Breaking: Barbara Walters rejects Sarah Palin again, picks Michelle Obama as Most Fascinating Person

Well, the long wait is over.

The holidays can now proceed.

Barbara Walters has announced the official Barbara Walters' Most Fascinating Person of 2009. 

It's not Adam Lambert, the oral sex mime. No, it's not Lady Gaga, the whatever. Nor is it Kate Gosselin. Or even Brett Favre.

And it is definitely not Sarah Palin, who is a Republican making her second unsuccessful bid for the coveted national broadcast honor.

They were all just thrown in for the ratings mix anyway. Along with, of all people, Fox News' Glenn Beck.

Are you sitting down?

Barbara Walters' Most Fascinating Person of the Year is .......Michelle Obama. A Democrat.

No, really.

The first lady will miss the big announcement because she's in Norway today to watch....

...the U.S. president pick up a lesser honor, something called the Nobel Peace Prize.

Here are some of the things the Most Fascinating Person of 2009 tells Barbara Walters in an exclusive interview about her rough year:

I mean, if you think about this year, I had to get these two beautiful girls settled into a new city, into a new home, into a new school. We got a dog. I visited eight countries with my husband. I planted a garden. I've started a mentoring program. It has been everything. And now, here we are at our first Christmas in the White House...

[Malia] was still waking up for that 4 o'clock feeding and I'd get up because I'd be the first one to hear her, and he'd be asleep.

And I thought: "I'm up, I might as well go to the gym. And if I get to the gym, then he'll have to wake up and do that feeding."

I get a workout in and everyone will be happy. So you know, if there's anything that I can attribute these arms to, it's probably just determination....

I always thought, "Well, if I wanted somebody as my state senator, or as my U.S. senator, or as my president, I would want Barack Obama." And the only reason he wouldn't do it is if I said no....

Mrs. Obama said her idea of personal paradise is that one hour of the week alone in front of the TV with the dog Bo.

He thinks he's a lap dog. He'll cozy up with me, and I'm just clicking through mindless shows.

A lot of, you know, shows about food and design, and all that good stuff. And it's just quiet, and I'm not thinking about anything for that second -- not about the kids, not about my husband, not about my schedule. If I get an hour of that during the course of a week, it feels like heaven.

You can watch the entire Barbara Walters Most Fascinating Person of the Year show on ABC at -- oh, darn! -- you missed it. It was already on Wednesday. Well, there are still some photographs over here, next to the lengthening list of Tiger Woods' mistresses (for those at home tracking the scores, early today the updated tally stood at 11).

Last year, as some remember, the Barbara Walters Most Fascinating Person was also a stunning surprise, Barack Obama, coincidentally the husband of this year's selection. And another Democrat.

Next year's show is already in the works no doubt, a third straight celebrity cliffhanger with a slightly different title: Barbara Walters' Most Fascinating Incumbent Vice President.

-- Andrew Malcolm

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Photos: Steve Fenn / ABC;  Samantha Appleton / White House.

Comments

[Robert]

Does anybody honestly believe that ABC would allow her to select anyone other than an Obama? The libs would have a litter of kittens if one of them had not been chosen. Just another award about which no one really cares.

[gba]

"and I'm just clicking through mindless shows" -- is Ms. Obama referring to 'the View'

[jimbo]

Makes most of us want to vomit the way BaBA WAWA always sucks up to the Obamas.... Most people cannot stand Michelle and the media does everything they can to elevate her and shove her down our throats... Tune out Walters, the VIEW and Oprah - all Obamabots overdosing on the koolaid..

[libhomo]

Most people are bored with Sarah Palin now. Palin should just shut up and go away.

[Brm]

Too bad she couldn't use some of that influence to end the war in Afghanistan. I'm just saying.

[djn]

Am I surprised that Barbara would pick Michele over Palin? Of course not. Not if she wants to keep an open door to the White House.

Palin fans know who is the most fascinating of the two.

[Sandra]

AS if Gov Palin gives a flying rat's patoot...
And as for Babs and that monster in the WH, good for both of them....putting pearls on a hog still does not allow it to dance the watlz....Michell is one of the unlovliest First Ladies ever....no amount of preening will make it any better to look at her.

[ruserious]

jeez DIDNT see that coming...

[Bill Bunch]

Did anyone not see this coming.The most fascinating person of 2009 is Michelle"this is the first time I've been proud of my county"Obama,give me a break.The Obama's should be nominated for Godhood....lol.Barbara,its time to ride off in the sunset.

[emenot]

What the hack did Michelle do so far to even be compared to Palin? Barbara, you are acting like the nobel fools! Michelle is NOT GRACEFUL even less than you, she walk like a man with very bowled legs and have such a mean glare. I cringe everytime I see her on the tube. Maybe you are doing this for brownie points just so you can parlay to an audience with Obama. Ooh, by the way I was actually impress with his acceptance speech which absolutely surprised me which he had egged those nobel fools!

[joseph yannetta]

barbara walters must kidding! michele obama? what has she done other than recently finding love for this country during one of her speechs at one of the democratic cnventions? There's nothing fascinating about some gay singer having another of your same gender rubbing his face in your crotch on national t.v., "GET A ROOM", it was almost as sick as janet jacksons crotch grabbing routine. I feel you won't be posting this comment,but, at least I know one person read it.

[Yawn]

Predictable....called it before the program started. Watched only to see Sarah and Glenn. Barbara rushed through their interviews asking vapid questions. There was so much she could have asked if she'd really been serious about interviewing them. Turned it off when she got to Michelle... undoubtedly the LEAST fascinating person of the year. The woman has done NOTHING. Of course, receiving awards (Nobel) for doing nothing appears to be par for the course for the Obamas. Are Americans really this easily pacified?

[Theresa]

I am not surprised. it was a joke anyway. I knew it was all a ploy and waste of time. Fascinating like a bore

[Dustee]

That right, pick Michelle Obama, she's somebody that is at least intelligent!

[Danielle]

....and yet, you use a picture of Sarah Palin and a headline blaring her name to get people to read it. That tells you everything you need to know. Love her, or hate her, Sarah Palin IS the most fascinating person of the year and Walters knows it. Michelle Obama is a total wet blanket.

[Linda]

Yeah, right. lol Oh yeah, Mechelle is the most fascinating. hardly, but the right politician for now.

The lady hasn't even accomplished a thing, but community organizing and marrying the right guy to get her attention. The only reason her approval numbers have increased is, SHE"S STAYING OUT OF THE PUBLIC EYE. Even her third makeover couldn't accomplish what silence can do. lol

[Name]

"...and I'm just clicking through mindless shows." - Is Ms. Obama referring to "the View"?

[S. Grant]

Proof positive that Barbara Walters demonstrates bad taste at every turn.Walters has turned to corner and taken a left turn to the 'dark side' by choosing Michelle Obama. Palin is articulate, honest, intelligent, well dressed, posses integrity, and is dignified.
Michelle Obama lacks any taste and that includes fashion, which she has demonstrated she has NONE on many occassions.She has no decorum, lacks integrity, lacks all social graces, including good etiquette, and is sorely deficient in the honesty department, much like her husband.The good thing about this announcement, NOBODY really cares anymore what Baba Walters says or does because she has no credibility anymore.Put it to a voter of the American people and see if Michelle winds. I doubt it seriously.

[Karen]

Okay here is the disturbing part of Barbara Walters wonderful show last night. She asked Kate Gosselin why she didn't terminate some of her preganancies if she only wanted one more child and not planning on six more. Kate was gracious about it - but I would have said, really? why don't you go and look at my children and tell me which ones I should have had eliminated.... Gross.

[Karen]

I find Sarah Palin about 10 million more times facsinating than Michelle Obama - its no wonder the Obamas have huge overblown egos - the left keep inflating them every change they get!

[J. C. Petersen]

If Sarah Palin didn't win the most fascinating award why did you put her name in the headlines and a big picture of her with the article? You and everyone else knows why-------

[outwithshelby]

Ms Walters is not the only one rejecting Sarah

[VickiB]

You're kidding me right? She's about as exciting as a stump. What is fascinating at all about this woman. I have nothing against her, I kind of like her, but fascinating? NO! Why bother having these stupid awards and accollodes if they're not going to mean anything. It's just one liberal patting another on the back. Same with the bogus Nobel Peace Prize. That's lost all meaning as well. We have a couple of do nothings getting all these pats on the back. Meanwhile our country is going to hell. Well, The people are taking notice....

[releggneh]

Geez,who would of guessed she would of picked the Oslamas??? I think Barbara WAWA is fascinated with this couple> She is still waiting for them to walk on water!!! I just want to know what is so fascinating about a woman that has really done nothing. She plants her garden which miracalously produces huge veggies over night. She said she has never been proud of the country until her husband got elected> She used our tax dollars to go shopping in france!! Where is the fascination>> I told my husband yesterday it was going to be Michelle!! I should bet on the stock market!!

[VSN]

Michelle Obama? Boring. Let's have an interview where she tells the truth about herself and Barak Hussein THAT would be interesting and it would also confirm everything the non-butt kissers already suspect about these people.

[Robert]

Palin is such an oddity like a circus side show that the media can't resist milking her for every dime they can. Her polarization and hate inspired rhetoric are the only things that keep her in the news, and the media laughs all the way to the bank. In reality, Palin has about 10-11% support from the American electorate. She is much too narcissistic to acknowledge her actual standings. Americans are bored with the stupid Palin and her hillbilly antics.

[Kay]

The differences between Michelle and Sarah couldn't be more stark. Michelle is a phony "want a be" trying to be a lady. Sarah is genuine and real, and smart.

[Peckinpah's bigger brother]

A commentator referred to "Gov. Palin" - I thought she dumped that job because she could make more money on the ghosted-biography circuit.

Why doesn't she just do a Playboy centerfold and we'll all be happy.
Some can ogle, some can throw darts, some can recycle.

[TexMilan]

Hey Andrew,

I can't stop loughing.Great article.

Michelle fascinating? Good lord !

[UserMe]

What Michelle Obama described is what every mother does to support their family. Now, not everyone has people waiting on them hand and foot, but you get the point. What about someone truly fascinating, like Captain Sully, or someone, anyone who has really made a difference and makes me want to listen to them. Lame!!!

[Nita]

Some of the comments that is included in this blob is the reason why out country will always be torn apart. This is what is wrong with the USA. We are to busy criticising and not out in the community making a difference.

[Nita]

Some of the comments that is included in this blob is the reason why out country will always be torn apart. This is what is wrong with the USA. We are to busy criticising and not out in the community making a difference.

[Nowell]

What do you expect? Obama is the first lady. It's all about kissing the behing for favors later on....
That's why I don't watch her shows anymore..very bias.

[jara read]

wow that was some misleading head line

[Gregory gaspari]

You mean she won because she moved and had to buy a dog? You have to be kidding me. And then she had to get up early and so while she was up she went to the gym, my God she should be made a saint!!
Why wasn’t a mother of 5 chosen who’s husband has lost his job and she is trying to keep the family together? That is the women of the year!!!

[bret lola]

really...umm....why?

[bret lola]

wow what about that picture of Sara and Babs!! Did Babs get new juggs?

[no one new]

No surprise there biggest waste of time and energy.

[WhyareRepublicanssodarnangry]

Two things: Jimbo: Most people don't like her? Did you poll most people or call them? Oh...you just speak for yourself, not most people...ok. Your personal opinion doesn't translate into the opinion of most people.

And this country is going to hell? It's all President Obama's fault? Even thought he's been in office less than a year...you don't think perhaps...oh...eight years of Bush has something to do with that? People who are ignorant enough blame everything on just Obama shouldn't be allowed to vote because you obviously don't use your brain.

[FredFrosty]

Is this news? Are you kidding?
Of course ABC picked Obama.
What strange is the phrase "rejects Palin" not "rejects Lambert" or "rejects Lady Gaga"
This is obviously liberal media bias.
The bias is so common now that news and entertainment outlets aren’t even trying to hide it anymore.

[bret lola]

i think Paris Hilton is a music geneus? She does hav a jacked up eye...why hasnt any one reported on that. I think Cristmas Story is the funnyiest movie .

[Robert Smith]

Fascinating as in "car wreck"? Then yes, Palin shoulda been on the list, heck, at the top.

[Brian Armstrong]

Trading Places: LA Times writer Andrew Malcolm has a wonderful zesty tone that is oh so fascinating to read and thrall. Gosh, wouldn't it be great if he could start wrting for TimesOnline, that wonderfully marginal newsy gossip - or is it gossipy newsish info, or anyway, whatevrer it is they do over there. But anyhow, Wow, so zingy, such style! I just LOVE IT. Barabara Walters REJECTS Sarah Palin. I'm just a little upset that Andrew failed to mention that Barbara Walters REFUSED TO CONSIDER Daffy Duck - don't ya know. Gee, I hope Andrew never grows up, er out, of this thrilling tongue swinging style he has worked so hard to cultivate! And I can't wait to read click another LA Times link next time I'm googling for some real news!

[Robert Smith]

Ah, the racist righties are out in force on here - the "Beck n 'Baugh Redneck Noise Club" must have given the pasty angries the LA Times web address. I'm surprised they were able to find it.

[Noah Samuels]

I guess this must be linked to the Drudge Report or Michelle Malkin judging by the responses here.
The First Lady is loved by many people. Sarah Palin is still trying to figure out what she reads.

[Pan3686]

Andrew, bitter much? You obviously care too much about who Barbara Walters picks, as if she's the last arbiter of who's most fascinating in 2009. Please blog about something that's actually intellectual and relevant in politics and save this type of rant for the Entertainment section.

[Carmen]

The reason she picked her is because if she did not they would scream RACIST.

[Margi in Ky]

Ugh, can I just say Ugh! I'm sure she must be soooo fascinating but I for one am so sick of hearing about her I'm about to spit. Enough, so she married a man who ended up president. That seems to be her real accomplishment.

[J.R.]

Oh come on S. Grant, Sarah Palin articulate? She has been accused of a lot of things but this is the first time I have seen 'articulate' attached to her name. I have a list of speeches this woman has given and if you think that she is articulate, then this says more about you than her.
When she first came on the national scene, I thought yeah, give the lady a chance. However, after listening to her gibberish and doing some fact-checking on many of her assertions, this lady is a big liar, from a big state, with a small intellect, checkered educational past and needs to leave our beloved GOP and go crack some corn or whatever it is that separatist party she and her husband admire so much, does. Please, shut-up already, be gone S. Palin. Let's get on with rebuilding our Party with men and women of substance and not these intellectual midgets! We have the right stuff, S. Palin just needs to be stuffed.

[VSN]

Michelle Obama? Why did I know Barbara was going to choose her although she is so boring? You know, Barbara, if you can't do your job properly anymore, quit! Your pandering to the Obama's is only appreciated by those die hard dillisional hope and change zombies.