
Beautifully written piece. Thank you.
6
Michelle Obama possesses every sterling quality that Donald Trump lacks and she is a beacon of light cutting through Trumps's ever darker and unhinged rhetoric. How puny and contemptible he seems when compared to her grace, intelligence and courage. Michelle and Barack Obama make me proud to be an American anywhere in the world.
23
I've been waiting for someone to write about Michelle Obama as the moral conscience of the nation. When we need her most, she is emerging to be our Eleanor Roosevelt. Thank you, Frank Bruni.
19
Yer darn tootin. Mighty fine piece, Frank Bruni.
5
Thank you, Mr. Bruni... so well said. Michelle Obama elevates what is truly good in us and our country, definitely the most inspiring since Eleanor R. America's sweetheart and role model in chief. Thank you for taking the time to praise the good in this messy disgusting spectacle of an election.
5
It seems sometimes that Trump has managed to drag this country so far down into the muck that we're all going to have to work really hard to Make America Great Again.
13
"Misogyny will play midwife to history."
Maybe so. Sometimes it takes extremes to really crack something open. Over 30 million women have tweeted about their sexual assaults in a five day span. Let that sink in: 30 million.
"It's been a long, a long time coming. But I know a change gon' come, oh yes it will."
Maybe so. Sometimes it takes extremes to really crack something open. Over 30 million women have tweeted about their sexual assaults in a five day span. Let that sink in: 30 million.
"It's been a long, a long time coming. But I know a change gon' come, oh yes it will."
12
I can't begin to express how proud this white male is to be represented abroad by Michelle Obama. She is the most remarkable First Lady since Dolly Madison.
20
Michelle Obama's speech the other day was astonishing. She spoke for so many women all over the world, for little girls, for people who are powerless in the face of brutes who simply take what they want.
Bless her.
I hope Trump loses in a landslide. I hope the Republican Party as a whole takes a good long look in the mirror. I hope their decades of racism and misogyny blow up in their faces.
Trump is openly calling for sedition, it seems to me - already whining that he is the victim of a conspiracy, that the elective process is "rigged." He threatens Clinton and also his accusers. He is foul.
More foul are the Republicans who stand beside him. They are such phonies. Oh, his words are TERRIBLE. He is terrible. He is a bigot. We think he should be in the White House.
Enough.
Bless her.
I hope Trump loses in a landslide. I hope the Republican Party as a whole takes a good long look in the mirror. I hope their decades of racism and misogyny blow up in their faces.
Trump is openly calling for sedition, it seems to me - already whining that he is the victim of a conspiracy, that the elective process is "rigged." He threatens Clinton and also his accusers. He is foul.
More foul are the Republicans who stand beside him. They are such phonies. Oh, his words are TERRIBLE. He is terrible. He is a bigot. We think he should be in the White House.
Enough.
18
Thank you.
6
It's' time for all of us who despised Hillary -- for her wrong vote on Iraq -- to forgive her as best we can and then vote for her.
21
it's time to understand that politicians can make honest misrakes, but when the demonstrate that they learn from those lapses of judgement, we are bettr of trusting their renewed judgement.
1
The Obamas are great. I sincerely regret their leaving.
28
Frank, I loved the Tic Tac analogy in your last sentence. Bravo. The reality is that the ugliness of this election is the result of the misogyny and racism that is gasping dying breaths. I hope and pray that American voters actively say ENOUGH... we are done. Attitudes and policies that were acceptable 20 years ago, no longer hidden behind closed doors are not tolerable in our democracy. I like many other citizens are tired and growing weary of the ugliness, the fear mongering and the disrespect Mr. Trump dishes out on Twitter and Facebook. But will I give in.... NEVER. Mr. Trump is not prepared to be President of the United States. He may be very rich but he is not wise, respectful or capable of leading on behalf of the American people. His only concern is himself and his own bank account.
17
In psychology there is term, extinction burst, that perfectly describes what we are seeing in the Republican party and their candidate's behavior. I hope the American people collectively reject this attention-getting behavior silently and with the simple pull of a voting booth lever or black felt tip marker swipe.
5
Michelle Obama's mom has every reason to be proud of the magnificent woman she and her late husband raised. What a role model! That being said- I humbly ask the media to impose a complete blackout on all things Trump as of November 9. He has brought the level of civilized discourse in our country into the sewer. What a crude, repulsive man- may we never have to endure the likes of someone like him again. He has a black heart while Michelle Obama has a heart of gold!
4
The words from Michelle Obama were most likely very sincere but one has to suspect that they were also politically motivated ,as Hillary is not in the best position to show the same outrage.
My proudest moment as an American, this coming from a middle-aged, male WASP, was the night the Obamas took the stage in Chicago after the 2008 election victory. I was proud, and still am proud, that these intelligent, articulate, educated and compassionate people are the faces of America in this world.
20
Every time I hear Michelle Obama speak, I earnestly want her to run for President some day in the future. And I'm a guy.
7
FORCING French Kisses on women? The Trumpenstein Monster is entitled to do whatever he wants with anyone at any moment. Michelle Obama tells it like it is. Speaking from the heart, in plain words, with dignity and compassion, how it feels when you're walking down the street as an unaccompanied woman, and men make crude statements about your body and their desires. I can see why Barack loves her. They adore each other, body and soul. Michelle loves our great nation, enough to put herself on the line by moving beyond her typical discretion and dignity to defend the women of the US and all the children and men who care about them. So let the Trompoctopus slither away in a cloud of black ink.
5
First Lady Michelle Obama has always had something that Donald Trump has never had: Authentic class.
Michelle Obama is the real deal. Donald Trump is a bum.
Michelle Obama is the real deal. Donald Trump is a bum.
13
Michelle Obama has re-captured the soul of America and for that,I think the whole world is grateful.
11
You all have your heads in the sand ! Your ultra liberal ideals will destroy our country and you don't even realize it - keep patting yourselves on the back and loving Michele and Barak and Bill and Hillary - see where we are in a year or two - it won't be pretty !
2
I was deeply threatened by how my retirement savings value plunmeted after eight years of G. W. Bush, and I anguished over the human misery fomented by two terribly executed wars in the Middle East during his presidency. I don't understand you.
10
Let’s hope Michelle's intelligence, integrity, moral compass, and heartfelt sincerity has an impact on Hillary Clinton. It’s painful to see Clinton smile during the debates in response to Trump’s vicious lies and insanity when there is nothing to smile about.
Also hopefully if elected President, Clinton will discard her wind vane for a moral compass, truly represent the interests of the working class, and fight as hard as possible to end the corruption of big money in government that directly stands in the way.
Also hopefully if elected President, Clinton will discard her wind vane for a moral compass, truly represent the interests of the working class, and fight as hard as possible to end the corruption of big money in government that directly stands in the way.
4
Michelle Obama had said, from the beginning, that her most important job was "Mom-in-Chief," and she is doing a phenomenal job of that as she takes on Trump. Mrs. Obama exemplifies what she hopes for her daughters - a strong, smart, beautiful black woman. Mrs. Obama is pushing herself out of her own comfort zone and onto the political front lines because what is at stake is too important. Mrs. Obama is standing up for herself, her daughters, and women everywhere in the face of Trump's entitlement and bullying. Mrs. Obama very ably defends her husband as a person and his Presidential legacy. And Mrs. Obama is determined to leave the White House as a symbol of progress, not regression.
Mrs. Obama has earned our respect, while Trump only intimidates.
Mrs. Obama has earned our respect, while Trump only intimidates.
4
What struck me most forcefully about our first lady's surgical castration of Donald Trump's character was that she spoke not as first lady, nor as an woman of color, but as a woman.
She shook, viscerally, at the way that women have been (mis)treated by men since David presumed upon his royal prerogative with Bathsheba, the beauty he espied as he took his late afternoon leisure. He saw; he lusted; he prevailed. But so did God see; He disapproved and He punished. He found redemption in his great prayer, Psalm No. 51. There can be no redemption for Trump, only repudiation.
This soiled and failed man has worked only to cement his hardening reputation as a punk of privilege, the thug in the dark corners of every girl's and woman's nighmares. Mrs. Obama spoke from both the heart the hand, visibly shaking as it covered her heart. Her cry was the millennia-old shriek of rage against female powerlessness and suffering and forced acceptance of the male will to dominance and service to the stronger sex, a servility for which the "disgraced" woman should be grateful.
She gave the lie to not only this crude impostor but also to any male who has ever--ever, mind--crossed the line, visible or invisible, into the space of another, hungry to consummate an uncertain validation of the fragile male ego.
Did white women, especially those of wealth and privilege, find sisterhood and resonance with Mrs. Obama's outrage?
We can all, at the very least, hope that the men in their lives did.
She shook, viscerally, at the way that women have been (mis)treated by men since David presumed upon his royal prerogative with Bathsheba, the beauty he espied as he took his late afternoon leisure. He saw; he lusted; he prevailed. But so did God see; He disapproved and He punished. He found redemption in his great prayer, Psalm No. 51. There can be no redemption for Trump, only repudiation.
This soiled and failed man has worked only to cement his hardening reputation as a punk of privilege, the thug in the dark corners of every girl's and woman's nighmares. Mrs. Obama spoke from both the heart the hand, visibly shaking as it covered her heart. Her cry was the millennia-old shriek of rage against female powerlessness and suffering and forced acceptance of the male will to dominance and service to the stronger sex, a servility for which the "disgraced" woman should be grateful.
She gave the lie to not only this crude impostor but also to any male who has ever--ever, mind--crossed the line, visible or invisible, into the space of another, hungry to consummate an uncertain validation of the fragile male ego.
Did white women, especially those of wealth and privilege, find sisterhood and resonance with Mrs. Obama's outrage?
We can all, at the very least, hope that the men in their lives did.
5
Amen.
Michelle Obama has been an exemplary First Lady. I look forward to Melania Trump plagiarizing this speech.
3
Michelle Obama 2020.
3
"rococo calculation", les mots justes.
3
Michele Obama's powerful speech provided a moral map for all of us. It revealed the impact of Trump's sexual predatory talk and actions on girls and boys, on women, and on men. It rejected this as being anything normal or acceptable. Nothing Trump has done is acceptable according to American values or principles, or as the first lady said, as human decency.
I have wondered about Kellyanne Conway. How could someone who pretends to care or represent women's views support an old pervert like Trump? He is someone you wouldn't want invading your daughter's high school locker room, and that no woman would want to be trapped in a small space with, or alone with.
Women vote. With the rawness of memories of sexual assault stirred for virtually every American woman (if not her own, then stories from her mother, friends, or others), each will regard Trump with even greater caution and repulsion. We all saw him stalk Hillary Clinton around the town hall stage, loom over her menacingly, interrupt her constantly. We all heard him on the 2005 tape, and on other tapes. This is the real Trump. Ick.
I have wondered about Kellyanne Conway. How could someone who pretends to care or represent women's views support an old pervert like Trump? He is someone you wouldn't want invading your daughter's high school locker room, and that no woman would want to be trapped in a small space with, or alone with.
Women vote. With the rawness of memories of sexual assault stirred for virtually every American woman (if not her own, then stories from her mother, friends, or others), each will regard Trump with even greater caution and repulsion. We all saw him stalk Hillary Clinton around the town hall stage, loom over her menacingly, interrupt her constantly. We all heard him on the 2005 tape, and on other tapes. This is the real Trump. Ick.
7
I realized that what Mrs Obama said distilled what I had going on in my own mind, but couldn't put into words myself. Thank you, Michelle, for all of us.
5
You are batting a thousand this week! Keep it up.
4
I think this is exactly right.
Watching this from the north with increasing disgust and disbelief, I cannot help but think that Michelle Obama might just be the person with the character, ethics, moral fibre, values and inner strength to get you out of this mess.
Because you are in a mess, and a major one it would seem.
True leaders arise in times of great need.
Unfortunately, she is not running.
Watching this from the north with increasing disgust and disbelief, I cannot help but think that Michelle Obama might just be the person with the character, ethics, moral fibre, values and inner strength to get you out of this mess.
Because you are in a mess, and a major one it would seem.
True leaders arise in times of great need.
Unfortunately, she is not running.
3
Michelle O is first class. You can actually feel her positive energy. HRC could not have a better surrogate.
8
You are a gifted writer, able to punctuate the exceptionalness of Michelle Obama like no other writer has done. I was inspired by your previous piece where you made it clear that one need not be a woman, a husband or a father to feel the impact of Trump's vulgarity toward women. Thank you for being an honest and true voice.
13
First of all, let's all just hope DJT goes down in bright orange flames. Period. Then let's look at him as an unwitting catalyst who helped rouse the passions of the First Lady to denounce him and ultimately raise awareness of just how sickening his treatment of women has been over the years. Perhaps ultimately he will be known as the outside disrupter he claimed he was but not in the way he was hoping for. Mrs. Obama is standing tall and strong and convincing. Let's hope DJT withers in her shadow.
11
THIS woman, this amazing, articulate First Lady! How amazing she has been and how well she has represented our country, her husband, and our gender!
And BTW, Drumpf, how perfect it is that karma has bitten you right in your over-inflated ego!
And BTW, Drumpf, how perfect it is that karma has bitten you right in your over-inflated ego!
7
A hope a Supreme Court Justice in FLOTUS future to add not just class and intelligence but common sense which is desperately needed.
2
"My favorite Conway-ism was that certain members of Congress shouldn’t upbraid Trump because they are guilty themselves of forcing French kisses on unwilling women. Translation: Let he who is without tongue cast the first stone."
Oh, Frank, you're so naive. You don't recognize a blatant threat when you hear one. Accurate translation: We know your sexual histories. Come after Trump, we'll come after you.
Oh, Frank, you're so naive. You don't recognize a blatant threat when you hear one. Accurate translation: We know your sexual histories. Come after Trump, we'll come after you.
157
And also, women, if you come forward, we'll come after you, and this is of course why he could get away with it.
1
Maaaaaabye, or like the methodology of her boss, she's just deflecting back to others. It's a fairly easy thing to do (and easy thing to gulp down) to accuse a large congress of men, let alone Congressional men with a broad brush and have it believed without question. What better way to deflect suspicion on one's boss than to spread the suspicion all around?
Trump & his minions love to issue these threats but, for some reason, they never follow through.
Thank you, Mr Bruni.
2
Oh the irony. The first woman to be a legit candidate/nominee for President
and it takes a huge, disgusting slob of a man to get out the women's vote
and make this the Year of the Woman in politics and our history.
and it takes a huge, disgusting slob of a man to get out the women's vote
and make this the Year of the Woman in politics and our history.
4
For a number of reasons, I bet Melania will vote for Hillary.
5
Perhaps she will to try to become first lady but she votes behind a curtain just like the rest of us. He'll never know.
Is Melania a citizen?
How amazing that Mrs. Obama can call Trump (correctly) a sexual predator while she, most Democrats in the news, and most of the media continue a decades-old deception saying that Bill Clinton was only guilty of affairs or peccadillos. Panelists repeated this again yesterday on NPR. Democrats and the press insisted right-wing prudes were after Bill for lying about sex. The facts show, so far, much more evidence of Bill as a sexual predator, than of Trump as one, although there is enough to condemn them both.
I already voted for Hilary, and condemn Trump in the strongest terms, for many things, including his vulgar misogyny. Unlike most of the media and Democrats, though, I also condemned Bill Clinton as a sexual predator. How quaint that columnists remember his sins as, just sex, but see Trump as a criminal. This is why the press lacks any respect in the country. It is in the tank for Democrats. It does report on their sins, but always spins it to the benefit of the left. Otherwise, the press would be full of mentions of the irony of Dems calling Trump a sexual predator while Bill is a respected elder statesman.
I already voted for Hilary, and condemn Trump in the strongest terms, for many things, including his vulgar misogyny. Unlike most of the media and Democrats, though, I also condemned Bill Clinton as a sexual predator. How quaint that columnists remember his sins as, just sex, but see Trump as a criminal. This is why the press lacks any respect in the country. It is in the tank for Democrats. It does report on their sins, but always spins it to the benefit of the left. Otherwise, the press would be full of mentions of the irony of Dems calling Trump a sexual predator while Bill is a respected elder statesman.
1
Ok, smarty, put up some facts instead of smoke.
Michelle Obama for President.
2
Last night, I had an urge to revisit Obama's journey to the White House (courtesy of online videos), right up to that incredible moment in 2008 when Obama, Michelle and their daughters stepped forward, all of them waving,with radiant smiles, to the cheering crowd.
Even before then, Michelle was more than just a potential First Lady, a figurehead.. She was a true partner with her husband every step of the way, from her impassioned and uplifting speech at the Democratic National Conventions, reminding us in 2008 that " the American Dream endures", to her latest heartfelt reminder that remarks by men like Trump are deeply hurtful.
They strike at the heart of so many women's fears. The fear that they will be judged worthy based only on their appearance. The fear that some men will feel entitled to molest them. And so much more.
Come November 8, I will be sad to see Michelle Obama leave the White House. She's a class act and an inspiration to women of all ages.
Even before then, Michelle was more than just a potential First Lady, a figurehead.. She was a true partner with her husband every step of the way, from her impassioned and uplifting speech at the Democratic National Conventions, reminding us in 2008 that " the American Dream endures", to her latest heartfelt reminder that remarks by men like Trump are deeply hurtful.
They strike at the heart of so many women's fears. The fear that they will be judged worthy based only on their appearance. The fear that some men will feel entitled to molest them. And so much more.
Come November 8, I will be sad to see Michelle Obama leave the White House. She's a class act and an inspiration to women of all ages.
333
Luckily you have her until January 2017. :-)
1
Michelle Obama has shown herself to be a woman of remarkable intelligence, both cognitive and emotional; who, when the need arises, can step in to crystallize the thoughts and feelings of others. I can't imagine what this last couple of weeks would have been without her spiritual guidance in that address, her understanding of what is essential and vital -lifting the level of discourse away from the unnamed abuser to what is is we deserve - and can reach.
Her level of brilliance and passion scares misogynists and racists, while providing a beacon for the rest of us. I hope she remains in leadership roles; I can't see her running for office because of the inevitable compromises that must be made.
Her level of brilliance and passion scares misogynists and racists, while providing a beacon for the rest of us. I hope she remains in leadership roles; I can't see her running for office because of the inevitable compromises that must be made.
8
Well said. Michelle Obama was a success before she met her husband, and she wouldn't have married a man who demeaned her or held her back. He may be the president of the United States, but they are an equal partnership. She's a true champion, not just for women, parents, and African-Americans, but for all of us.
476
Oh, how we are going to miss Michelle Obama -- or, at least ... I will.
Besides being intelligent, beautiful, funny...and proudly Black; lest her self-appointed "Mom-in-Chief" persona fool you, she also has a rapier wit, an iron will and the Ivy-League credentials to back up whatever she says.
In short. Don't mess with Michelle Obama.
And that's exactly what happened when Donald Trump's behavour, and his recently revealed sexist remarks on tape came into play.
As the mother of two distinguised young ladies, there was no way our First Lady was going to take this lying down -- and it's a good thing for mothers, and daughters, and women, and Americans everywhere, that she didn't.
So let this be a lesson to all those who traffic in sexism and hate, you are now on notice: The torch has been passed, and the lights are on in every room of the house -- there's no more place for sexual abuse and denigration.
And yes, that also includes in the White House.
Besides being intelligent, beautiful, funny...and proudly Black; lest her self-appointed "Mom-in-Chief" persona fool you, she also has a rapier wit, an iron will and the Ivy-League credentials to back up whatever she says.
In short. Don't mess with Michelle Obama.
And that's exactly what happened when Donald Trump's behavour, and his recently revealed sexist remarks on tape came into play.
As the mother of two distinguised young ladies, there was no way our First Lady was going to take this lying down -- and it's a good thing for mothers, and daughters, and women, and Americans everywhere, that she didn't.
So let this be a lesson to all those who traffic in sexism and hate, you are now on notice: The torch has been passed, and the lights are on in every room of the house -- there's no more place for sexual abuse and denigration.
And yes, that also includes in the White House.
489
Let's not miss Michelle, let's put her forth as the next Presidential candidate after Hillary wins two terms.
Could all columnists please refrain from comparing some of the male species, who are disgusting and more, to children or adolescents. Profanity is child like? Since when? I think most parents would still want to wash out their children's mouths with soap if they heard profane words flowing from their lips. Children are innocents and in no way comparable to the Trumps of this cruel world. They give us hope, not revulsion.
4
Michelle Obama knows that American popular culture has a vile, vulgar sexual side to it that women and girls, especially, must learn to navigate in order to survive. No woman who wants to be in the world--to participate in it fully--can escape it. Some find a way to steer through it relatively smoothly, some are deeply battered and bruised by it. Not until now, however, has this gross side of our culture--the part that treats women as hunks of sexual meat--defined the very character of a man who would be President.
We owe Michelle Obama thanks for reminding us that on the merits of the words uttered in this tape alone, such a man cannot be president. The words are not "mere locker room banter." Instead, they reveal a man who deeply loathes women. Moreover, it's precisely because Trump uttered these words when he thought he was out of ear shot that the words reveal who, deep down, he really is.
As Michelle Obama reminded us, "Words have power." She reached out not merely to the women of America, but also to decent men everywhere, calling for them to bring Trump down. Like the women in the ancient Greek comedy Lysistrata, American women have the chance to control the political moment. They can bring a horrific man down by voting for Hillary Clinton.
And they will.
We owe Michelle Obama thanks for reminding us that on the merits of the words uttered in this tape alone, such a man cannot be president. The words are not "mere locker room banter." Instead, they reveal a man who deeply loathes women. Moreover, it's precisely because Trump uttered these words when he thought he was out of ear shot that the words reveal who, deep down, he really is.
As Michelle Obama reminded us, "Words have power." She reached out not merely to the women of America, but also to decent men everywhere, calling for them to bring Trump down. Like the women in the ancient Greek comedy Lysistrata, American women have the chance to control the political moment. They can bring a horrific man down by voting for Hillary Clinton.
And they will.
13
I thought Michelle's speech was very authentic and addressed the issue to the core.
But I still fail to understand how Trump has not reached 0% support among women. (I don't think many people can argue that his policies are that good since they have not been discussed in detail -- and yes, same goes to Hillary)
That, to me, is the saddest part of this election.
But I still fail to understand how Trump has not reached 0% support among women. (I don't think many people can argue that his policies are that good since they have not been discussed in detail -- and yes, same goes to Hillary)
That, to me, is the saddest part of this election.
9
Trump exposes male privilege thoroughly. Being male is about the only qualification that explains how he got so far politically.
12
I wouldn't say First Lady Obama is without a political agenda. She's not stupid. However, she does maintain that unique ability to speak honestly and emphatically on issues about which she feels passionate. That's something Hillary Clinton lacks. The opinion also skips over the obvious: Clinton can't speak on this issue without reprisal. By contrast. the First Lady has nothing to lose and carries greater moral weight and favorability than any other Democrat. That especially includes Clinton. The messenger matters as much as the message. That's a political reality that's not lost on anyone. Certainly not Michelle Obama.
3
Long after this campaign season and election are well past, we will long for the dignity, the intellect, the energy, and face it, fun and humor that the Obama family as brought to our White House. Michelle's comedic turns contrasted with her admirable mothering skills (led by her own mother!), her choice of "First Lady" projects that improved the health and health habits of a budding generation, even those in poverty, her intellectual power coupled with her feminist's passion, her coolly cerebral assessment delivered with the beauty of her emotional content, flawless delivery and rich vocal tenor, will place her historically, in the pantheon of remarkable American women. Her 'finest' hour we hope, will presage more to come in the years ahead.
65
Well said. I think it's worthwhile to underscore two points - one is that he only trails her by 15 points. That does not seem sufficient. It shows that it's not only certain types of men that lack respect for women and don't see this behavior as criminal; they're joined by lots and lots of women. This leads to the second point - this is about human dignity, not just the dignity of women. I have been very heartened reading and hearing from so many men who remind us that they find it utterly unacceptable and not just with regard to their daughters, wives and sisters. They themselves are outranged, simply as decent people.
Truly we're all in this together. Get out the vote.
Truly we're all in this together. Get out the vote.
52
Perhaps some of the women who are not verbally supporting Clinton will do so when they are privately in a voting booth and male relatives are unable to see how they actually vote. I agree that it is unreal that any woman could vote for Trump.
3
Grown men in tears from Michelle Obama's great speech, a tingle in Chris Mathew's leg after an Obama speech. You people can not be serious. A large percentage of Americans are not impressed or inspired by the Obamas and find this stuff laughable. Barack Obama is a leftist progressive who has harmed this country greatly. Mrs. 0bama seems like a fine intelligent woman but no more so than Laura Bush as an example. Of course the leftist response to what I just said and many others believe is that we are racist and do nto like the Obamas because they are black. In the vast majority of cases this is totally incorrect. The reality may I dare say is that the left venerates them merely because they are black. This kind of thinking, which is its own form of racism, has directly led to the rise of the deeply flawed Donald Trump. Trump is a poor standard bearer for this large amount of frustrated Americans and will probably get trounced in the election. However, the anger of these people awash in a giant ocean of political correctness will continue.
4
Bruni was careful to write 'any American she could reach'.
27
I'm curious, how have the Obamas harmed the country?
3
Well, here's one American she had no hope of reaching.
1
Bill Clinton was President and now his wife is attempting to achieve that goal. Unfortunately she is carrying a great deal of baggage precipitated by her husband. It has compromised her candidacy and has been a distraction from the message she is trying to deliver.
Think about where the 2016 election would be if Michelle decided to run for President.
Is that so far fetched?? Are her credentials for the presidency any less than that of Donald Trump who never held public office?
Think about where the 2016 election would be if Michelle decided to run for President.
Is that so far fetched?? Are her credentials for the presidency any less than that of Donald Trump who never held public office?
11
I love the Obamas and will miss them come January; however, just as threatening to put your opponent in jail is a sign of a banana republic, so is lengthening your time in office by handing the baton to a spouse, especially one with no experience as an elected official. I think the Obamas have more respect for the traditions of vibrant democracies to even joke about something like this. In many ways, it is my objection to Mrs. Clinton. As much as I want a woman president, it saddens me that the first woman to win this office is the wife of a former president. Yes, Hillary has accomplishments all her own, but she would never have been a senator (especially from NY where she was a carpetbagger) or Sec of State or a candidate for president if her husband had not been president. However talented she is in her own right (and I believe she is), she happily took a short cut ---- and that leaves a bad taste in my mouth about the future of our democracy and for women.
2
History will look kindly on the Obama Presidency, kindly indeed. But, FLOTUS Michelle Obama will be remembered as the most, not one of, but, the most significant and impactful First Ladies ever. There is virtually nothing negative to be said of her.
Of course, far right wing conservatives hate for advocating for childrens health and well being. But, what does that say of the far right, and of equal importance, the women of the far right?
Of course, far right wing conservatives hate for advocating for childrens health and well being. But, what does that say of the far right, and of equal importance, the women of the far right?
55
As I listened to Mrs Obama speak, and I agree it was powerful, I also saw a mother of two young women who regrets that we couldn't have made life better for our daughters and grand-daughters. I share that regret.
I am a woman of Trump's generation. Although my mother worked outside the home, she was also totally responsible for everything that happened inside as well. It wasn't because my father was a bad person, he wasn't. That's just the way it was. At her job my mother was just as smart and capable as any of the men she worked for (maybe more) but never even aspired to more than her 'supportive' role in their business.
My generation wanted more - equality at work. Shared responsibility at home. Sometimes we got it, sometimes not. But we fought hard so our daughters and sons would learn and life would be different for them. That's how my sons were raised and I am incredibly proud of the them and lives they are building with their families.
Donald Trump displays the most repugnant, nastiest denigrations of women. My father never spoke the way Trump does, neither do my brothers. But Trump does and people make excuses. There is NO excuse. I feel Mrs Obama's anger. This is NOT the world we wanted for our daughters and grand-daughters.
I am a woman of Trump's generation. Although my mother worked outside the home, she was also totally responsible for everything that happened inside as well. It wasn't because my father was a bad person, he wasn't. That's just the way it was. At her job my mother was just as smart and capable as any of the men she worked for (maybe more) but never even aspired to more than her 'supportive' role in their business.
My generation wanted more - equality at work. Shared responsibility at home. Sometimes we got it, sometimes not. But we fought hard so our daughters and sons would learn and life would be different for them. That's how my sons were raised and I am incredibly proud of the them and lives they are building with their families.
Donald Trump displays the most repugnant, nastiest denigrations of women. My father never spoke the way Trump does, neither do my brothers. But Trump does and people make excuses. There is NO excuse. I feel Mrs Obama's anger. This is NOT the world we wanted for our daughters and grand-daughters.
81
Or sons and grandsons.
1
Time and again Michelle Obama has shown us how to effectively deal with ignorant hatred, prejudice and malice . She manages to maintain the high road and stay out of the gutter like her adversaries while presenting intelligent. passionate heartfelt dissent and criticism. But make no mistake about it, she has been scarred and damaged from the unending humiliation and vitriol thrown at her husband, her children, her people and her nation . Lord knows she must be counting the minutes to exit the stage and escape from the responsibility of holding her tongue while people disparage , torment and insult her and her family without rhyme or reason. Yet the passion to do good, to lead by example and ensure we do not elect this horrible excuse for a human burns so intensely that she was compelled to speak out so brilliantly and eloquently as she did, and be the moral compass we so desperately as a nation need during these dark and desperate times.
94
"How perfect. Misogyny will play midwife to history. After being treated by Trump as if they’re disposable, women will dispose of him — at the urging of the first lady, in the service of the first female president. They will let him know that no matter how much money he has or how big a star he is, there are places where his tentacles can’t travel."
Beautifully put. This election is rich with ironies (email server and hacking, the downfall of the GOP), but this is the richest by far.
Beautifully put. This election is rich with ironies (email server and hacking, the downfall of the GOP), but this is the richest by far.
64
Let's also not forget that she defended the dignity of males, the good men, husbands and fathers, by rejecting the 'locker room banter' argument put forth by Trump and his surrogates.
My only regret, perhaps borne of upcoming nostalgia for this remarkable family, is that she chose not to use her moral stature to promote some of her husband's most important social programs.
Would it not be profound to hear what Eleanor Roosevelt would have thought of this remarkable woman.
My only regret, perhaps borne of upcoming nostalgia for this remarkable family, is that she chose not to use her moral stature to promote some of her husband's most important social programs.
Would it not be profound to hear what Eleanor Roosevelt would have thought of this remarkable woman.
56
GL wrote: "My only regret, perhaps borne of upcoming nostalgia for this remarkable family, is that she chose not to use her moral stature to promote some of her husband's most important social programs. "
I would argue that Michelle's push for better diets for children to combat the epidemic of obesity was a worthy effort on her part. And I have been witness to teachers in the very conservative Shenandoah Valley disparaging that program because the kids can't have cake at lunch anymore. Michele's moral stature cannot penetrate the hate many republicans have for this good and decent family.
I would argue that Michelle's push for better diets for children to combat the epidemic of obesity was a worthy effort on her part. And I have been witness to teachers in the very conservative Shenandoah Valley disparaging that program because the kids can't have cake at lunch anymore. Michele's moral stature cannot penetrate the hate many republicans have for this good and decent family.
26
How can one—man or woman—not admire Michelle Obama? Her intelligence, integrity, grace, and thoughtful concern for others is in such sharp contrast with so much of what we've seen this political season.
It's not difficult to image her following the path blazed by HRC—after her stint as First Lady, running for statewide office (governor or senator), and then for the presidency itself. What a breath of fresh air that would be.
It's not difficult to image her following the path blazed by HRC—after her stint as First Lady, running for statewide office (governor or senator), and then for the presidency itself. What a breath of fresh air that would be.
120
I watched Michelle's speech from last week three times on YouTube. I was deeply moved by it. What an incredible speaker. Pure magic. And thoroughly authentic. Her power comes from her absolute sincerity. There's no equivocation. None. Just pure unadulterated truth. And Trump deserved every bit of it.
Never in my life have I been witness to such a total fraud running for political office. The only position that Trump would be qualified to occupy -- (if one existed) -- would be Liar-in-Chief. The man is a virtual Niagara Falls of lies, pouring from him like sewer water after a tropical rain storm. He lies with unconscious abandon and thinks nothing of the horrible consequences should people believe those lies. He, after all, is the "Man Without A Conscience"...And Michelle Obama did the country a huge favor by her pristine eloquence. I will miss the Obamas when they leave the White House. I consider them to be among the very best that have ever occupied that House. What a wonderful, beautiful family.
God bless them, always.
Never in my life have I been witness to such a total fraud running for political office. The only position that Trump would be qualified to occupy -- (if one existed) -- would be Liar-in-Chief. The man is a virtual Niagara Falls of lies, pouring from him like sewer water after a tropical rain storm. He lies with unconscious abandon and thinks nothing of the horrible consequences should people believe those lies. He, after all, is the "Man Without A Conscience"...And Michelle Obama did the country a huge favor by her pristine eloquence. I will miss the Obamas when they leave the White House. I consider them to be among the very best that have ever occupied that House. What a wonderful, beautiful family.
God bless them, always.
242
"What a wonderful, beautiful family." Absolutely - more class and style than any GOP occupants of the White House in recent memory. I am so glad that the Obamas have had a sucessful presidency on every level - despite the obstacles.
67
As someone who thinks the Obamas are a wonderful family, and Barack Obama a great President, I still must disagree with Binx Boling.
The GW Bush and GHW Bush families were adornments to our White House also.
The GW Bush and GHW Bush families were adornments to our White House also.
Yes, and those "obstacles" came from the Republican side of the aisle when Sen. Mitch McConnell had that pre-inauguration meeting with other Republican senators for the sole purpose of creating a battle plan to OBSTRUCT any and all efforts of the newly elected President Obama to fix the horrendous mess that the previous Bush/Cheney maladministration left for him to fix...And isn't it curious that if you survey history, you'll find that Republican administrations have a particular knack for creating messes -- economic and otherwise.
2
Like the vast majority of others who heard Michelle Obama's speech, it appeared to me as a force of nature. That force has also been facilitated by minorities and most college educated people coming to their senses. That is not to undermine the specific and powerful political role of women. The First Lady is a product of all these forces, she is a product and beneficiary (?) of the years of work and abuse that has been--most publicly--endured by Hillary Clinton.
For all of the First Lady's popularity, I have no doubt that if she were the one running for president, the forces of political malignancy would be attacking her relentlessly. Her popularity (Gallup) is currently at 64%--a stunning number these days. Secretary Clinton's numbers exceeded 60% at several times over the years, in spite of the endless attacks: http://www.politifact.com/truth-o-meter/statements/2016/may/22/hillary-c... .
If you run for president, you get torn down. If it looks like you might run, dossiers of negatives are built. Some of that information will be true. I have no doubt a folder is being constructed on the First Lady. Such is the unfortunate nature of our political system--and numerous others around the world.
But give credit where it is due. Michelle Obama is a political force and is helping our nation side-step a political disaster.
For all of the First Lady's popularity, I have no doubt that if she were the one running for president, the forces of political malignancy would be attacking her relentlessly. Her popularity (Gallup) is currently at 64%--a stunning number these days. Secretary Clinton's numbers exceeded 60% at several times over the years, in spite of the endless attacks: http://www.politifact.com/truth-o-meter/statements/2016/may/22/hillary-c... .
If you run for president, you get torn down. If it looks like you might run, dossiers of negatives are built. Some of that information will be true. I have no doubt a folder is being constructed on the First Lady. Such is the unfortunate nature of our political system--and numerous others around the world.
But give credit where it is due. Michelle Obama is a political force and is helping our nation side-step a political disaster.
78
I'm writing as an American woman who is never going to see 80 again. It is difficult for me to express the words that would demonstrate how proud I was to hear Michelle Obama say so brilliantly what so many females have felt in their hearts for so many years. Just as important, it was such a healing experience for Michelle to say out loud what so many women have privately felt: that it was not just the incident that might have occurred to them that motivated the male in the scenario but the pleasure he would derive from bragging and bragging and bragging.
For my first time ever, I searched the internet for the full text of this speech of Michelle's. I printed it and from time to time I have enjoyed reading it or parts of it. Healing words if ever was!
For my first time ever, I searched the internet for the full text of this speech of Michelle's. I printed it and from time to time I have enjoyed reading it or parts of it. Healing words if ever was!
286
I agree. So proud of Mrs Obama and her grace and elegance as our First Lady. But I felt her's were 'fighting words'! We cannot allow that horrible man succeed. And how marvelous it would be if the women throughout the country are the ones who squashed him like the bug he is.
1
Intelligent analysis (with an added gift of good writing). Men, we hope, are learning about the subtle and not-too subtle ways we undermine the dignity and power of women. That women, more than ever before as it seems, are refusing to accept male boorishness helps everyone. And an aside: Adding the the levels of irony cited by the writer is the fact that Hillary Clinton has, herself, suffered terrible public humiliation because of bad male behavior. It seems that no woman can escape it.
85
In the 1970s we chanted that sisterhood is powerful, and now, forty years later, our First Lady proves it with her eloquence, her wisdom and her brilliance. She speaks for all of us, of every gender, and I do hope we'll continue to hear her strong and important voice long after she and President Obama leave the White House.
155
I'm a fifty-something white male. I watched that speech online in it's entirety with tears running down my cheeks. I think I experienced every human emotion possible over the 28 minutes.
I truly wish that Michele Obama was the face of our nation. I hope that she is what the world sees when they think of America.
Unfortunately, a certain petty, petulant child feeds into the caricature of what we are.
I truly wish that Michele Obama was the face of our nation. I hope that she is what the world sees when they think of America.
Unfortunately, a certain petty, petulant child feeds into the caricature of what we are.
220
Michelle Obama provides an authentic, bright light of moral clarity in a period of darkness for America. We need the First Lady's clear voice to expose the utter darkness, misogyny, and deceit of Mr. Trump. I am disturbed by the majority of GOP politicians who cannot take a clear public stand against Trump (though they may be horrified in private) out of fear of losing "angry" voters. There are brave exceptions, including Governor Kasich and other voices of reason in the GOP.
Unfortunately, I don't think "business as usual" will prevail in the GOP after the dark forces have been summoned in this election by Mr. Trump. Like a tornado, the damage will take weeks to assess and many months of recovery. We must all stand up for decency and light - especially the 65% of Americans who have not yet succumbed to the siren calls of darkness, fear, and anger.
Unfortunately, I don't think "business as usual" will prevail in the GOP after the dark forces have been summoned in this election by Mr. Trump. Like a tornado, the damage will take weeks to assess and many months of recovery. We must all stand up for decency and light - especially the 65% of Americans who have not yet succumbed to the siren calls of darkness, fear, and anger.
83
Wonderful column, wonderful First Lady. What puzzles me is that Trump, certainly aware of her speech and its impact, has made no comment about it. Nor has he torn her apart, as I fully expected he would. Certainly, it can't be because Mrs. Obama touched a presumed nerve in him.
I can't help but wonder if he's got his minions (the "detectives" who scoured Hawaii for dirt--but real ones this time) looking for scandal in the Obama marriage. He's just too quiet about her take down of him; he's not being "The Donald."
I can't help but wonder if he's got his minions (the "detectives" who scoured Hawaii for dirt--but real ones this time) looking for scandal in the Obama marriage. He's just too quiet about her take down of him; he's not being "The Donald."
42
Some class acts just can't be refuted. Anything other than bravo just proves the speaker's boorishness.
3
Because when faced by the real power of moral authority and grace, bully Trump knows he has been beaten and does not dare try and retaliate!
2
I don't believe he will attack Mrs. Obama directly in any way. He will, probably, up his attacks on her husband, as he has upped his attacks on Bill because he can say only so much about Hillary.
I have no idea why, but all I could think of was Jim Croce's "Big, Bad Leroy Brown" and how one doesn't mess with him. I think That Man knows better than to go for Mrs. Obama. She has too many friends and too much gravitas.
I have no idea why, but all I could think of was Jim Croce's "Big, Bad Leroy Brown" and how one doesn't mess with him. I think That Man knows better than to go for Mrs. Obama. She has too many friends and too much gravitas.
2
I have no qualm with the general thrust of the col, Mr Bruni, but 'revenge' might be not the word to describe President Obama's stump. Everyone - gay, straight, man, woman, liberal, conservative - should speak up against the vile talk and alleged actions. Especially those sanctimonious in the evangelical community. To be fair, some did. Like the students at the Liberty University. But their leaders? Not a word. Those who initially made grunting condemnation somehow walked it back later. Those cowardly act is as disgusting as the vile talk. And what about Peter Thiel, who suffered outing himself years ago. What a sellout to his own community!
107
I agree. I think that word was the only false note in a great piece of writing. President and Mrs. Obama have spoken up for a lot of people during the last eight years, they are true public servants.
3
Michelle Obama is effective in reaching the approximately 50% of the American population that's capable of distinguishing the difference between "decent" and "indecent". The 35% of the American pubic without one working brain cell that support Trump can't be reached by anyone other than Trump or maybe Ted Nugent. It's not Hillary's fault that the GOP has diminished the prestige of the American Presidency as well as our ability to conduct an election in a sane and thoughtful manner but that is the case. Michelle Obama reminds us of the man currently in office who has done a great job guiding this country for the past 8 years and the contrast between Michelle and the current political climate is stark beyond belief. I hope that Hillary has a chance to govern this country once elected but I'm not sure that she will be able to, just as Obama has been thwarted. The decent Michelle Obama makes me feel melancholy in some ways - I long for the 2008 and 2012 campaigns when, notwithstanding the presence of Sarah Palin and Paul Ryan etc. there was still a facade of dignity left.
116
Once this election is over, we have a LOT of healing to do.
56
Novelists frequently experience considerable difficulty portraying good people convincingly. Their deeply flawed characters not only seem more realistic but also tend to possess stronger personalities than their virtuous creations. In real life, however, this advantage disappears.
Michelle Obama, although imperfect like the rest of us, would impress anyone as a model of fundamental decency. But, as her years in the White House have amply demonstrated, the First Lady also exudes a strength of character which matches that of the President and makes the villainous Donald Trump appear weak and insubstantial in comparison. The picture accompanying Bruni's column captures the contrast perfectly. While Mrs. Obama would never step on or humiliate anyone intentionally, Trump's amoral character renders him small and defenseless in the presence of a person of high integrity.
This reality helps explain the power of her speech last week. Without mentioning him by name but simply by reminding Americans that certain forms of speech and behavior violate the norms that define this nation, Mrs. Obama exposed the hollowness behind Trump's claims of frankness and authenticity. Only his deluded followers, sporting their obscene t-shirts, can continue to regard this man as a brave rebel against a corrupt social and political order.
The would-be emperor has no clothes, and he would not rank as the first choice for any thinking person.
Michelle Obama, although imperfect like the rest of us, would impress anyone as a model of fundamental decency. But, as her years in the White House have amply demonstrated, the First Lady also exudes a strength of character which matches that of the President and makes the villainous Donald Trump appear weak and insubstantial in comparison. The picture accompanying Bruni's column captures the contrast perfectly. While Mrs. Obama would never step on or humiliate anyone intentionally, Trump's amoral character renders him small and defenseless in the presence of a person of high integrity.
This reality helps explain the power of her speech last week. Without mentioning him by name but simply by reminding Americans that certain forms of speech and behavior violate the norms that define this nation, Mrs. Obama exposed the hollowness behind Trump's claims of frankness and authenticity. Only his deluded followers, sporting their obscene t-shirts, can continue to regard this man as a brave rebel against a corrupt social and political order.
The would-be emperor has no clothes, and he would not rank as the first choice for any thinking person.
184
"Women will defeat Donald Trump,". nonsense. in a close election, every self-identified group (LGBT, jewish, etc) will claim to be the group that decided the election. It's like blaming Ralph Nader for G.W. Bush's election (because Bush beat Gore in Florida by fewer votes than Nader received in the state) when in fact, Gore could have won the election if he hadjust been able to win his own state (which he didn't).
3
The difference in this case is that women are half the electorate--and the other half, men, are apparently planning to vote for Trump, according to the polls. If this pattern holds up, it will be perfectly accurate and in fact inescapable to say that women will be responsible for defeating Trump.
64
It's a matter of numbers. Take a look at the 538 website.
13
Values matter. Not the phony "family values" that the hard right has been foisting on us, but the genuine human values that have been honed over millennia and are our precious heritage. They are inclusive, compassionate and uplifting. I saw Michelle Obama articulate those values in New Hampshire the other day. And I saw the bright young faces in the audience listening to her with rapt attention. And for once in this year of appalling demagogy, I felt reassured. The right values are being passed on.
215
Michelle Obama’s New Hampshire speech a few days ago was truly inspiring in its content and her delivery. Frank Bruni is right to single her out as Donald Trump’s worst nightmare.
The passion of our First Lady is not new, but the precision of her words has been honed well over time.
Just eight years ago, Michelle Obama became a favorite target of the Republicans on the campaign trail after she stated:
“For the first time in my adult lifetime, I am really proud of my country.”
The attacks on her were instantaneous and intense, and they came not just from conservative media and politicians, but also from some over-zealous supporters of Hillary Clinton.
Barack Obama came to his wife’s defense, and it quickly became clear to all fair-minded people that Mrs. Obama was referring only to the maturation and progress of American politics.
The lesson was learned well by Michelle Obama about saying what she feels strongly the right way, and we heard that in New Hampshire. President Obama is very popular now, but his wife is even more beloved -- and by a wider range of Americans.
Have at it, Mrs. Obama!
The passion of our First Lady is not new, but the precision of her words has been honed well over time.
Just eight years ago, Michelle Obama became a favorite target of the Republicans on the campaign trail after she stated:
“For the first time in my adult lifetime, I am really proud of my country.”
The attacks on her were instantaneous and intense, and they came not just from conservative media and politicians, but also from some over-zealous supporters of Hillary Clinton.
Barack Obama came to his wife’s defense, and it quickly became clear to all fair-minded people that Mrs. Obama was referring only to the maturation and progress of American politics.
The lesson was learned well by Michelle Obama about saying what she feels strongly the right way, and we heard that in New Hampshire. President Obama is very popular now, but his wife is even more beloved -- and by a wider range of Americans.
Have at it, Mrs. Obama!
156
Over-zealous Hillary supporters attacked Mrs. Obama over that statement? Nonsense. The people who jumped on Mrs Obama's comment were from the right.
1
Surely her speech is among one of those great speeches that turn around history, and makes us all more human and humane. Perhaps we should thank Trump, and maybe we will in time, for creating the moment that confronted misogyny, and confronts each of us men. Obama's speech has made me confront myself, lefty middle class doctor, about my own attitudes. My own casual sexism. I used to call myself a feminist, but I wasn't. My locker room banter didn't go that far, but some of it's underlying attitudes did. The First lady has held up a mirror to me. It has changed me.
331
Thank you. Now, share this widely. This is an important message.
1
Well said. Trump is incorrigibly crass about women, and anybody else he feels can be abused, repeatedly claiming the right to engage folks opposing his pompous stance. If, and that is a big if, Trump listened to Michelle's speech, he may be willfully unaware that her truisms function as a repellent against his abusive modus operandi. The man is a twisted tree that cannot be straightened, and whose bigotry and misogyny are so ingrained, he can't help but continue his attacks on the truth, on the beauty of human beings (or lack of it), on basic decency and self-respect. He is a rabid dog full of contempt and hate, biting right and left, cheating on his misinformed, and prejudiced fans, trying to convince them he is not the guy he himself said is, a sexual predator hungry for recognition, lashing out and blaming others for his own lewd actions. The world is laughing, nervously, at this clown, an ever present danger even once defeated. Aren't we guilty by association?
66
Monday morning 7 a.m. is the start of early voting. "When they go low, we go high" will be manifested in my vote.
Yes, I was riveted by the Thomas hearings and rode around for years with a fading, peeling "Anita Hill was right" bumper sticker on my car. I have lived through assassinations, resignation, impeachment, terrorist attacks and obscene wars, but nothing scares me as much as this election.
I am not voting for the first female President, I am voting for experience and competency, a woman as commander and chief. The Republican nominee for President is a base, vulgar hollow excuse of a man, and in the face of all evidence of what he is not, I do not understand how he was nominated let alone how he continues to maintain any support. And I worry about the aftermath when he loses.
Here's something for you to grope Donald, in my circle of friends and family, women aren't putting up with this. We are angry. We've had enough. And we vote.
Yes, I was riveted by the Thomas hearings and rode around for years with a fading, peeling "Anita Hill was right" bumper sticker on my car. I have lived through assassinations, resignation, impeachment, terrorist attacks and obscene wars, but nothing scares me as much as this election.
I am not voting for the first female President, I am voting for experience and competency, a woman as commander and chief. The Republican nominee for President is a base, vulgar hollow excuse of a man, and in the face of all evidence of what he is not, I do not understand how he was nominated let alone how he continues to maintain any support. And I worry about the aftermath when he loses.
Here's something for you to grope Donald, in my circle of friends and family, women aren't putting up with this. We are angry. We've had enough. And we vote.
570
I'm an immigrant from Lebanon, permanent resident and unfortunately cannot vote yet. But I think that the most important contribution of Donald Trump phenomenon is the unmasking of the incredibly large masses of supporters who harbor xenophobia, racism, and extremism. He will lose this election, but an important task for the generations to come in America, is tackling this issue and unrooting and addressing those heinous feelings and societal malaises and flaws that were so clearly exposed this past year.
731
Please also give credit to the people who are pushing back--some for the first time. This country has changed in the last 50+ years, even if there is still more to be done.
"Darkness cannot drive out darkness; only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate; only love can do that."
Martin Luther King Jr.
Go high.
"Darkness cannot drive out darkness; only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate; only love can do that."
Martin Luther King Jr.
Go high.
204
I am so glad you are here in America, Nabil. Welcome. Your observation is one of the best!
5
If the Republicans had any deep-seated (pardon the expression) smarts, and any primal instinct beyond self-immolation, their nominee would have been Susan Collins to be, yes, the first woman president.
Eminently qualified, the senator from Maine has just the kind of priorities that we need: Country first, party second. The national interest before the personal (or, let's be honest, the selfish) interest. And the fact that she's a member of the Senate Select Committee on Intelligence testifies to her acumen on national security.
Instead, the GOP nominated a meathead -- a bigoted, obnoxious, mendacious, egomaniacal, sexually predatory demagogue. How did the Party of Lincoln ever do that?
What a stark contrast, too, between Sen. Collins's character, credibility, plain-spokenness and incorruptibility and Mrs. Clinton's quarter-century of secretive, self-serving, sentence-parsing and, at a minimum, ethically dubious tightrope-walking with the law. And in a debate, is there question of who would hold the moral high ground?
Amid the obscene amounts of money, political sleight of hand and media hype, we've lost track of the fundamentally American traits we ought to have in a president. The ability, collectively, to "go high," as our first lady puts it.
There isn't a woman or girl -- or, for that matter, a man or boy -- who wouldn't be proud to have a president with the forthright qualities of Sen. Collins. Unfortunately, we've created a system in which that doesn't happen.
Eminently qualified, the senator from Maine has just the kind of priorities that we need: Country first, party second. The national interest before the personal (or, let's be honest, the selfish) interest. And the fact that she's a member of the Senate Select Committee on Intelligence testifies to her acumen on national security.
Instead, the GOP nominated a meathead -- a bigoted, obnoxious, mendacious, egomaniacal, sexually predatory demagogue. How did the Party of Lincoln ever do that?
What a stark contrast, too, between Sen. Collins's character, credibility, plain-spokenness and incorruptibility and Mrs. Clinton's quarter-century of secretive, self-serving, sentence-parsing and, at a minimum, ethically dubious tightrope-walking with the law. And in a debate, is there question of who would hold the moral high ground?
Amid the obscene amounts of money, political sleight of hand and media hype, we've lost track of the fundamentally American traits we ought to have in a president. The ability, collectively, to "go high," as our first lady puts it.
There isn't a woman or girl -- or, for that matter, a man or boy -- who wouldn't be proud to have a president with the forthright qualities of Sen. Collins. Unfortunately, we've created a system in which that doesn't happen.
24
No, we just have a Republican Party that does not believe in women as leaders. They could have nominated a woman, but they didn't. They nominated a loud vulgarian misogynist instead. The Republican Party deserves to go down in flames, not jut for this, but for 30 years of trying to erase all the good accomplishments of the 20th century - civil rights, unions, the rise of the middle class, Social Security, Medicare, fair labor laws, consumer protection, and regulation of industry.
200
Susan Collins waited until August to announce she would not vote for Trump. What took her so long? The evidence was clear a year ago. I have respected her in the past, even when not agreeing with her, but she went down several notches in my estimation just for that.
16
And women's sufferage.
Thank you Mr. Bruni for this article.
As a self-made-supporting female who happened to be foxy (so I was told a number of times--firs time by a lawyer/coworker male--who could have used her looks for work purposes--the occasion was there but who instead used her brain and intellect (I am a 2-degreed person with a 4.0GPA) solely for work purposes, I am grateful to Michelle. Despite my looks I always wanted to be judged for my endeavors (my educational attainments and accomplishments at work) for which I had to labor. I have had people thank me for what I did for them--And this is the most rewarding feeling a human being can have to have improved someone else's life in whatever manner even if small--and in the long run (life on Earth).
Trump has not the"""" depth of character"""" to think in the terms above.
The US needs a President who realizes that by improving the country at large--he is immortalizing him/herself--which is the highest honor --in my book-- a human can have.
Bernie Sanders --I know-- must adhere to this idea.....Lets hope there will b another Bernie Sanders after all the voters who are "unsatisfied" wiith the status quo--who are the 99%???--may be not quite--but could be the 70% at least--do realize that Sanders is the way to go.
As a self-made-supporting female who happened to be foxy (so I was told a number of times--firs time by a lawyer/coworker male--who could have used her looks for work purposes--the occasion was there but who instead used her brain and intellect (I am a 2-degreed person with a 4.0GPA) solely for work purposes, I am grateful to Michelle. Despite my looks I always wanted to be judged for my endeavors (my educational attainments and accomplishments at work) for which I had to labor. I have had people thank me for what I did for them--And this is the most rewarding feeling a human being can have to have improved someone else's life in whatever manner even if small--and in the long run (life on Earth).
Trump has not the"""" depth of character"""" to think in the terms above.
The US needs a President who realizes that by improving the country at large--he is immortalizing him/herself--which is the highest honor --in my book-- a human can have.
Bernie Sanders --I know-- must adhere to this idea.....Lets hope there will b another Bernie Sanders after all the voters who are "unsatisfied" wiith the status quo--who are the 99%???--may be not quite--but could be the 70% at least--do realize that Sanders is the way to go.
25
Michelle Obama's speech on gender equality delivered in New Hampshire was stunning. It spoke to Americans everywhere in the most powerful and sincere language I have heard in decades. She is a noble lady and a national treasure. I dare Trump and his minions to attack her. They will crucify themselves.
363
I agree that Michelle Obama gave a great and compelling speech. But why do you need to use her eloquence to criticize her husband and Hillary Clinton? She is not the president and is not running for president, so her situation and peoples receptiveness to her are completely different. President Obama is not being revengeful by pointing out the craziness and hatred going on in the GOP, and in his speech he dealt with a broader problem about Trump than the misogyny. And Hillary Clinton is embroiled in a horrible competition that must be extraordinarily unpleasant for her, and she deserves a lot more appreciation from you for going through this for us.
190
"Hillary Clinton is embroiled in a horrible competition that must be extraordinarily unpleasant for her, and she deserves a lot more appreciation from you for going through this for us."
I'm vioting for Hillary - but I am under no illusion that she is going through this "for us". If she were that concerned about "us" she would have let someone else have the nomination - because - fairly or unfairly - the fact is that she is the 2nd most unpopular candidate in history.
I'm vioting for Hillary - but I am under no illusion that she is going through this "for us". If she were that concerned about "us" she would have let someone else have the nomination - because - fairly or unfairly - the fact is that she is the 2nd most unpopular candidate in history.
1
As a woman I have a Hillary sign proudly displayed in my yard, stolen once but replaced. Doing all I can to move this historic moment forward for my daughters, my granddaughters and yes, for my grandson. Will be canvasing next week, registering the reticent to vote, facilitating access to the polls. I've had my share of misogynist aggression but I have reason for pride.
Before Michelle's speech I knew the obstacles hurled at Hillary had their roots in misogyny-likable enough, smiling too much or not enough, too serious, hounding her with investigations as penalty for her achievenents in the male world, false equivalents created by the MSM, making her seem no better than Trump. How dare her? We'll show her. They almost did but Hillary kept picking herself up and moving forward and Michelle stepped up to give her friend support. With each other we will prevail.
Before Michelle's speech I knew the obstacles hurled at Hillary had their roots in misogyny-likable enough, smiling too much or not enough, too serious, hounding her with investigations as penalty for her achievenents in the male world, false equivalents created by the MSM, making her seem no better than Trump. How dare her? We'll show her. They almost did but Hillary kept picking herself up and moving forward and Michelle stepped up to give her friend support. With each other we will prevail.
170
Thank you, neighbor Jean. You're brave indeed to keep a Clinton/Kaine sign in your front yard in Nebraska! Your spirited defense of "MadamPresident" is accurate and heartfelt. I voted for her & a full Dem ticket yesterday with joy, energy and pride. Michelle's situation is different in many ways than Hillary's now but we well remember the bigoted skepticism she was greeted with back in 2008.
We are all grateful to the Obamas for the many many things they taught and showed us and for never, ever "going low."
They will be SO missed.
We are all grateful to the Obamas for the many many things they taught and showed us and for never, ever "going low."
They will be SO missed.
2
I hope and pray that the FLOTUS' talk is the stake in the heart of Trump's campaign. Unfortunately, this is not done yet and his twitching form requires the strength and determination of all the reasonable people in the country to vote this abomination of a man down finally and resoundingly. The election--both popular vote and electoral college tallies--must be so overwhelming that Trump can't spread his poison post-election by claiming the election was stolen from him. By the way, a Clinton victory would be a bit of a finger in the eye of Mr. Putin.
155
I wonder which of these two possibilities would most offend The Roach that Roars: losing the presidency to Hillary Clinton or having a TV talk-fest starring Michelle Obama programmed opposite one of his own dog-and-pony shows and blowing his ratings all to hell.
74
This thing goes beyond gender issues. It goes to the authoritarian and, let's call it what it is, fascist agenda of the Trump campaign. A quick reading of the history of Germany or Italy in the 1930s is all you need to understand what Trump's program is. Trump supporters say they want to talk about jobs and trade. But the Trump campaign has no coherent program on either of those issues. Trump supporters say they want more security. The security professionals have condemned this candidacy. The Trump campaign has repeatedly shown it is willing to use threats and intimidation. They are allowed their free speech, but threats are not included in free speech, last time I checked. The Trump campaign is a deeply un-American charade. Trump and his entourage are all big on making threats and talking tough, whether it's his bullet-necklace-wearing spokeswoman, or the journalist-arm-yanking campaign manager, or Trump himself with his little suggestions. His rallies in the primaries resulted in fistfights. And all this with his white supremacist and misogynist ideas. Anyone who supports these people at this stage is either willfully blinding themselves to what Trump's campaign is about, or else agrees with these theories and methods. What the Trumpsters don't know is that none of it is working. No one is afraid of these weird people. They will be defeated.
300
Seems that under fascist systems, the corporate elites are allies with politics that uses race and ethnic conflict to anger voters and misdirect blame for their troubles. The more the elites can blame other groups the more easily they dominate the society. Then it may go further, to violence and thought suppression, or may just simmer with different groups fighting eachother while the elites continue to profit.
Interesting that the US can veer toward this even with its world famous Constitution and Bill of Rights. They are either ignored, or distorted to fit the purposes of the elites. Like the court said in the CU decision -- limiting private megadonors to candidates is limiting 1st amendment free speech. Many know that's garbage-thought by the Court.
We have to revise our theories of democracy.
Interesting that the US can veer toward this even with its world famous Constitution and Bill of Rights. They are either ignored, or distorted to fit the purposes of the elites. Like the court said in the CU decision -- limiting private megadonors to candidates is limiting 1st amendment free speech. Many know that's garbage-thought by the Court.
We have to revise our theories of democracy.
38
When you talk about elites using race and ethnic conflict to anger voters and misdirect blame, are you talking about Democrats or Republicans? That argument could easily be made about either, though it seems a lot more fitting for the modern incarnation of the Democratic Party.
"No one is afraid of these weird people."
We should be afraid. Charles Dickens wrote of the children of humanity:
"The boy is ‘Ignorance’ the girl is ‘Want’. Beware them both and all their degree. But most of all, beware the boy, because on his brow I see that written is ‘Doom’, unless the writing be erased."
We should be afraid. Charles Dickens wrote of the children of humanity:
"The boy is ‘Ignorance’ the girl is ‘Want’. Beware them both and all their degree. But most of all, beware the boy, because on his brow I see that written is ‘Doom’, unless the writing be erased."
1
If only, if only the Obamas could be our President and First Lady for the next 4 years! 8 years! They represent the American blessings and values of our democracy and will continue to do so even after their years in the White house are over. Ben Wiseman's delectable illustration of Michelle Obama's shoe squashing a miniature Donald Trump like the bug, the frog, the annoying creep, the dog-do he is, spoke volumes. In the tradition of great political cartoonists like Herblock, Nast, Daumier, Hogarth and Rowlandson. Trump was tripped bigly by his own misogyny, hoist by his own petard. "Twisting, twisting in the wind" as John Erlichman said in 1973, Now we wait to see what happens to Trump's body and soul after his defeat as the third Republican candidate trying for the White House and Oval Office in 8 years. Meanwhile, if we had royalty in America, Michelle Robinson Obama would be our Queen!
323
Nan...better than Queen. I will miss them both.
2
When Michelle Obama said, "It hurts," I think she meant all the disrespect that people suffer. In contrast to Donald Trump who has made disrespect the centerpiece of his campaign, Mrs. Obama was revealing what she has had to conceal in order to play the role of First Lady.
The alt-right has made disrespecting her and her husband its mission since the 2008 election. It has been racial, but it also has a sexist element. I was proud of how she responded.
People should refuse to vote for Donald Trump, not for what he said 11 years ago. They should refuse to vote for him because of what he has said throughout this campaign. They should refuse to vote for him because he lies. They should refuse to vote for him because he apparently thinks he can made it up as he goes along. They should refuse to vote for him because they have no idea of what he'd do as president.
Maybe it's up to women to save the republic, but I'd rather believe that all voters will do the right thing. And Hillary Clinton is not a bad alternative, no matter what some people say.
The alt-right has made disrespecting her and her husband its mission since the 2008 election. It has been racial, but it also has a sexist element. I was proud of how she responded.
People should refuse to vote for Donald Trump, not for what he said 11 years ago. They should refuse to vote for him because of what he has said throughout this campaign. They should refuse to vote for him because he lies. They should refuse to vote for him because he apparently thinks he can made it up as he goes along. They should refuse to vote for him because they have no idea of what he'd do as president.
Maybe it's up to women to save the republic, but I'd rather believe that all voters will do the right thing. And Hillary Clinton is not a bad alternative, no matter what some people say.
934
You have MY vote. She is not bad, she's qualified, and the negative memes repeat-looping by the media, have in part created that negativity and animosity toward her. What woman would have wanted to be in her place during her husband'a impeachment process by men who were having affairs on their wives at the same time? I'm voting for HIllary because she's wise, experienced and over qualified.
1
The Trump surrogates whine about how the Clinton camp has created the diversion of misogyny, obscuring the real issues.
That's funny. What other issues? Racism? Xenophobia? Conscious prevarication of facts? No, misogyny trumps them all. This election is genius poetic justice: an entitled misogynist will lose to the first woman president. He couldn't have been a better candidate for the endemic misogyny that is in American culture. Hopefully, the fever will break after Nov. 8 and we will become a healthier country.
That's funny. What other issues? Racism? Xenophobia? Conscious prevarication of facts? No, misogyny trumps them all. This election is genius poetic justice: an entitled misogynist will lose to the first woman president. He couldn't have been a better candidate for the endemic misogyny that is in American culture. Hopefully, the fever will break after Nov. 8 and we will become a healthier country.
123
It's Billie Jean King vs Bobby Riggs Redux.
58
@stu - I understand your sentiment but the analogy would be a serious insult to the late Bobby Riggs. Whether his match with Billie Jean King genuine or not, they were friends until his death.
In professional term, their relationship is more like than of Barry Goldwater and Ted Kennedy.
Donald Trump's heritage is that of Roy Cohn. And the cowardly Republicans a class on their own
In professional term, their relationship is more like than of Barry Goldwater and Ted Kennedy.
Donald Trump's heritage is that of Roy Cohn. And the cowardly Republicans a class on their own
15
Except Billie Jean King vs. Bobby Riggs was always a publicity stunt with nothing but TV ratings at stake. This one matters.
Thank you, Mr. Bruni, for celebrating the very real, of the people, aspirational, inspirational, Michelle Obama!
I happened to catch her speech ‘live’ on TV. Electrified and transfixed, I stopped what I was doing to fully take in her unparalleled passion, wisdom, decency, strength, grace and hope.
You understandably say:
“That’s largely because she has the luxury of not being a politician. She isn’t and won’t be running for anything. She hasn’t been forced to weigh in on a bevy of issues, potentially alienating voters who disagree, or to exhaust her ammunition on a range of fronts. You want high approval ratings? Exit elected office, or never enter it in the first place.”
We need to disavow the notion that people like Mrs. Obama can only do this because they are not politicians.
And if not now, then when?
Perhaps the greatest gift of Election 2016 will be the fact that we -- collectively -- bore witness to the steep decline and dregs of American electoral politics.
We must take back our democratic foundation so future leaders will want to enter elected office, so the next generation of Michelle Obamas will be able to give that speech -- as unifying, respected politicians.
I happened to catch her speech ‘live’ on TV. Electrified and transfixed, I stopped what I was doing to fully take in her unparalleled passion, wisdom, decency, strength, grace and hope.
You understandably say:
“That’s largely because she has the luxury of not being a politician. She isn’t and won’t be running for anything. She hasn’t been forced to weigh in on a bevy of issues, potentially alienating voters who disagree, or to exhaust her ammunition on a range of fronts. You want high approval ratings? Exit elected office, or never enter it in the first place.”
We need to disavow the notion that people like Mrs. Obama can only do this because they are not politicians.
And if not now, then when?
Perhaps the greatest gift of Election 2016 will be the fact that we -- collectively -- bore witness to the steep decline and dregs of American electoral politics.
We must take back our democratic foundation so future leaders will want to enter elected office, so the next generation of Michelle Obamas will be able to give that speech -- as unifying, respected politicians.
206
Are you forgetting the very honest, authentic, and compassionate campaign of Bernie Sanders and the lies spread about him by the Clinton campaign? Now, she sends Chelsea to Wellsley to talk about "her" plan to make college affordable. This is the same Chelsea sent to the University of Wisconsin last winter who said the students weren't supporting her mother because "they just want free stuff." At that time Hillary was mocking Sanders call for free tuition at public universities as "pie in the sky". She only changed her tune be ause she needs yheir votes.
While Hillary is a far better choice for president than Trump, so would many of our dogs be. She is better but not by magnitudes. Had Sanders realized what he was capable of ealier in the primary process, and what she was capable of in a different vein, Trump woild never have been remotely close to winning.
While Hillary is a far better choice for president than Trump, so would many of our dogs be. She is better but not by magnitudes. Had Sanders realized what he was capable of ealier in the primary process, and what she was capable of in a different vein, Trump woild never have been remotely close to winning.
2
Before Trump's sexist, misogynistic behavior really got to many of us, let's not forget that one of the very first outbursts of ridicule and humiliation was at the expense of a handicapped male reporter. As soon as Trump openly mocked the reporter he should have been vilified. If anything tells you something about someone, it's when and if that person makes fun of someone else. Moreover, to stand on a stage in front of thousands, while on TV, and to act that way, tells us in no uncertain terms: This behavior is reprehensible and this man is not worthy of any vote for any office.
439
He ridiculed one disabled reporter but he insulted an entire race (i.e., Latinos) even before that.
104
Trump's mimicry of a disabled reporter was cruel, bullying and immature. That behavior would have been inappropriate for a child, much less a man of 70 who aspires to the presidency. It shocks me that Trump captured his party's nomination after this mocking video was disclosed.
135
The way the powerful treat the powerless is the perfect indicator of their character. And we have all the evidence we need that Trump has no character at all.
5
A couple of reality checks. - http://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2016/us/elections/polls.html?ref=poli...
HRC is beating the Great Orange Groper by all of 5%. 40% of our country is willing to vote for this racist, sexist, philandering criminal. He should be registered as a sex offender, and yet tens of millions of our fellow citizens will vote for him. This race still isn't over. We don't know what the weeks ahead will bring. The past few seem to have brought the worst that Trump will have to endure and there he is, within striking distance. One bad week for Hillary, one piece of her past bubbling up, one cop shot by an undocumented immigrant, one more of Bill's sex scandals, and this thing becomes too close to call. Trump trails Clinton by 15% among women. My reaction, only 15? This could get very... interesting.
HRC is beating the Great Orange Groper by all of 5%. 40% of our country is willing to vote for this racist, sexist, philandering criminal. He should be registered as a sex offender, and yet tens of millions of our fellow citizens will vote for him. This race still isn't over. We don't know what the weeks ahead will bring. The past few seem to have brought the worst that Trump will have to endure and there he is, within striking distance. One bad week for Hillary, one piece of her past bubbling up, one cop shot by an undocumented immigrant, one more of Bill's sex scandals, and this thing becomes too close to call. Trump trails Clinton by 15% among women. My reaction, only 15? This could get very... interesting.
139
Andrew - My thoughts and feelings EXACTLY. It is baffling to me that this monster has the ENORMOUS following - unwavering, non questioning, all embracing. One can take a win by Clinton as only a possibility - not a probability. Well stated, Andrew.
2
Agree. Three weeks is an eternity in politics. The third debate is critically important for HRC. She must answer "Why do you want to be President?" She must convince those open to being convinced that they can trust her.
3
Andrew. Listen to this: http://www.wnyc.org/story/ari-berman-voting-rights-wisconsin/ . It's an interview with a reporter investigating states where voter suppression laws were wholly or partly struck down by the courts. They finding enough ways to ignore or get around the courts that it could still impact the election results in some swing states. This election is not over.
1
Imagine how different -- as in uplifting, and refreshing, and morally and ethically crystal clear -- this election could have been if Michelle Obama or, for that matter, Elizabeth Warren or the likes of Amy Klobuchar or, say, Kirsten Gillibrand had been the nominee?
Unfortunately, Mrs. Clinton's insufferable sense of entitlement ("It's my turn. ... It's still my turn ... And it's my turn again") has suffocated an entire generation of presidential-caliber Democratic women. How sad.
And, come January, upon redelivery of all the Clintonian baggage to the White House, how ugly it promises to be again. At least as bad as the scandal-du-jour '90s. And probably worse.
Unfortunately, Mrs. Clinton's insufferable sense of entitlement ("It's my turn. ... It's still my turn ... And it's my turn again") has suffocated an entire generation of presidential-caliber Democratic women. How sad.
And, come January, upon redelivery of all the Clintonian baggage to the White House, how ugly it promises to be again. At least as bad as the scandal-du-jour '90s. And probably worse.
16
HER insufferable sense of entitlement? Better her baggage than The Donald's still-more-rancid impersonation of Hugh Hefner (who actually did build an "empire").
115
My problem with Hillary is she wants to bring in more immigrants I'm no I am not a racist but I think we should take of people here that need to help first she believes in late term abortion she has no plan for the health care which is out of control no plan to help middle class our kids are learning more about our religions in school which they shouldn't me and how to hate which is very wrong So tell me why I should vote for her I see her as destroying our country
There is no evidence to support your claim about Hillary's thoughts.
What can be asserted without evidence can be dismissed without evidence. -- Hitchens's Razor
What can be asserted without evidence can be dismissed without evidence. -- Hitchens's Razor
4
It's possible for any voter or at-risk incumbent to make a decision about the character of Donald Trump to be President based on a single parameter.
One of the most important traits that is mandatory in our President is that he or she be able to protect the vulnerable and the minority. There is a total weight-of-the-evidence that Donald Trump gets a fail score in this category and that makes him 100% unqualified for him to be our president and lead our country.
He has failed in that leadership role and no amount of spin by his feckless surrogates about the economy, law and order, and security can paint over this deficit and its top-most priority. Let him stay on the ballot and be a loser as a message to the leadership of the Republican Party and to party faithful who have looked the other way.
Donald trump is going to lose and it is well deserved based on the hatred and mistrust he has sown -- over so many. He will live on as a nuisance since it's likley that he along with Steve Bannon from Breitbart News and Roger Ailes will set up a new alt right news production outlet that will be even right of FOX News. Trump will do this to earn the ad revenue.
Put that in your pipe and smoke it.
And BTW, warlords don’t care.
One of the most important traits that is mandatory in our President is that he or she be able to protect the vulnerable and the minority. There is a total weight-of-the-evidence that Donald Trump gets a fail score in this category and that makes him 100% unqualified for him to be our president and lead our country.
He has failed in that leadership role and no amount of spin by his feckless surrogates about the economy, law and order, and security can paint over this deficit and its top-most priority. Let him stay on the ballot and be a loser as a message to the leadership of the Republican Party and to party faithful who have looked the other way.
Donald trump is going to lose and it is well deserved based on the hatred and mistrust he has sown -- over so many. He will live on as a nuisance since it's likley that he along with Steve Bannon from Breitbart News and Roger Ailes will set up a new alt right news production outlet that will be even right of FOX News. Trump will do this to earn the ad revenue.
Put that in your pipe and smoke it.
And BTW, warlords don’t care.
64
The way (some, not all -- but way too many) men act toward women is nothing new. It is part and parcel of the long, destructive history of patriarchal capitalism. Capitalism because only the bottom line matters and women are just one more "natural resource" to be manipulated, in this case literally. And patriarchy because since the downfall of the Goddess and female divinity six or eight thousand years ago, it's the men who have done the manipulating.
I've always thought that defining how women are mistreated by calling them "sexual objects" doesn't begin to lay out what's really going on. What's really going on is ancient: the destruction of the world by male domination run riot. Nothing will really change until this entire system goes up in flames. Capitalism and patriarchy must be made to disappear. Otherwise women do not reach positions of great power without becoming virtually indistinguishable from their male counterparts. When 99% of humanity has been tricked into being little better than slaves for the remaining 1%, who's appointed to vacancies in the Supreme Court in the US of A in whichever year does not begin to be enough.
I've always thought that defining how women are mistreated by calling them "sexual objects" doesn't begin to lay out what's really going on. What's really going on is ancient: the destruction of the world by male domination run riot. Nothing will really change until this entire system goes up in flames. Capitalism and patriarchy must be made to disappear. Otherwise women do not reach positions of great power without becoming virtually indistinguishable from their male counterparts. When 99% of humanity has been tricked into being little better than slaves for the remaining 1%, who's appointed to vacancies in the Supreme Court in the US of A in whichever year does not begin to be enough.
31
Yes!!
2
Beautiful and gutsy. Thank you.
1
The real question is what Republicans are going to do after Nov. 9. Will they repeat their strategy of the last 8 years -- oppose everything Clinton might support, and let every yahoo with a "birther story" -- yammer on while they nod politely, if sheepishly? If they continue like this, they will keep losing, just like Fox will lose viewers. If the Democrats get serious about income equality, jobs, and access to education-- there will be no hope for the Republican party.
111
Ms Obama indicates a morality which runs through most women. We as a people may be fortunate and elect another woman who like the First Lady will bring us back to our senses.
Mr Trump has kept his remarks away from Ms Obama because even knows she would excoriate him to such a degree he would have no chance at recovery.
We are fortunate that Ms Obama will be living in Washington and her children almost grown which would allow her to easily accept an appointment in an administration which will undoubtedly be one of the most powerful and intelligent our government has ever known.
With the Senate and House hopefully in control of Democrats our nation could once again bring a moral leadership both us and the world so desperayely needs.
I hope Ms Clinton wins and appoints Ms Obama as Secretary of Education.
Mr Trump has kept his remarks away from Ms Obama because even knows she would excoriate him to such a degree he would have no chance at recovery.
We are fortunate that Ms Obama will be living in Washington and her children almost grown which would allow her to easily accept an appointment in an administration which will undoubtedly be one of the most powerful and intelligent our government has ever known.
With the Senate and House hopefully in control of Democrats our nation could once again bring a moral leadership both us and the world so desperayely needs.
I hope Ms Clinton wins and appoints Ms Obama as Secretary of Education.
154
Actually, Obama should be on the Supreme Court. Until Roberts resigns or is impeached or passes on, Obama will have to wait to be Chief Justice, but can still be the most effective Justice we have seen in a long while--and he absolutely has the legal training for the role.
47
And Barack to the Supreme Court.
2
I fear that HRC may be the John Q. Adams of her time.
1
The first lady's speech was remarkable for many of the reasons mentioned - authenticity being at the top of the list. For me one of the most powerful and important moments was when she expressed worry and concern about the consequences of Trump's behavior with respect to her own children. It says something deep and profound that my wife and I no long know how to talk to our sons, 8 and 12, about the state of this election. Originally intending to spend the beginning of the school year focused on the U.S. election, my son's 7th grade social studies teacher is as much in a quandary about what to do as we are. How can one possibly frame Trumps behavior in any way that sheds light on our great democracy? At this point, how can he, or we, possibly include our children in this process? And the situation gets worse by the day.
249
Please tell your sons' social studies teacher about the Southern Poverty Law Center's "Teaching Tolerance" publications. They address these problems in wonderful ways for all ages. They will help after this terrible election as well. And they are free to anyone who wants to access them. Although i am not a public school teacher, I subscribe because "teaching tolerance" is a task for all of us, to teach ourselves and to share with everyone. These publication are also ongoing.
7
For a good teachable connection from classic literature, how about "The Emperor's New Clothes?"
http://andersen.sdu.dk/vaerk/hersholt/TheEmperorsNewClothes_e.html
"But he hasn't got anything on," a little child said.
"Did you ever hear such innocent prattle?" said its father. And one person whispered to another what the child had said, "He hasn't anything on. A child says he hasn't anything on."
"But he hasn't got anything on!" the whole town cried out at last.
The Emperor shivered, for he suspected they were right. But he thought, "This procession has got to go on." So he walked more proudly than ever, as his noblemen held high the train that wasn't there at all...
http://andersen.sdu.dk/vaerk/hersholt/TheEmperorsNewClothes_e.html
"But he hasn't got anything on," a little child said.
"Did you ever hear such innocent prattle?" said its father. And one person whispered to another what the child had said, "He hasn't anything on. A child says he hasn't anything on."
"But he hasn't got anything on!" the whole town cried out at last.
The Emperor shivered, for he suspected they were right. But he thought, "This procession has got to go on." So he walked more proudly than ever, as his noblemen held high the train that wasn't there at all...
1
I agree completely. I think it is also far to say that as a couple, and as parents, the Obamas have been nothing but class. No scandals, no ugliness, just good people and good parents outclassing virtually everyone else in that town and bringing huge honor to the office of the presidency.
I will add an expression to your desire to see the women's vote crush Trump:
From your mouth to God's ears.
The only baffling thing to me is how Secretary Clinton is only 15 points ahead of Donald with women. I am truly hoping most of these women are married to overbearing men and in the solitude of the voting booth will feel free to do what they couldn't say to the pollster. It's the only way I can see so small a margin between them.
I will add an expression to your desire to see the women's vote crush Trump:
From your mouth to God's ears.
The only baffling thing to me is how Secretary Clinton is only 15 points ahead of Donald with women. I am truly hoping most of these women are married to overbearing men and in the solitude of the voting booth will feel free to do what they couldn't say to the pollster. It's the only way I can see so small a margin between them.
401
which says a lot about how far women still have to go. Afraid to voice one's opinion? in front of a pollster? a stranger? because hubby is within earshot?
What a sad (and probably accurate) commentary!
Yes, from Frank Bruni's mouth to God's ears indeed.
What a sad (and probably accurate) commentary!
Yes, from Frank Bruni's mouth to God's ears indeed.
4
Hillary shines brightly just now because she is standing next to the vile blackness and emptiness of Donald Trump. When she stood on the stage with Sanders, it was he who had the moral high ground.
1
An unexpected positive outcome of all this Trump tyranny may be, that people with any shred of decency will have established a stronger sense of the value of civility and the understanding that this value can never be taken for granted. We are beginning to witness a heroic grace from certain of our public figures and journalists, and also private citizens, especially women,who are now putting into words and modeling what it means to stand up and speak out with grace, even expressing the anger of injustice, without resorting to insults or nastiness. This is not polite language. It is not elitist language. It is a clear, insistent, confident language, the language of research and informed discourse which must forever rise above any language that tries to de-legitimize it.
138
Well said.
And now, eight years into the Obama Presidency, people are realizing what they had and squandered. An intelligent, pragmatic and centered President, and an intelligent, principled and truly classy First Lady.
We will trade these two, who were excoriated during their term - how dare Michelle Obama tell us how to eat! - for most likely, the sturm und drang of Hillary versus the House, or God help us, Donald Trump.
We will trade these two, who were excoriated during their term - how dare Michelle Obama tell us how to eat! - for most likely, the sturm und drang of Hillary versus the House, or God help us, Donald Trump.
162
Thank you for bringing up the vegetables! That has been the First Lady's gift to us and points to another battle for the first Mother President: reigning in corporate control of our food in order to reduce disease so that our medicare for all does not go bankrupt.
3
Thank you Frank for a wonderful article. Michelle Obama is great first lady and a moral and courageous one at that.
288
I see a first black woman president !
1
Outstanding column!
Michelle Obama's tone, her righteous indignation, was pitch perfect in highlighting Trump's ferocious and alarming flailing and stone throwing at all within his reach. What a wonderful counterpoint to blatant bellicosity and outrageous behavior, unlike any seen in my lifetime of seven decades.
It is reassuring to anticipate Mrs. Obama's continuing presence on our national scene once she exits the White House. I, for one, hope she remains available to both elevate us and to help us navigate the road ahead.
Michelle Obama's tone, her righteous indignation, was pitch perfect in highlighting Trump's ferocious and alarming flailing and stone throwing at all within his reach. What a wonderful counterpoint to blatant bellicosity and outrageous behavior, unlike any seen in my lifetime of seven decades.
It is reassuring to anticipate Mrs. Obama's continuing presence on our national scene once she exits the White House. I, for one, hope she remains available to both elevate us and to help us navigate the road ahead.
382
Could she be our next Elinor Roosevelt, the woman responsible for the Declaration of Human Rights?
The country has been fortunate to have both Michelle Obama and Laura Bush as First Ladies. Both have conducted themselves admirably during very trying circumstances in public life. And I have no doubt both their husbands were better presidents because of the influence of their wives.
104
Laura Bush seems like a nice woman and I appreciated her work with literacy issues but her husband was a weak man who sat by while his VP engineered two wars that killed and maimed thousands of people.
6
bp says Laura Bush, like Michele, made her husband a "better president". How? And I mean how could Dubya have been worse than he was? Shoot a duck-hunter in the face?
Yet another GOP "false equivalence." Dubya was a warmonger, he ignored numerous AL Quaeda warnings because Cheney wanted to control W''s administration, he continued the GOP "war on government", he allowed banks to sell/buy/huckster "derivatives", he made private "contractors" do war work as a private arm of the US, he allowed torture and horribly ruined Iraq's future -- and our place in the world, he permitted the destruction of Iraqi historical treasures, he made Guantanamo a bad word, he supported ant-education bills, he attacked women's rights, he squandered Bill Clinton's surplus, leaving trillions of unpaid-for war bills. He knew no books and pretended to rule from his drug-impaired "gut", instead. Tell us: Laura did what, when, and improved her mindless, inarticulate, atavistic husband how? And then tell us what Barack needed from Michele to be the fine man and president he was from Day One?
Yet another GOP "false equivalence." Dubya was a warmonger, he ignored numerous AL Quaeda warnings because Cheney wanted to control W''s administration, he continued the GOP "war on government", he allowed banks to sell/buy/huckster "derivatives", he made private "contractors" do war work as a private arm of the US, he allowed torture and horribly ruined Iraq's future -- and our place in the world, he permitted the destruction of Iraqi historical treasures, he made Guantanamo a bad word, he supported ant-education bills, he attacked women's rights, he squandered Bill Clinton's surplus, leaving trillions of unpaid-for war bills. He knew no books and pretended to rule from his drug-impaired "gut", instead. Tell us: Laura did what, when, and improved her mindless, inarticulate, atavistic husband how? And then tell us what Barack needed from Michele to be the fine man and president he was from Day One?
3
Our FLOTUS is a remarkable person and we love her. Notice that Trump never dares to smear or attack her. I actually believe he is terrified of her. He should be. She is the sunlight that bleaches away the rot and disease that emanate from him and his noxious tribe.
I like to think that she has an even more beautiful, inspiring and truthful speech to share with us. That speech will announce that Hillary is the first woman President of the United States. It will be the start of the healing that this country needs so desperately.
I like to think that she has an even more beautiful, inspiring and truthful speech to share with us. That speech will announce that Hillary is the first woman President of the United States. It will be the start of the healing that this country needs so desperately.
985
A nearly perfect essay, it is so refreshing to read an uplifting piece, this season, on the words and wisdom of an authentic roll model, The First Lady, Michelle Obama.
The other woman mentioned is simply a mystery of contradictions.
Nice artwork too.
The other woman mentioned is simply a mystery of contradictions.
Nice artwork too.
86
I loved the artwork too. Nearly missed the little yellow man beneath the pump.
5
Sorry, but it's not nearly perfect. It is perfect. I will miss this remarkable first lady and her remarkable husband.
6
Michele Obama has the moral authority to deliver the speech she gave in New Hampshire. She spoke from a place deep inside her not only as a woman, but as a black woman who has experienced hurtful words on a level we who are white can only imagine. She connected with women on a deep personal level with heartfelt emotion. I thought it was a stroke of genius not to mention Trump by name. A person so awful, you dare not speak his name out loud! You are correct, Hillary Clinton was not the woman to deliver the speech Michelle Obama did. For one thing she would have been excoriated for many reasons.
Michelle Obama has been exemplary as a First Lady. She is intelligent, beautiful, and funny as well. She has done this country proud, and we all owe her a debt of gratitude. I personally wish she would consider running for office.
As sweet as it would be for a misogynist to be taken down by a woman, I won't be voting for Hillary Clinton because she is a woman. I will be voting for her based on her qualifications to be President of this country. and Trump has none, as in zero. Further, he hasn't any substantive plans for running the country. which knowledgeable people have pointed out. What he does have is a white nationalist base who want to turn back the clock to the '50's when women and blacks knew their place.
No, even at 71, I won't be voting for Clinton because she is a woman, I simply don't want a terminally narcissistic racist misogynistic xenophobe to be President.
Michelle Obama has been exemplary as a First Lady. She is intelligent, beautiful, and funny as well. She has done this country proud, and we all owe her a debt of gratitude. I personally wish she would consider running for office.
As sweet as it would be for a misogynist to be taken down by a woman, I won't be voting for Hillary Clinton because she is a woman. I will be voting for her based on her qualifications to be President of this country. and Trump has none, as in zero. Further, he hasn't any substantive plans for running the country. which knowledgeable people have pointed out. What he does have is a white nationalist base who want to turn back the clock to the '50's when women and blacks knew their place.
No, even at 71, I won't be voting for Clinton because she is a woman, I simply don't want a terminally narcissistic racist misogynistic xenophobe to be President.
1551
Diana.....It doesn't really matter but I've often thought that Michelle Obama is America's most beautiful first lady ever. Yes, in history. And she has true enthusiasm, sincerity, warmth, as well as elegance and pizzazz. She's refreshingly non calculating---just what we need now, to put it mildly.
Political debates aside, she and Obama are a handsome couple.
Political debates aside, she and Obama are a handsome couple.
8
Diane, I'm 71 and am voting for her because she is a woman who just happens to be qualified. We are all lucky that we have an intelligent woman winning the race. And I'm glad that the Democratic party is leading the way for women. Because I would never vote for a woman like Sarah Palin or Michele Bachmann. They are an embarrassment of gigantic proportions. Go Hill!!
7
The difference between Michelle Obama, a Harvard Law School graduate and a brilliant woman and Hillary Clinton, a Yale Law School graduate and a brilliant women, is that Michelle has been a partner to her husband in his presidency and Hillary was a competitor with her husband for power and attention.
Hillary bullied Bill Clinton into naming her head of his task force for healthcare reform and then naively told an TV reporter that she had no experience in healthcare but "couldn't turn the president down." Michelle, a former senior vice president in Chicago's largest public hospital system, didn't need official titles. She had her own projects but behind the scenes, it's obvious she is one of the president's closest advisers. Michelle had the power.
Hillary bullied Bill Clinton into naming her head of his task force for healthcare reform and then naively told an TV reporter that she had no experience in healthcare but "couldn't turn the president down." Michelle, a former senior vice president in Chicago's largest public hospital system, didn't need official titles. She had her own projects but behind the scenes, it's obvious she is one of the president's closest advisers. Michelle had the power.
31
@Lola in NYC - No one of us knows what goes on inside the marriage of others. To claim that Hillary "bullied" her husband is to simply swallow propaganda.
Actually, Michelle worked at the University of Chicago Hospitals - a private, not public, hospital.
Actually, Michelle worked at the University of Chicago Hospitals - a private, not public, hospital.
272
As a mental health professional I digest a lot of brain science.
We humans --who scan for another human four times each second-- perceive the difference between an expression that is more connected to the limbic brain. It has emotional content, it has "authenticity", it allows us to feel something.
People who can't do that, who come off as robots generally have a history of some serious wounding. I would venture to guess that between the decades of being publicly attacked and the many potential landmines Ms Clinton must step around she simply can't express herself in that way. Yet. I believe it's altogether possible that being in Pennsylvania Avenue changes that. (PS Mr Trump's decades of antics in the private sector are carefully firewalled behind non disclosure agreements and muzzling legal settlements)
We humans --who scan for another human four times each second-- perceive the difference between an expression that is more connected to the limbic brain. It has emotional content, it has "authenticity", it allows us to feel something.
People who can't do that, who come off as robots generally have a history of some serious wounding. I would venture to guess that between the decades of being publicly attacked and the many potential landmines Ms Clinton must step around she simply can't express herself in that way. Yet. I believe it's altogether possible that being in Pennsylvania Avenue changes that. (PS Mr Trump's decades of antics in the private sector are carefully firewalled behind non disclosure agreements and muzzling legal settlements)
64
Baloney. You know nothing of the clintons marrisge; nor does anyone else. A trial lawyer would say " objection--conjecture!!"
13
Yes, I love the idea that Trump, who chases women, sexually harassed women will be defeated by women in the election. Unfortunately, he will never understand why he lost.
668
We'll be fortunate if he even accepts that he lost.
73
And he lost to 'girls.' That's the best part of it all.
6
May he ever be confused.
1
Frank, just when I thought I'd never read anything better than your last column, you surprise me.
This one is a corker. The irony of the nonpolitical First Lady of the most maligned President in modern history chewing out the sexual behavior of her husband's main tormentor, now opponent of a former First Lady attempting to be the first female president is--in a nutshell-- without parallel.
Hillary Clinton is fortunate indeed to have so many well-spoken surrogates in her battle against Donald Trump. But, as you make so clear, Michelle brings something special to that role.
I read that Mrs. Obama is a reluctant campaigner, only willing to come in when she's needed most. Well, if she never ever gives another speech, she's done her job, and done it amazingly well.
I thought her Convention Speech the best of what was a week of good oratory. But this one where she manages to blow away the GOP nominee without even mentioning his name--it's the kind of speech every mother would want to preserve for when her children, both sons and daughters, come of age.
Because, I'm not sure that misogyny and sexual entitlement, like racism, will ever be done away with completely. The most we might expect is that each form of indignity become lessened, attenuated, with each successive generation.
Michelle Obama has already done more than her part in making that happen, at least for this year, this time.
This one is a corker. The irony of the nonpolitical First Lady of the most maligned President in modern history chewing out the sexual behavior of her husband's main tormentor, now opponent of a former First Lady attempting to be the first female president is--in a nutshell-- without parallel.
Hillary Clinton is fortunate indeed to have so many well-spoken surrogates in her battle against Donald Trump. But, as you make so clear, Michelle brings something special to that role.
I read that Mrs. Obama is a reluctant campaigner, only willing to come in when she's needed most. Well, if she never ever gives another speech, she's done her job, and done it amazingly well.
I thought her Convention Speech the best of what was a week of good oratory. But this one where she manages to blow away the GOP nominee without even mentioning his name--it's the kind of speech every mother would want to preserve for when her children, both sons and daughters, come of age.
Because, I'm not sure that misogyny and sexual entitlement, like racism, will ever be done away with completely. The most we might expect is that each form of indignity become lessened, attenuated, with each successive generation.
Michelle Obama has already done more than her part in making that happen, at least for this year, this time.
1239
You could have written this better Christine.
Agree, Frank Bruni's last column " Sympathy for the Donald" was outstanding. I forwarded and also saved it in my folder of "specials".
1
I had the chance to meet Michelle Obama when I helped in the first state primary that propelled Barack in Iowa back in 2007. The occasions were always campaign events and the response even back then was electric from those in attendance.
Michelle Obama has all the energy and passion of the best campaigners out there. Why? Because she believes to the core of her soul what she is fighting for. Please don't believe this media idea that she does not like to campaign. Once again the media tries it's best to twist around perceptions to fit their neatly packaged, WRONG views.
Don't believe everything you read.
Michelle Obama has all the energy and passion of the best campaigners out there. Why? Because she believes to the core of her soul what she is fighting for. Please don't believe this media idea that she does not like to campaign. Once again the media tries it's best to twist around perceptions to fit their neatly packaged, WRONG views.
Don't believe everything you read.
7
I’m impressed at the level of effort that the left is applying in its fear of a Trump presidency. Since Michelle Obama’s statement on the 2008 campaign trail that “for the first time” in her life she was proud of her country, she’s been studiously correct in her approach to the first ladyhood. This undoubtedly required immense forbearance, as I’ve always thought (and written here) that I believed she was brighter than her husband.
I can’t blame her or the president for wanting revenge for denial of a legacy other than ObamaCare and the Iran treaty, both of which are excoriated by a lot of Americans. But they should acknowledge that with different skills he could have been a far more impactful president, apart from finally getting us beyond the racial line. Could’a, would’a, should’a. Democrats despise Ronald Reagan but nobody can deny his political skills, without which his would have been as empty a presidency, if he’d been president at all.
Yet Barack Obama encountered just resistance for the monumental arrogance of undivided Democratic government—the same resistance that a President Hillary would encounter if she’s elected in a few weeks.
So Mrs. Obama is unloading on Trump and Republicans generally, in a well-orchestrated contribution to what may become the election of our lives. But in the end it’s not Michelle Obama who is running, and I’m sure Trump’s surrogates will point that out. It’s the woman who is the second least liked and trusted candidate in our history.
I can’t blame her or the president for wanting revenge for denial of a legacy other than ObamaCare and the Iran treaty, both of which are excoriated by a lot of Americans. But they should acknowledge that with different skills he could have been a far more impactful president, apart from finally getting us beyond the racial line. Could’a, would’a, should’a. Democrats despise Ronald Reagan but nobody can deny his political skills, without which his would have been as empty a presidency, if he’d been president at all.
Yet Barack Obama encountered just resistance for the monumental arrogance of undivided Democratic government—the same resistance that a President Hillary would encounter if she’s elected in a few weeks.
So Mrs. Obama is unloading on Trump and Republicans generally, in a well-orchestrated contribution to what may become the election of our lives. But in the end it’s not Michelle Obama who is running, and I’m sure Trump’s surrogates will point that out. It’s the woman who is the second least liked and trusted candidate in our history.
14
Richard
She may not be trusted but Ms Clinton will be the next president. Get over it. Deal with it an intelligent way. I hope.
She may not be trusted but Ms Clinton will be the next president. Get over it. Deal with it an intelligent way. I hope.
85
Keep trying, Richard, but I fear you've worn out your ability to distress people who aren't on the crazy right. You went too far.
106
Hillary was well-known as a Senator for being able to reach across partisan lines and work with Republicans to get things done. This was after a bruising impeachment and 'right-wing conspiracy' during Bill's term. This has been a very divisive election, but I think that Hillary can use the skills that she used as senator to work with any Republicans that are willing. As citizens, we should make it clear to our elected representatives that we want compromise that leads to progress and that we will hold our representatives accountable if they are unwilling to do their job.
67
The trouble is how many times can one express repulsion. How many times can one feel disgust. How many times can one show incredulity. How many times can one look in disbelief at lies and negation of same. How many times before one loses the capacity to respond because the senses have been petrified by repeated assaults.
218
The answer, my friend, is blowin in the wind ...
4
This election is like a recurring bad dream that I hope we will finally wake up from after Election Day. The evil words and deeds of Donald J. Trump should be relegated to the trash bin of history, and retold only as a cautionary tale of what happens to a political party when it traffics in racism, sexism, and xenophobia.
384
You left out their most opprobrious and dangerous behavior - becoming every more brazen in their ability to lie and hold to it in the face of overwhelming evidence to the contrary. The others we can survive. The lie as a primary political tactic could be our downfall.
7
Maybe Michelle will agree to stay on as Hillary's First Lady so we don't have to deal with the First Gentlemen.
187
Scott W---funny!
1
I thought we could call him "First Dude". I think Mrs. Obama will be relieved that her time as First Lady is coming to an end. Maybe in the new administration she will be offered an important position. She certainly has exhibited grace under pressure, and is well-qualified.
4
I have a feeling Michelle wants to get out of the WH as soon as she can ;). Its a lonely place but thanks to her mom's presence, her daughters, her initiatives in getting Americans healthy, proliferating kitchen gardens, urging people to keep moving, keep eating healthy...kept her from being isolated and let her stay connected to a larger goal: good health for all Americans.
7
"He told them that Trump is the nominee you get when your agenda is “based on lies, based on hoaxes.” He wasn’t merely safeguarding America’s future. He was reveling in his revenge."
Barack Obama was speaking for all of us.
Barack Obama was speaking for all of us.
1490
Bruni betrays his dislike of President Obama once again. Speaking the facts is not revenge. Obama is not a revenge kind of guy. The truth is just that...the truth.
13
At this point, isn't Trump inciting riots, making terroristic threats, treasonous? Not to mention the litany of everything else the GOP ignored/is ignoring. If anyone belongs in jail, isolated from the population, it's him.
9
The autopsy on the still twitching corpse of the Trump campaign has already begun. Its demise seems inevitable at this point, and we can only wonder why it took so long to happen. Trump should have been nothing more than a flash in the pan, seeming bright only in comparison to the lackluster competition that he faced in the primary, a proverbial zircon glittering in a cow pie.
Trump surprises us because he seems to survive without things that we thought were essential to life. Unlike Barack and Michelle Obama, he appears to have no class, wit, style, intelligence, grace or compassion.
But as it is, he shambled and slouched and crept along, standing in the spotlight long enough for the veneer of novelty to slough off, ultimately revealing a hollow, ignorant and bestial predator who may have forever diminished this country by the mere fact of his inexplicable popularity.
If the First Lady has to remind us of our shared commitment to each other, of our need for compassion, wisdom and respect, and of the importance of decency and honesty in our leaders, we may already have lost.
It seems as though we’ve dodged a bullet, and we won’t have to shame ourselves by ever saying the words President Trump. But it makes you wonder if we just went through a dress rehearsal for getting the government we deserve.
This time, Hillary Clinton may prevail. Next time, who knows? Eternal vigilance is our only hope.
Trump surprises us because he seems to survive without things that we thought were essential to life. Unlike Barack and Michelle Obama, he appears to have no class, wit, style, intelligence, grace or compassion.
But as it is, he shambled and slouched and crept along, standing in the spotlight long enough for the veneer of novelty to slough off, ultimately revealing a hollow, ignorant and bestial predator who may have forever diminished this country by the mere fact of his inexplicable popularity.
If the First Lady has to remind us of our shared commitment to each other, of our need for compassion, wisdom and respect, and of the importance of decency and honesty in our leaders, we may already have lost.
It seems as though we’ve dodged a bullet, and we won’t have to shame ourselves by ever saying the words President Trump. But it makes you wonder if we just went through a dress rehearsal for getting the government we deserve.
This time, Hillary Clinton may prevail. Next time, who knows? Eternal vigilance is our only hope.
816
We may be conducting the autopsy of the corpse of the Trump campaign for President. But the zombie that will rise from that corpse will continue to shadow and consume the administration of President Hillary Clinton.
The entire Trump zombie horde is not going away. Hopefully, non-Trump supporters, including those in the next Clinton administration, will not make the mistake President-elect Obama did, when he viewed his 2008 win as the end of a war, rather than merely the first battle in the war to come, the war that continues, which that election was.
The entire Trump zombie horde is not going away. Hopefully, non-Trump supporters, including those in the next Clinton administration, will not make the mistake President-elect Obama did, when he viewed his 2008 win as the end of a war, rather than merely the first battle in the war to come, the war that continues, which that election was.
268
Obama made the huge mistake of thinking, because of his successes crossing the aisle in the Senate and as president of the Harvard Law Review, that the Republicans in Congress would compromise in order to govern. Hillary will not make that error. I was for Obama in 2008, but Paul Krugman warned us that Hilary knew better how to battle the Republicans intent on dragging our country down. I don't regret my decision in 2008, but in this respect Paul Krugman was spot on, and the country paid a huge price for the mindset of the conciliator in chief.
31
gemli, I usually am in complete agreement with your extremely well-articulated comments, but I have to disagree with you on this one.
I am quite certain that I do not deserve a government led by the likes of Trump. I am crystal clear that the American public does not deserve a government led by the likes of Trump.
I hold out the hopes that a) President Clinton will move us forward, especially if she has a Democratic House and Senate; b) the Republican Party will continue to eat their own; c) that the demographics of the country continue to skew in favor of a plurality of Democrats and progressives; d) that the Supreme Court, including the new justice/justices appointed by President Clinton, will find unconstitutional the gerrymandering orchestrated by the GOP over the past many years. (Of course, they are being delightfully hoisted on their own petard in some districts, as the warring factions of their own party are diluting their own efforts.)
I realize that Trump's supporters will still be around, but they are definitely outnumbered.
I am quite certain that I do not deserve a government led by the likes of Trump. I am crystal clear that the American public does not deserve a government led by the likes of Trump.
I hold out the hopes that a) President Clinton will move us forward, especially if she has a Democratic House and Senate; b) the Republican Party will continue to eat their own; c) that the demographics of the country continue to skew in favor of a plurality of Democrats and progressives; d) that the Supreme Court, including the new justice/justices appointed by President Clinton, will find unconstitutional the gerrymandering orchestrated by the GOP over the past many years. (Of course, they are being delightfully hoisted on their own petard in some districts, as the warring factions of their own party are diluting their own efforts.)
I realize that Trump's supporters will still be around, but they are definitely outnumbered.
4
It's too bad Michelle is not on the ballot. Well, there's always 2024.
163
She is too smart to be on the ballot!
2
2024? What's wrong with 2020?
1
Kevin, authenticity is not a politician's garb. Some people remain authentic despite being in the public eye. That is what our kids saw in Bernie. He was on the ballot in the primaries and he showed the establishment little people could run a campaign, with their small pocket money change fueling rallies and creating a vision for we the people. These kids didn't see "age", nor "gender", nor "color-race" nor "religions". So what if he is old, white, male, Jew? They could smell his authenticity. I wish and pray Michelle does not lose her authenticity, she inspires a lot of girls and women, especially young black girls. She has carried herself with dignity, all over the world, displaying the best of fashion, elegance and charm (not seen since Jaqueline Kennedy). Her initiatives like get America moving, emphasizing healthy school lunches, have single handedly saved a generation of kids from obesity, heart disease, and chronic illnesses. These gains in our country's health are immeasurable, unquantifiable. We owe her, big time. Keep up the good work, Michelle, but most of all, don't forget who you are, stay authentic.
8
As First Mom, Michelle Obama has been so effective because of her sincerity, example and focus on the next generation, especially in promoting healthy eating and activity.
Now she calls for more for the next generation, for mutual respect between men and women. With women outpacing men in education and often in social skills necessary for tomorrow's workplace, some men will feel all the more threatened, so we can't expect misogyny to disappear.
But we can all aspire to the sense of moral clarity and respect that Michelle speaks about, whether in the home, workplace or public spaces, like locker rooms for example. And that extends to issues like pay equity as well, something very central to the campaign of Hillary Clinton.
Now she calls for more for the next generation, for mutual respect between men and women. With women outpacing men in education and often in social skills necessary for tomorrow's workplace, some men will feel all the more threatened, so we can't expect misogyny to disappear.
But we can all aspire to the sense of moral clarity and respect that Michelle speaks about, whether in the home, workplace or public spaces, like locker rooms for example. And that extends to issues like pay equity as well, something very central to the campaign of Hillary Clinton.
467
Isn't Michelle just awesome :)
1470
Indeed, Michelle Obama is awesome. Unfortunately, neither the First Lady nor her awesomeness are going to protect us from what's coming from a purportedly defeated Trump and his enablers and supporters.
Election Day will merely be Day One of the War to Restore Political Legitimacy in the United States.
And the rest of us Non-Trump Supporters better summon our own awesomeness to prepare for that War.
Election Day will merely be Day One of the War to Restore Political Legitimacy in the United States.
And the rest of us Non-Trump Supporters better summon our own awesomeness to prepare for that War.
705
robert - Indeed, the anti-Hillary industrial complex grows before our eyes, and will be flexing it muscles mightily trying to hang onto a House majority in order to have standing committees thwarting her from Day 0; should she win, between her election and the inauguration, we'd bet some House GOP'er committee chairman tries the stunt of subpoenaing Hillary for testimony to a lame duck Congress.
125
No