Rush Limbaugh criticizes First Lady Michelle Obama's weight, nutritional campaign [Updated]

Not to put too fine a point on it, but Rush Limbaugh is talking smack about First Lady Michelle Obama's weight? Rush Limbaugh? And Michelle "you-can-cut-glass-with-my-chiseled-biceps" Obama?

As you well know, Michelle Obama has been taking plenty of criticism from the right for her nutritional campaign to encourage kids to move more and eat healthier fare. Joining her in the campaign is retail giant Wal-Mart, which recently announced it would begin reducing the sodium and fat in many of its prepared foods.

Listen to the audio, above, as Limbaugh ridicules Michelle Obama's healthy-eating campaign, flat out calls her a "hypocrite." On one hand, Limbaugh said, she is encouraging children to get healthy and eat "roots, berries, and tree bark" but was recently seen enjoying a high-calorie meal of fatty ribs.

The conservative radio talk show host took it further when he wondered whether Michelle Obama was even following her own words of wisdom, and remarked that she couldn't stack up against the women in the latest Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue.

"The problem is, and dare I say this, it doesn't look like Michelle Obama follows her own nutritionary, dietary advice...I'm trying to say that our First Lady does not project the image of women that you might see on the cover of the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue or of a woman Alex Rodriguez might date every six months or what have you."

So, what do you think? I especially want to hear from the dittoheads (are they still called that?). Do you think Limbaugh went too far with his comments? Or do you chalk this up to the liberal media's favorite pastime: Criticizing Rush.

But more importantly, do you think Michelle Obama is a hypocrite?

Leave your thoughts in the comments section below. And then, let's wait for the next turn in this story: The media peppering President Obama for his reaction. (Should the president challenge Limbaugh to join him on the White House lawn for a fist fight to defend his wife's honor.)

[Updated at 10:02 a.m.: Limbaugh defends his attack on Michelle Obama as "highly civil", via Media Matters]

Want to read more on this? Here are a few more stories you'll find on the Web:

--Eater: Rush Limbaugh calls Michelle Obama a big, fat hypocrite

--CNN: Rush Limbaugh takes aim at Michelle Obama's waistline

--Huffington Post: Rush Limbaugh: Michelle Obama 'doesn't look like' she eats healthy foods

--Rene Lynch
twitter.com/renelynch

Video via Media Matters

Comments

[joe pullow]

you could pass for a stack of pillows (BENNY HILL) LOOK ALIKE, let go of those midnight snacks and countless candy bars, and the wrapping, you show as evidence when you walk down the street.

[devrie]

Michelle Obama is not a swimsuit model. She's not anorexic; but I'm very willing to bet she's at a very healthy weight!! Wow, because she doesn't fit some ideal of what men think they should want to lay, we say she's not healthy!

I could see this argument if she were pudgy, but she's obviously not. This is crazy! Rush is inciting anorexic convusions with that kind of saying. What.. WTH?? A first lady not looking like a swimsuit model is bad for a health campaign??

[Afton A]

This has nothing to do with politics, as OHMKK would suggest. He said she is a hypocrite concerning her stance on the fight against obesity. That is a pretty non partisan issue the last time I checked. Michelle Obama may not be bony like Cameron Diaz, but she is definitely not obese like Rush Limbaugh is. The difference between Michelle Obama and Laura Bush is they are polar opposites. Michelle Obama speaks multiple languages and has advanced degrees laden with ivy. Laura Bush sat in a library checking out books until she stumbled upon Dubeyah. Her intellect and poise political and otherwise run laps around Rush. I'm kind of glad all he can attack is her physique because he already knows he can't say she's not intelligent.

[CAC]

Michelle Obama is advocating being healthy, which doesn't necessarily equate with being a swimsuit model. Many models smoke and have eating disorders, are patched together with silicone and implants, and encourage such behavior from young women who aspire to this level of unnatural thinness and freakish body modification.

Michelle Obama looks like a healthy woman. Real women -- real PEOPLE -- aspire to healthy eating and occasionally indulge in something less healthy. This is NORMAL. That woman on the cover of Sports Illustrated is NOT normal. The problem with most Americans is not that they eat a plate of ribs once in awhile, it's that they eat a plate of ribs (or the equivalent) EVERY SINGLE NIGHT.

Rush needs to look in the mirror. He's disgusting. He looks like he's about to keel over at any moment. He's downright gross! He needs to focus on himself instead of on Mrs. Obama, who is a wonderful role model and representative of a healthy and successful modern American woman.

[Tracey Stevens]

Nothing new from Rush. Just typical blubbering and hot air. Several years ago he made the comment about Jerry Garcia being a druggie. Several years later it came out about how Rush was abusing pain killers. Anyone who still listens and agrees with that blowhard should not be allowed to breed. He's a joke.

[C.M.]

It's funy how the "Author" of this site let's about 10-1 lib.- consv. views to pass through... I would be surprised that this listing goes through.....

Anyway, For the "Sheeple" who claim that Rush is a "BIG FAT, HIPPO-CRITICAL, DUMB A**, FATTY FAT FATSO." They may be correct in part of their judgement.... Unbenownst to you that don't listen to his "Entertainment, and OPINION" program, He has been on Atkins and has lost over 60Lbs... He IS practiceing what he preaches... Unlike the 1st woman, or should I say, "WONDER WOMAN?" Maybe I shouldn't, as that title is trademarked...

Look at the Whitehouse menu for Thanksgiving, CHRISTmas, New Years... THE SUPERBOWL!!!! IT'S ALL PUBLIC INFO., LOOK IT UP!!! You will clearly see that she does not practice what she preaches!! Whenever she takes her kids on "VACATION" (At our expense!) she is NEVER seen eating HEALTHY.... Always burgers, fries, and OMG... ICE CREAM!!! Never have you seen her eat a healthy salad, unless it was the garnish next to the ribs...

Barry has even talked about introducing Medviedev to "French Fries!!" The most unhealthy foods of foods!!! (What's up with that???) If you want to call the pot calling the kettle black.... OHHH was that a racist remark???? NOPE, I call a spade a spade, Dangit, can't use that one either....

People, get real!! Just because an individual voices his or her opinion about someone elses eating desires, does NOT make them a racist..... But think about it, just by you bringing this to light and making such a fuss, doesn't that put you in Limbaugh's shoes as YOU see it????? Think about it.....

[md]

This guy is a hater! Michelle is not a hypocrite! like myself when you are healthy you can eat whatever you want, because you know how to work it out. Limbaugh is mad because he is so fat and out shaped.

[doug johnson]

last time rush got on a scale it said " one at a time please"

[terestia]

Let's be mature, honest and sensible people in this matter. We know the bottom line. Anyone born in the United States of America knows the bottom line. Any one who has lived here a day or any where else for that matter knows the bottom line. We as people do not treat each other like humans. We act like children playing games or worse. We cannot always have our way. Rush, Rush, Rush you know the bottom line. It is going to be o.k. People of the United States of America and any where else, let us get over ourselves. It is not about just you, you, you or me, me, me, but the whole. Remember we are humans. Think about it! Is what I say or what I do going to be beneficial to the whole. Is it? As humans let us stand together as humans only! Always remember the bottom line.

[Alfred Bullini]

Rush could be right. In fact, standing side-by-side, it would appear that Michelle weighs more than our President. She IS a big girl!!

[equalizer]

Wait!! Isn't Rush Limbaugh a dope head!? He spews so much "hateful entertainment" and decent people who are easily distracted with his divisive tactics fall for it everytime. Please, folks on the right, dont get dragged down by a dope head!

Really!?! You're listening to the advice of a dope head!

[Debi B]

Rush, WHY are you so RACIST? Enough already. I pity you and all the others who are like you. I will start praying diligently for God to save your soul.

[Michelle Hall]

..it is funny the Republican Presidents kids are trouble makers and drunks and busy getting knocked up...Chelsea Clinton and the Obama girls are well behaved.. I bet Sarah nearly lost it when her teenage daughter told her she was pregnant...I do think Megan McCain is pretty cool..unfortunately she is Republican though. So all you die hard haters of the Dem and the Obamas in particular just remember..they got voted in because we got sick of GOP and their backward, manipulative, and backhanded ways..Obama doesn't talk like a kindegartener..he is poised and eloquent and so far no-one hasn't thrown shoes at him lol. The Obama's are the American Family America stands for..He is doing a great job fixing the mess from the Bush era and he is still got a ways to go as well as implement his policies. ...so you may hate on the Obamas but people believe in American again..because of Mr and Mrs Obama

[Louis Gogue]

One of the best books ever written, many years ago, was by now Senator Al Franken. The name of the book is "Ruch Limbaugh is a Big Fat Idiot". How timeless that title has become.

[Louis Gogue]

Teresa,
I'm sure are very proud of your uneducated vocabulary, "spelling ability" and grammar. Work on yourself before criticizing our intelligent and effective first lady. You could take some very important lessons from her.

[kelly k.]

I dont like Rush but he's right. You can't preach to the masses about what not to eat and then go then go eat it yourself. She needs to practice what she preaches. Or is she going by the old saying "Do as I say and not as I do"?

And for those uninformed people the size of someone does not dictate how healthy they are or what size they are. I'm skinny and eat junk food all day everyday. My brother is "fat" and eats "healthy" and exercises everyday.

Lorrie N respect is not given because of who you are married to it is something that earned. And the obamas have not earned the respect they think deserve. (Not in my book anyway)

[Louis Gogue]

Rush Limbaugh,
I'm sure you won't see this, but you are the most pathetic excuse for a human being imaginable. You and your "supporters", sad beings that they are, live with yourselves as best as you can.

[Natalie]

As a registered dietician, I wish I could tell Rush that there are no such things as bad foods, just bad diets. Everything is okay in moderation, which I completely support Michelle for displaying. It is a MUCH healthier mindset than what those "Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Models" display. Teaching children that certain foods are "forbidden" and that everyone must be a size zero either leads to eating disorders or binge eating. I applaud Michelle Obama for showing that being healthy is extremely realistic. Her approach is so easy to connect with that it will hopefully work.

[Landonrandon]

Gosh, Rush says one thing and the chef says another. Of course Rush Limbaugh knows everything.

[susan]

Seriously, does he have nothing better to do with his time than criticize the First Lady?? If the so-called left media had criticized Barbara Bush, the far right would have had a field day. Let's see....Limbaugh, a former drug addict...cheated on his wife...oh yeah, and he's fat...what a great role model. Get a life and do something productive.

[Lori Pearson]

Once again, Rush you are an idiot. So Michelle Obama is not a size 4, silicon injected SI model....Thank God!!! She is a real woman who is raising a family and trying to make a positive change. More than you can say about your own life. You spew such negativity in everything you do. You should lear to edify people. Oh and the green leafy stuff at the store is an ingredient in a salad, try in sometime. you might find it tastes better than your foot.

[Dave]

Of course he would bash anyone who anti-fat. Fat ass feels personally intimidated by anything healthy. He should take a handful of pain pills from his stash and go to sleep.

[michele]

Where does Limbaugh get off talking about anyone's appearance? Like his is Mr. Universe. Ms. Obama is a mature woman who has had 2 children and looks fantastic for a woman with as much stress in her life as she has with a husband and 2 children in the White House. Thank God she doesn't look like an 18- year-old swimsuit model. Even those 18 year old models pig out on junk food when many asren't looking.

[Jayce]

Look, you guys need to really read what you are writing. Why should it be Michelle Obama's business what other people eat. If she is happy with the way she looks, that is great! If Rush is happy with the way he looks, that is great. The big thing I see here is that the government has no right telling me what to feed my children. The major problem in this country today is the economy. The healthcare issue should be layed aside until we can get the economy fixed. And more likely as not, the economy being fixed, the healthcare problem will take care of itself. Smaller government and more freedom is what we should be striving for.

[Mary Steffenhagen]

"People are saying that I am a hypocrite, as I was using drugs. Yet, I was telling people to lead a moral life and do the right thing. Okay, if what I was saying to do was the right thing about whatever subject, does the fact that I may not have been doing it myself mean that it's not right to do?" Rush Limbaugh, drug addict

"My behavior doesn't change right and wrong. And just because I may have been doing something that appeared to be contradictory to what I was suggesting others do doesn't mean that what I was suggesting others do is wrong." Rush Limbaugh, drug addict

"You know, the critics want to harp on all this hypocrisy. There's no hypocrisy in this, because there is no weakening of right and wrong simply because some people don't choose to live that way in certain areas of their lives." Rush Limbaugh, drug addict

"No, I was the one wrong, but it didn't change the value of right and wrong simply because I didn't abide by it at a particular time." Rush Limbaugh, drug addict

Never mind he is referring to soft core porn... so women are supposed to look to Sport Illustrated Swimsuit models? Sure, if real life could be airbrushed!

I eat healthy most of the time; although cardboard and bark aren't on the menu. There is nothing wrong with cutting loose and having a slice of pizza now and then. Has he followed Mrs. Obama every day and watched her gorge on ribs at every meal?

The right is demonizing the First Lady because of her work trying to end childhood obesity. Does this mean the right advocates feeding children fast food garbage? What part of Mrs. Obama's message is so offensive; other than the fact she is the one delivering the message?

He is a disgusting, overweight hypocritical pig.

[oboemom]

posted by concerned citizen: Mrs. Obama is NOT a politician. In the past, I believe it was customary to be realtively "hands off" when it comes to non-political family members. I think the people on the right who are critical of her should understand this opens their less-than-perfect family members to similar criticism.

You libs are the biggest group of hypocrites on the planet. You have attacked Sarah Palin and her family, Laura Bush, the Bush Twins, to name a few. Then, you have the nerve to complain when someone comments about your beloved Michelle. What you are failing to acknowledge, concerned citizen, is that in this case Michelle is a politician. She is working night and day to take away the freedom to eat what we, the free people of the US, deem right for ourselves. It is not up to Michelle to determine how much salt or fat is right for me or my family. What is even more disturbing is that she wants to dictate to me what I can eat, but she is unwilling to abide by the food laws that she aspires to preside over. She is constantly mowing on fries, ribs, ice cream, etc., while at the same time she wants me and my family to eat a special diet. As Americans, we have the right to chose how we eat, what we eat, when we eat, etc. (That is until the liberal policies set forth by the Obama administration run us all into communism and poverty). Michelle needs to find another cause, and you liberals who worship her need to make darn sure that you have never uttered a word about George Bush's or Sarah Palin's families before you gripe about Rush calling Michelle out on her hypocrisy.

[Tracy]

Honestly, Rush, you must be able to do better than this. What a major moron you are to criticize someone whom on the worst day of her life will look 10,000 times better than you. Do you remember your rhetoric about the dangers of drugs, Rush? And then you get caught with every doctor you can pay off giving you Oxycontin for your addiction??? Talk about a HYPOCRITE. The First Lady had some ribs? You look like you ate the whole pig in one sitting. Mirror, Mirror, on the wall, who is the grossest of them all? Rush Limbaugh, thats who.

[Neale Osborn]

Look at her rear end. Now, look at Rush. He's lost 80 pounds, and is looking pretty good for a 55 year old guy. Michelle is getting a little plump in the rump these days- must be all the taxpayer supplied $100/per pound Kobe beef she's been chowing down on in the white house lately.

[100percentamerican]

Per words spoken by rush limbaugh when asked if his political bias on his radio show is a representation of his political views, his response was "I'm just an entertainer, and not espousing any political views". Well, as such, anything that comes out of his mouth is of no importance to any issue, political or not, you know, like WWE Wrestling, it appears real, and to many important, but its just "entertainment'.

[Oregon Jim]

Whenever I hear or read someone talk about Michelle Obama's style or statuesque build I always wonder what drug they are on. Gawkey and loud cover it pretty well. Rush is only correct about 99.9 percent of the time and this is not the missing .01. Babble on lefties.

[Jim O'Connor]

The first lady seems to be hypocritical in the sense that she seems 1/2 again bigger than she did at the inauguration. Ah for the days of Laura Bush, went out of office the same size she came in!

[Jane Jenniges]

I can't believe that we Americans can spend this amount of time on a slob like rush limbaugh. He is sitting back and laughing at all of us while on his way to the bank. Feel sorry for him. Just imagine!!! This is his life. He eats anything he wants to. He's fat cause he can afford to be fat. When he doesn't feel well, why just take a few drugs to ease the pain. And then get up in the morning to tell the Joe Blows in the morning how to think (as if they can). Any subject that makes us liberals mad and his Joe Blows jumping in the aisles with glee is okay by him. He's in heaven. We just gave him a great big tax break (so he can create all of those jobs we heard the Republicans said it would create).

The problem isn't rush limbaugh. It is our media and we ourselves giving him credibility by noticing him at all. I for one don't give a damn what he has to say. It is all a great big fat joke perpetrated on America. WAKE UP!!

[Hank]

Rush is a sad, bigoted fool and not worth the spit it takes to get his name off my tongue.

[OHMKK]

Rush is soooo RIGHT. And why are the libtards offended?. They didn't scream "off limits" to snide and sarcastic media comments about Laura Bush, her twin girls, Sarah Palin and her unwed pregnant daughter.....but listen to them scream when Rush tells the truth about Ms. Obama and her weight problem. If Ms. Obama can't stand the heat, she should get out of the kitchen (and stop wearing clothes that make her look like a walking pinjata clown).

[Michael]

I wish that fat b@st@rd would shut up already.

[Lorrie Norris]

Most people who diet will tell you that having something 'unhealthy' now and then will help keep you on track with your diet so long as you dont do it too often. So i don't believe that eating ribs makes her a hypocrite. Look at her!?! she is in great shape...then look at him...if you can stand to...if i had to guess that one of them knew something about living healthy, it sure as heck would not be him...

Why should we listen or care what this washed up old has been thinks about anything?

he is a loser, and he is an ignorant old blowhard. he is just trying to keep his name in the news..i guess he was successful this time.. which is a shame. he should not be rewarded for disrespecting the First Lady..who as far as i have seen, behaves with the demeanor and grace of a true lady.

[Merli]

Look at yourself before you cast the stone. If you have nothing good to say just zip your big foul mouth,

[J Adams]

I think some people should keep their mouths shut about the first lady I believe is a very fine an wonderful woman. Let those who are with out sins cast a stone. I don't think you qualify Rush

[Robert Smith]

Rush needs to look in a mirror. He is a disgrace to our country. He is not only obese but he has a big fat mouth also.

[Michelle Hall]

Wow the comments from you right wing nut jobs just goes to show that President Obama and his family will definitely not need to make any plans to move out of the White House anytime soon.
If you all are what the right wing stands for you will be the laughing stock like we were with Bush in the White House...that guy did so much for the late night comedians in this country..
Michelle Obama is the definition of class and intellegence..she is a great mom and she is tackling one of the most serious epidemics effecting children today.
So all you negative morons need to learn to read and you might learn that President Obama is thought of VERY highly internationally. He is not a liar or a sneaky evesdropping puppet like Bush was.
As for the very racist "cool aide" comment...maybe you should try drinking it instead of that toilet water you all are used too..the crap that comes out of your mouth might have a tad of sweetness instead of the stench of s***

[Gina Boisse]

Neither Michelle Obama nor any woman should aspire to look like "the kind of woman Alex Rodriguez would date". That is an ignorant thing to say. Mrs. Obama doesn't say that we should never allow ousrelves or our children sweets or the occasional indulgence, but that our culture needs to make healthier choices on a daily basis, and learn the difference between a "sometimes" food and an "all the time" food. Just because she was seen indulging on the ribs one night, doesn't mean she eats them every say and spends her days sitting around the house (or the radio studio). She obviously eats well and exercises, or she wouldn't look as fit as she does. Rush was reaching for something to criticize, and this was the best he could do.

[mr nice]

Rush, you make it too easy.

[100percentamerican]

Remember these words as spoken by Mr. Limbaugh ". . . . I am just an entertainer" . . . as such, nothing that comes out of his mouth is of any importance to any issue . . . you know, he's like watching WWE Wrestling, it appears real, and important, but its not . . . its just entertainment.

[movielover]

WAY to go Rush ! ! ! Couldn't have said it better myself. I'm for ANYONE that can knock the obamas off that high horse they're riding. She's a pig, plain and simple.

[Rebecca Arguinzoni]

Rush Limbaugh should take a good look in the mirror, he lied about the amount of calories she was eating, and so forth, doesn't he have anything better to do, why doesn't he worry about the obesity crisis here in the USA, he is included in the statistics because he is quite overweight himself. Glenn Beck, Sarah Palin and Rush are spreading an environment of hatred towards the Obama family. I believe strongly on Karma - what goes around comes back around, your poor children will pay for the sins of the fathers.

Rebecca A

[Michelle Hall]

Wow Rush Limbaugh....i thought you were a little missing in the intelligence department..i am just glad you are on the radio so we don't have to look at you.
Michelle Obama is doing something positive about the obesity in children in this country..it is an epidemic. Your comments are that of an very unintelligent person that could do with a reality check in the health and nutrition department. Michelle's meal was within nutritional standards and it included 2 types of veg...let me quess your idea of a vegetable is french fries and your ideal meal of ribs is a full rack or 3. Why don't you try Michelle's way of eating and dare we say it "try exercising" and you might lose weight and be a happier person..and then we would all benefit...what would come out of your mouth would be worth listening to instead the ridiculous rantings you infect the airwaves with now

[pburton]

Please Please Please what a waste of electricity!!!! I would give anything to have this @*&$#)+ lose his voice forever.

[Mie D]

Let's say Rush is 500 pounds - How does that mean he is not allowed to voice his opinion?

Rush used to be a lot larger, I know memory is not everyones strong point.

With the remarkable success he had losing weight, perhaps she sould join him in aiding larger people of all ages.

If she was really concerned she would put out an open offer to him, think of his choice, he would not be able to turn her down. Granted she is not smart enough to do such a thing -

At least she is "finaly proud to be an American".

[S. Johnson]

This nut has some serious problems.Before he talks about anybody, he needs to look at himself inside and outside because he is a very mean, ugly spirited person who should never ever be allowed to talk on any shows, newpapers etc, etc. I know we have a freedom of speech, some people use it to spread hate.The main issue is this clown hates the fact the first lady is black , plain and simple.People need to be fair and honest and let everybody get a chance at whatever they want to be in life. We are not better than anybody, God created us us whether we like it or not, this country belongs to us all.

[Lori]

rush you are repulsive and a big fat slob yourself, when was the last time you looked in a mirror? leave the obamas alone you races pig they need to sew your mouth shut i cant stand uneducated idiots like you .