Michelle Obama's 'proud' remarks draw conservative fire

Michelle Obama graces the cover of the latest Newsweek (headline: "Barack's Rock"). And right on cue with her escalating public profile, a mini-tempest was sparked by comments she made Monday as she headlined a rally for her husband in Wisconsin.

The Newsweek profile noted: "As a political spouse, she is somewhat unusual. She isn't the traditional Stepford booster, smiling vacantly at her husband and sticking to a script of carefully vetted blandishments."

That proved prescient -- she's taking heat today from some conservative commentators and bloggers for telling her crowd: "For the first time in my adult lifetime, I'm proud of my country."

[UPDATE: We missed a word in this quote, due to a blip in the replay of it we viewed. And, as a reader points out below, it's an omission that could change reactions to the comment. The correct quote is: "For the first time in my adult lifetime, I'm really proud of my country."]

Obama, 44, went on to say that her feeling stemmed not only from the success of her husband's presidential quest, but also from the yearning for change she detects in the vox populi. "And I've been desperate to see our country moving in that direction ..." she added.

You can check out the pertinent portion of her speech here, along with a blog posting taking her to task. (Sample rhetorical question: she's not proud of "the fact that she and her husband were able to go to Ivy League schools before embarking on extremely lucrative careers?").

On MSNBC, Joe Scarborough and ... 

his morning-show partner, Mika Brzezinski, argued for several minutes about what to make of Obama's comment.

Barack Obama's campaign issued this statement on the flap: "Of course Michelle is proud of her country, which is why she and Barack talk constantly about how their story wouldn’t be possible in any other nation on Earth. What she meant is that she’s really proud at this moment because for the first time in a long time, thousands of Americans who’ve never participated in politics before are coming out in record numbers to build a grassroots movement for change."

-- Don Frederick

Comments

[Moderate voter]

Words matter!

Or do they only matter to get votes?

"Pride in the name of self-love"

[Keith Henderson]

Is it just me, or did that explanation actually make the comment sound worse? "I didn't mean I haven't been proud of America, just that I haven't been proud of Americans."

[deBeer]

And to think the "words" were her own...Shemeful

[Abel]

Of course it drawns Conservative fire. #1) Conservatives don't have any candidate worth getting behind so they have to attack one that seemingly the majority of Americans support. #2) Conservatives are blind to think that the United States under Republican leadership no less hasn't done alot of shameful, dispicable and stupid things.

Many of these things span over decades. Namely the Iraq War, the way we treat our veterans, elderly and children, the exploitation and destruction of whole cultures-- many of these things overshadow alot of good things our country has done. .

Listening to these conservative squawkers, many are saying Michele Obama is being racist because she is meaning that she is proud that "a black man may be the next President". Given Michele's situation, almost middle aged African American and never having seen someone other than a white man in the office, I can see why she said what she did. This country has come along way. Not even 40 years ago, there were places that a black man couldn't go and things they were prohibitted from doing. Namely voting. Running for president and having the chance to succeed presenting on his own merit, intelligence and and drive weren't possible.

The sad part is there are still many people, namely Conservatives--probably these same ones that are making issue of Michele Obama's speech-- that will use deception to rip her and her husband down to satisfy their own racist agenda.

The fact remains, Barrack Obama is a great threat to the Conservatives and their corrupt and sick style of governance. It is certain that no matter how may attacks they levy, in the end, Obama will come out the winner.

[Tom J]

The more I read and see reactions to Michelle's statements, the more I'm concerned at how they could be so misinterpreted. I expect it's because they haven't been listening to Michelle for very long - they've come in in the middle and they've lost the plot.

The Obama campaign's statement reflected exactly what I thought was meant. People in huge numbers (just look at Obama's crowds!) are turning from the mean and nasty no-hope cynicism cult of the various rightwing talk radio people, and seeing they have another, better option: getting together and getting involved in their democracy. Michelle's really proud of that, I'm really proud of that, and I'm sure the founding fathers would be really proud of that.

The founding fathers set up a government BY the people. Democracy is not a spectator sport. If it's going to work, WE are the ones who are going to have to do the work - and that means more than waving a flag a couple times of year and showing up to vote occasionally. As Michelle has said since the beginning of the campaign, it's a mistake to think all we have to do is vote in one particular President and he can transform the country all by himself, or even with Congress. That isn't real.

"We are the ones we have been waiting for" means the entire population of the United States. Not just the supporters of a particular candidate or party or interest group, but everyone.

It starts with turning off reality shows and celebrity 'news', and re-examining our priorities. Maybe being a responsible citizen isn't as exciting as a lot of alternatives, but you can't expect the take the benefits without takoing the responsibilities. That means researching the issues, discussing them with friends and neighbors, and being skeptical of politicians' claims without falling into cynicism. Holding public servants to a high standard, and not excusing them with "but they've always done that, they're all alike, there's nothing you can do about it".

This is our country, and it's our responsibility. We can't just blame "other people" (politicians, special interests, lobbyists, whatever) for our government and its problems. Look in the mirror.

More and more people now 'get it', and that's certainly a reason for real pride in our country.

Meanwhile it seems Mika Brzezinski (and many others) assumed Michelle was talking about her own personal experience in the U.S. No, Mika.

Joe Scarborough (and many others) assumed Michelle was criticizing our country. No, Joe.

Take a deep breath and watch the video again. Please.

[mox]

oh please. let's just be happy we have a potential president and first lady who can articulate the English language like grown ups.
clearly Michelle Obama's comments have been taken out of context. when any candidate (or a candidate's spouse) is speaking in front of a large enthusiastic crowd, he or she is going to say things that may or may not be from the script.
the important issue to consider is that we have on our hands not only an incredibly thoughtful president, but an extremely bright first lady who is sure to bring progress to an ailing nation.

[wallace]

Ron Paul would never say something like this. And, of course, even if he did, we wouldn't know it because nobody's paying attention.

[Nate]

The dossier of Obama missteps is starting to fill. If he makes it to the general election, this is one of those statements that (fairly or not) will be used ad nauseum against him.

I can only hope that she misspoke. I mean, seriously, she has never been proud to be an American until now? Even if you disagree with the party in power or disagree with the actions of the government, you should always be proud of our country. If she really feels that way, (1) I feel sorry for her and (2) her spouse should not be our president. I'm willing to give her the benefit of the doubt and assume that she mis-spoke, but she needs to be more careful with her choice of words.

[wallace]

I also believe Michelle Obama's comments were taken out of context. If you listen really closely - and I mean really closely - you can clearly hear a voice say, "Paul McCartney is dead."

So shame on you national media for ignoring her true words. YOU GO, GIRL!

[John]

This liberal Democrat finds her comments unacceptable in a first lady.

[Michael]

C'mon, now people - we all know what she meant, i.e., simply that we're all proud of America - proud that so many millions of Americans are supporting a black man for president - even half the Republicans will admit that. We're also proud to be supporting a brilliant young man with a vision of a newer, greater America and a compelling yet intellectual speaking style, with charisma and fame and supporters throughout the world, the next and 44th president of the United States of America, Barak Obama!

[Marks]

Mini story is right. It's a five minute discussion, then forgettable.

Michelle Obama is a citizen with her views, she's not First Lady yet. She's not a politician at all.

For the first time in her life, she feels more pride, increased potential of the Federal Government. She feels the energy of crowds she's talking to. They want to make a difference and the civic participation is greater.

More people are voting in every state on the Democratic side because the race is close between Obama and Hillary.

She's a former business executive, mother of two daughters and Barack's wife. She has her opinions.

Her words shouldn't have national scrutiny yet. Her life hasn't changed to give those words some national weight. She had a conversation.

More proud about this country, I'm sure she meant political pride more than anything else. She's proud opportunity exists now for more people to run for President and elections.

She feels better potential of the Country. Everyone has different views where we are headed.

Network pundits discussion doesn't mean it's a story. They had a long talk, so what.

Several minutes discussion on Michelle Obama's feelings, c'mon! Waste of network time and viewers too.

They could have that discussion off camera!

[TJFRMLA]

I'm just happy to have someone going to the Whitehouse who can actually articulate a full sentence. NO MORE BUSHISMS!

[Wayne]

this is the greatest country that ever was, and ever will be. we have made many terrible mistakes in our history, but we always try to be better. I am offended, not because of race, gender, or political party; but because it was a stupid thing to say.

Michelle, say you are sorry, that you love this country even with our warts and all is ok!

Mr. Independent

[BJ]

Clearly Michelle Obama meant what she said... that for the first time, she is really excited... because she sees visions of herself in the White House.

Be careful what you wish for. We don't really know what kind of a president he would be, do we?

She's lying if she thinks we believe her when she says she's not proud that she and Barack had a privileged life & education. Hell, I would be!

[Thomas Cardenas]

Let's face it, there is so little that we truly know of the Obamas ... but this remark stings of the sentiment of the church that they have attended for 20 years ... very anti-American, anti-White.

[Carlos]

This is crazy. Why are people defending this guy so strongly. I agree with the Clinton camp. There is no substance. And everywhere you look, he does not act like a proud American. In addition to this "proud" flap, the people in his Houston office had a Cuban flag with the picture of Che Guevara on it instead of an American Flag, he refuses to hold his hand to his heart when the national anthem plays, and won't ever wear an American flag lapel pin.

I can excuse it once, but this is ridiculous.

Don't blame conservatives for their mistakes. We are going to end up with an incredibly bad President because so many people like what he looks like and the way he talks.

I am an immigrant to this country and find it disgusting to see people running for high office that do not love this great nation. I have no doubts or questions about Hillary Clinton's or John McCain's patriotism. None whatsover. And I'm not talking about the war or terrorism. I'm taking about pure love of country as shown (or not) in displays like Ms. Obama's comments or Mr. Obama's flag flaps (the lapel pin, the office, the hand over the hear).

I have not yet decided for whom to vote in the general election, but I can guarantee you that if Obama gets the nod from the Democratic party, I will be pulling the lever for some other party.

[Obamaman]

Obama is our Savior. Please everyone, you must realize that Michelle as a African American has been wronged by america. Obama will treaty with our Muslim brothers. Barak and Michelle need to have the opportunity to create change by teaching americans on the errors of their ways!

[Robert Valiquet]

Conservatives are proud of America despite it's imperfections.The emptier the philosophy of a new generation is the more it will vilify the past one.

[usa 4ever]

JUST WORDS? Michelle? Michelle? JUST WORDS?

[M. and E. Steadmann]

Conservative talk shows are stretching Michelle's comment to serve their corporate paymasters -- billionaires who do not like to see the American working people going out in force to vote for a candidate of change.

But for the sake of the argument, let's think about what she really said. Michelle said that this is "the first time in my adult lifetime I'm proud of my country." Given her age, she is saying that this is the first time she is proud since 1982 (when she turned 18 and became, legally, an adult).

When one thinks about it, our country's behavior since that time has been less than pride-inspiring. During the 80's we had a president who promoted a cultural policy of "greed is good". Under that regime, we financed and empowered a dangerous religious fanatic who would later kill thousands of Americans on 9/11. This was followed by another regime which first supported a dictator in Baghdad, then later launched the first Gulf War against that very same dictator on behalf of an un-democratic, oil rich state. The American fighting man was in essence used as a mercenary, and the entire affair led to a prolonged American presence in the Persian Gulf which further inflamed attitudes against us in that region.

During the 90's, this regime was followed by one which was perhaps even worse. During this time, our leaders allowed a potential threat against our safety to build in Afghanistan. We burned up our own citizens in a place like Waco, then brushed the incident under the carpet. Our political system was immersed in one scandal after another. And our president was impeached after lying under oath about lewd sexual behavior with his intern in the highest office of American power.

And finally, we find ourselves in the 2000's. Thousands of Americans lie dead in the ashes of the World Trade Center site because we did not act properly when we could have to prevent an enemy attack. Our government has since used this attack to wage an unnecessary war which has squandered our wealth, created more enemies, and alienated our allies. In the name of this war, we are also eavesdropping on our citizens and engaging in torture. All this while our brave veterans return home to lie homeless on the streets. All this while American cities look more and more like the Third World, with the wealthiest 5% of the population getting richer, and the rest of us getting poorer.

Yes, Michelle is right. There hasn't been much to be proud of in the past 26 years. And the Obamas know, as all of us know, that we can do much better.

The Steadmanns

[Angela Fuentes]

So basically she said she has not been proud of America for her entire adulthood until now. I'm not sure how anyone can spin their way out of a comment like that. I wouldn't be suprised if she gets villified the same way Hillary did if she becomes the first lady.

[Mainiac]

Anyone who took the time to read all the sentences in her comments that day ~ not just the one sentence that misquoted her ~ would understand the basis of her pride.

Research accuracy and context matter a lot particularly when we feel our blood beginning to boil and certainly before we go to the blogs and sound off.

By the way, paragraph three of this article is a misquote. It leaves out the word "really" when describing how proud she is. That implies a greater level of pride than any time before.

[KDH55]

Regardless of what Michelle Obama meant, did she have to say it at all. It makes it sound like nobody except Obama has ever inspired others to move beyond race.

[colin]

why does one have to be "proud" to be an American? even if she didn't misspeak, if she's just now proud about being American, that doesn't change anything. If anything ,it bolsters her and her husband's crusade for change. People read too much into comments, I guess. No where does it say that "one must be 'proud' of being an american at all times!"