I applaud this article. Lisa, too bad you weren't asked to participate in the broadcast last night. I am completely disappointed by CNN's handling of the first night of the convention. Fox and CNN have lost my vote! So much spin and opinions and not enough airing of the actual speeches themselves so that people can make up their own minds. Both stations completely dissect Obama using innuendo and negativity most of the time in the guise of devil's advocate while giving McCain free advertising and a free pass on nearly everything that he and the GOP do. Why is that? Larry King is even devoting his entire show to the GOP this week so that you can get the GOP hate out there. I'm switching to CSpan. Hopefully I will actually get some actual news reporting. Never thought I'd agree with Sean Hannity on anything, but when he said that this is the year journalism died, he was right.

Lisa – I agree with you that is a shame that a brillant woman like Michelle Obama had to be repackaged – it is a shame that in 2008 woman are still considered second class citizens when its comes to brains and hard work –

As Americans we should rejoice and be honored that Michelle Obama could be our next first lady

Why are you surprised that the rampant sexism and racism from the Democratic primaries have carried over to the GE? if the primaries have shown anything it's that Democrats preach one thing and practice another.

I didn't like Michelle's new image at all. She seemed very subdued and not at all like herself. She was playing the role of a supportive housewife who knows nothing else. I didn't buy it one bit. And honestly I think it degraded her! She should just be herself! Changing who she is won't get those who don't like her to change their minds. It just makes people think that being a strong self reliant woman isn't good and woman should always be behind the man and can't be as smart or smarter. She allowed herself to be denigrated for what!? A few lousy votes.

Cindy...Ga.

What did you expect? Look what happened to Hillary. In a different sense pretty much the same thing and not enough people give her credit for hanging in there and fighting to change exactly what happened to Michelle last night. the big boys in our government just don't want a woman to outshine them.

Note to Lisa:

Calm down.

She didn't speak much about her own career because she's not running for President - her husband is.

You see "flattening" - I see a hugely overhyped character coming down to Earth, if only for a while.

Princeton, Harvard, Sidley Austin. All things are possible through mandated "diversity."

Once you read Michelle's thesis you'll have an objective understanding of this woman.

Did anyone notice they played "Isn't she Lovely" after her speech. Lovely? Isn't she more than "and his lovely wife, Michelle."

I didn't mind her being wife and mom. It was appropriate for the situation. She can't get up there and talk about what a great and smart lawyer she is. Her purpose was to make Barack look like a family man to the voters and she did that. The music was just insulting, though.

The real challenge for the DNC is that Barack Obama pales in comparison to his wife, Joe Biden, Ted Kennedy and the Clintons.

Michelle Obama, at least prior to last night's mundane prattle, resembled the born leader in her family with her husband the born face man and politician.

Michelle's education, passion and desire are her greatest strengths, however, last night's delivery marginalized her greatest strenghts and left more questions than answers.

Her performance lacked passion and heartfelt emotion; it was less leader and more politician; one line about Biden, Hillary and her love of country? say what? no mention of the troops?

It's one thing to sit on six boards, get scholarships to our finest universities, benefit from hefty book advances and questionable real estate deals, but an entirely different matter to try and convince an increasingly skeptical America that an Obama is the right choice.

Michelle Obama had to be recreated , redirected and refined, from the negative on America speeches from not to long ago , the finally proud of America for the first time rhetoric was not just negative in delivery and tone but the constant picking of what's bad about America gave us all an inner look into who she really is , it's no wonder these two wound up together, from her giddy speech about her husband that was adolecent, it's obvious they share some profound unamerican views, why would they attend a church consistently for twenty years that has a racist radical clergy at it's podium, why would he write a book that in his own words claims white people are greedy, the list goes on and on, it's funny how when she's not standing before thousands or scripted she always has a very stern look on her face , she will not smile if she does not have to , she exited a restaurant the other day (Roy's) the look on her face was worth as they say a thousand words, in another CNN interview she gave the reporter glaring looks, that don;t you dare ask me anything negative look , she gave the controlled interview along side Caroline Kennedy, Behind the scenes I bet this women has one hell of a temper.

Maritza

Lisa-
You are so right! My reaction to Michelle's speech was: "What happened to Michelle Obama?" Yes, it was a nice speech, and she looked beautiful, but this was too much like the Academy Awards. She is so much more than what the political establishment want her to be...I would prefer Michelle Obama as the great leader and independent woman she is, not just the devoted wife, daughter and mother, but also a hard-working, intelligent, strong woman. Michelle Obama is a great role model and I hope we get back some of that fighting spirit, not the Stepford Wife she is becoming.
Jacquie, NY

WOW CINDY WHAT SPEECH WERE YOU LISTENING TOO......

My uncle is a colonel in the airforce his wife is a lieutenant colonel... she retired from the military to stay home with their two girls, it was her choice. How is Michelle showing that she is behind it was more like beside him.......

While I thought Michelle Obama's speech was a good one–it is ridiculous that some men (and women) are still intimidated and threatened by strong, smart women–I prefer that a potential First Lady has more to offer other than just standing by her man–people really need to grow up.

Suki: You wrote that Michelle Obama was "Brilliant" – what planet are you on? She is anything but.

I agree with Lesley. I too switched to CSPAN and will likely do that for the rest of the convention for the same reasons. I disagree with Cindy. I mean really, "denigrated"?! Were we watching the same speech?! I don't think Cindy knows Michelle Obama at all so how can she decide that she is "playing a role". Many successful men have "strong" women beside them. Their strength is that they are able to be everything to everyone in the family as they need it. This is often while excelling in the workplace and/or the communiy with volunteerism. If you can't support your man (or partner) when they need you, you need to single. If can't support and celebrate motherhood if you are a mother, then you should never have chlidren. You can't choose to be a daughter or sister but you can choose to be one to be proud of. Michelle had a good role model in a strong and supportive mother who was a full time mother and wife. She is proud of that not ashamed of it. She also had strong men as role models in her father and brother who taught her that a man can love and support his wife and not be in competition with her. Their marriage's strength is likely the fact that they choose to be on the same side. Each other's.

Question
if this was a white family do you believe that the same people would have the problem that they are having

my answer is no. as a white man that really dont care who win i think we have lost enough money as well as
soldiers. i think if obama was white everyone in the U.S. would think he was the new slice bread. its 2008 and america is need to open there eyes. Im not saying who im voting for but if you look at it like this:
he is a man and family that can from nothing and he did it the right was to make it to the top and many of us arent looking at that . We are just looking at the fact that this black man is on the ticket. another thing
on msnbc chris matthews said something that made me proud to be in the usa. and that was that if people vote on there way of thinking if its black vs white or man vs women then the usa is going to be in the same shape it is today. but if you open you mind and close ur eyes and see what we can be then this will be the best contry in the world.
wow powerful words. i just hope everyone can do whats best for the counrty

PBS broadcast all of the speeches in their entirety. Ms Obama's speech was part of her husband's quest for the presidency, not an opportunity to blow her own horn.

I read her theisis.... that's all I need to know

Answer to Mason Flint – Dallas, TX

You asked if this was a white family would we feel the same.

Answer is very, very clear – a white family wouldn't act like this.

Period, Paragraph!!

I can't believe that someone would actually say that Michelle Obama is anything but "brilliant". Have you not read or heard anything of what she has already accomplished in her lifetime? I agree, that Michelle was somewhat subdued in her speech. However, she is doing whatever is necessary to portray herself and her husband as Americans who love their country. Why is it that when a strong intelligient woman who just so happens to be black, she is pegged as some woman with a huge temper who is mad at the world. Her comment was totally taken out of context when she said for the first time in her adult life she is proud of her country. I'm sorry, I love this country too, but there are many things that I am not proud of, especially when it comes to where we are and where we could be as a nation. Something she eloquently stated in her speech. Get a grip people, she is a woman supporting her husband for the presidency. She is not the candidate.

Michelle was stunning, and she deliver her speech very well. If you don't know the man, Senator Obama, you should know him now. Michelle had her audience captivated. She talk about her husband with great ease. I love Michelle, and she will be a great first lady. And Cindy, you need to get over yourself, I have a saying for myself, and it hold true.
1. I am a Rare Woman
2. When I came from my mother womb, I was a single and not a twin.
3. I have my own character, not like any other woman, and
4. you will find no other woman like me.

We re all different and unique in our own ways, and nobody can take that away from me and even you.

Michelle Obama is her own Rare woman with qualities like no other. Cindy don't hate. And yes she is a supportive wife, but one with Power. A strong and courageous woman with a lot of success going on for herself. Michelle Obama made me so very proud of her. and my prayer for her family and the Biden family is that God keep a close watch on all the fools who may want to harm them.

her intelligence ,kindness and love of family and country shine through.this white elderly former republican believes this country needs michelle obama and more like her.as one who seen the cruel mistreatment of people of color or race .i am here to say i am sorry .so sorry it took us so long to see what was really happening .how many turned their heads to evil and looked away while wrong was done.God Bless you and your family as you try to help us all.

How about the priceless interactive video exchange with the Obama's youngest daughter and her father!!! Leave it to a young child's spontaneous, totally unscripted mouth!!!

Although I think you meant to be positive...
You have undoubtedly just missed the point......
It was not a repackaging of her by the Political Machine. ...
It was a repackaging of Micelle Obama by Michelle Obama....
She has said from the begginning that when He decided to run that she would refocus her attention on her family so that they are not damaged by the process.
It show quite a bit of strength of character for any spouse to.....
For the good of the family defer.
Now secondly I must tell you that Were she running for President you would have a case to make.
But stating, and over stating her accomplishments she does nothing to further the cause of electing Barrack.
I say you and the others reporting should report and let your opinions of what you think they should be doing go......
THE BOTTOM LINE
is that, it doesn't matter what she says, you will have an opinion on what she should have said. Did.... Worn..... Eaten....
You get the point.
They are presenting to the American Families an American Family
I am sure when She runs for President in 8 years Barrack wont mention his being forrmer President in his speech at her convention.
Wil you?

Cindy Ga............

You don't like Obama. Why are you even pretending to care what Michelle does?

There are not only black & white people in this country, though you wouldn't know it from cnn and the posts on here. The are millions of Hispanic Asian Native etc americans who seem to have been ignored or suppressed by the drama of whether a biracial or a white man will become president.Obama promised, or so he said, that he would be a president of the united states of america; somehow that promise has broken down and its gone over to a black & white america.

Did Michelle once say that Barack was raised by a white single parent, whose black dad abandoned him and that later he was raised by his white grandparents? Do you think we'll see any of his white side speaking on his behalf and how proud they are of him?

Lisa, I've been struck by several comments made about politician's wives lately. Michelle Obama, I think, gave a very well crafted speech last night, and delivered it well. She addressed the purpose of the presentation, which was to give people insight about her husband, and to introduce their family to the electorate. I have no doubt there was a script that she was to follow, but she's a smart lady, and she seemed to address issues which needed to be addressed within the speech. In the video introduction, her academic and professional accomplishments should have been touched on more. This may be some of what Hillary's supporters are angered about, that the accomplishments of women are downplayed or put down, and that being educated or having a successful career outside the home is a negative. To Senator Barack's credit, it is clear that he is proud of his wife, for the whole person she is (her education, her opinions, her career, and her roles as daughter, sister, wife, and mother). In a similar vein..when Joe Biden introduced his wife on Saturday, I was struck that his initial comment was that "she's drop dead gorgeous", which is true, but followed by an afterthought or an aside that, by the way, she also has a Ph. D. in education. I suspect he admires both his wife's beauty and her intellect.

I thought that the speech was great. She soke of hard working Americans. And for him to be where he's at shows young black men that they can be what they want. Even though Hillary was not my choice, she showed litte girls can be President if they really tried. The old gray haired guy keeps speaking of his time as a P.O.W. I applaud his ordeal, but that doesnt make him a leader.

Wow, everything Maritza said....ditto.

Why does Obama and Michelle say anything about his half-brother living in a hut and only lives on a dollar a day. I wonder if Michelle "loves" that part of the family?

These two do not represent my views of My America.

I think Hilliary really wants a seat on the Supreme Court....not VP

Michelle Obama was stunning!

I frankly do not understand the criticism here. Michelle Obama is not running for office. Her husband is. She wasn't up there to say "listen to what an accomplished person I am and vote for me." She was there to say something about her husband. When spouses who are not themselves politicians speak too much about politics, they get clobbered for it. Her job was to introduce the country to her husband in a way that no one else can. She did a great job of it according to most accounts - not including the Republican talking heads or those with a particular ax to grind. By itself, of course it's not enough to get someone to vote for Barack Obama. News flash: That's not the first or last anyone's going to hear about Senator Obama. It's just one piece of the puzzle. Chill out, people.

The purpose of Michelle Obama's speech was to put to rest questions abut Barack Obama's moral values and why he is running for president. She did not give a speech with the intention of promoting herself or her own ambitions. Barack is running for president, not Michelle. Notice all of the speeches given at the convention were focused on Barack Obama, not the person giving the speech.

She achieved what she set out to accomplish with her emotional speech about her husband's background and passion for his country. She showed the American people that had doubts about her husband's values that he came from humble beginnings and has a lot in common with the everyday person. That

I thought Michelle gave a great speech and it left me with no feeling that she was some how "flattened" by the political system. Why on earth would she give a speech about her OWN career when this convention is about BARACK OBAMA?

I agree with the comments on the quality of the broadcasts we were seeing. What a bunch of negative bologna! I finally gave up on CNN and switched to Public Television so I could hear what was going on!

“One day we can tell our children, that this time we listened to our hopes instead of our fears”

I think Michele summed up the difference between Obama and McCain, if you want to listen to the hopes that the Demorcats are trying to bring us, vote for Obama, but if you want to listen to the fears that the Republicans are trying to fill us with then vote for McCain.

Was I the only one that thought playing Stevie Wonder's Isn't she lovely was a bit too much.. its not about how beautiful she is, which she is, but about the content of her speech.

All I heard last night was a bunch of fluff and no substance. Is it because Barack has little or no experience and what he does have, he is about as liberal as any politician can get.

America does not need a "rookie" in the white house when Russia at this very moment has threatened it's neighbors, (Poland) and we are stretched thin in the war on terror.

Has anyone noticed that Barack can't talk without a canned speech?

We as middle class are more like the Obamas than we are the McCains. Does someone that has 7 houses really care if you're in foreclosure of your house? Whether you personally like the candiate or not I would think that the made issues, healthcare, foreign policy, etc., are the most important. Was it important that one reporter stated that Mrs. Obama had a cocktail dress on. If she had jeans and a t-shirt on would it had made her speech any different.
May the best man win.

The machine’s flattening of Michelle Obama? Sure, but not by America's political machine. It's America's PUNDITRY machine that's doing the steamrolling in America. We can't hear the speakers through all of the bloviation. Shame on you, Anderson. Report the news, don't be the news. You're a brilliant journalist who told our story in New Orleans like no other. Your credibility is at stake. Please, don't become a pundit.

I think she did a fine job. She is a woman who has worked hard and earned our respect.

Wait til the GOP convention when Cindy McCain tells her life story about how tough it was to make ends meet after only inheriting a hundred million dollars.

Her hubby will make an appearance later to the Mr. Magoo theme song.

I have yet to see blog that says anything negative about Cindy McCain!

-Didn't she first state that Mother Theresa encouraged her to adopt her daughter only for the story to change and she now says that a Nun encouraged her to.

-Didn't she steal a cookie receipe off Food Network website and claimed it as her own.

-Didn't have have an affair with McCain while he was married to another woman.

-Didn't she abuse and steal Rx drugs that resulted in a DEA investagation.

Michelle is a great role model for all girls to look up to. She wasn't born with a silver spoon in her mouth. But through hardwork and dedication she was able to make it out of one of the toughest neighorhoods in this country and live the American Dream that we all work for. I am not saying that you have to like her but if you were to open your mind a little you would agree that she is a success story and role model for all girls. So give her respect that she earned!

To Lisa Bloom, and all those at Cnn reporterswho though that Michelle was flatten.

The woman is gracious, stunning and captivating. You will never find another woman like Michelle Obama, even if you tried. Like I said before, she is a Rare woman, in her own right. I tell you, this woman has so much love for family, and people to, no matter what they say about her, and that comes from being a real woman. She not only represent Black women, but all women of every race, color, and creed. Michelle speech was from the heart, and it was powerful. I know that there are those who wants her to fall, but she is held up by a higher Power. Michelle doesn't have to say Barack was raised by his white grand parents or that he is biracial, what difference does it make, none. My children are biracial, and I thank God, that they know who they are, where there going, and where they have been. And that are family, which is a melting pot in it own right, we love and respect one another. Michelle just wanted America to know, who her husband is, and what he stands for, and she did it elegantly. The woman was electrifying. She wanted to take the fear away from those americans who really don't know what Barack stand for, and will listen to some garbage on the internet about him, without even checking it out first. First he a Muslim, then he's the Anti-Christ, and he doesn't love his country because he won't wear a flag pin on his lapel. Like Michelle Obama, This is the first time in my Adult life, I am proud to be an American. And that is to say: Some people in America is judging Senator Obama not for the color of his skin, but for the contends of his character, and I know that it took a lot of deep breaths from white
Americans to see that, and I am proud of that fact. This country can come along way, if it would just come together, because divided we will certainly fall. And once again, to the Obama family, and the Biden family, believe me when I tell you this, they have some prayer warrior praying for them, and for those who are in charge of keeping them from harm. and for those who beleive in a higher power, you need to know, the God is the author of this world and he is not respector of person.

Ted Kennedys and Michelle Obama speech was the only good thing that cnn choose to show,I like other americans are disappointed in the way cnn is handling the Convention in Denver, We as Americans dont get to hear any speechs or see any of the speakers, have you ever thought that maybe we do want to hear what all the Republic analylist have to say and for that matter any anlylist, I feel that your all doing the Dem Party and injustice, Ive follow the the race from the begin and have waited for this Convention for a long time and the only thing i get out of it is negetive ads from Mccain

Karl Marx would be proud to see where we are headed. All our ecnomic problems can be laid at the feet of George Bush; the global economy has nothing to do with the american economy.

Mike in NYC said:

Note to Lisa:

"Princeton, Harvard, Sidley Austin. All things are possible through mandated “diversity.”"

My only response is WOW Mandated "diversity" is that your way of saying Affirmative Action. From this comment, it seems you feel that Michelle Obama did not study and work hard for all she has accomplished. However, allow me to educate you on one thing.

If a person of color is hired to do a job, you best believe that person has all of the same qualifications or more as any other applicants and they will work just as hard.

You know what the saying is about making assumptions.

Again, WOW.

Lisa I have always liked you and your mother.

We are fundamentally Americans.However,it is next to impossible for one person to appeal to the ideals,backgrounds etc of all of us.We do not live in a Utopian society.The convention has evolved over time since it's first broadcast on television.The audience that once was just the delegates is now the tv audience.With new technology has come a scripted production.The only thing's I have in common with Michelle Obama are that I am a women,a american and that I am a Democrat. That's all.However,I am not on the same side of the Democratic spectrum as she is.It,s ok that I don't share the exact same experience that she had.That is what makes this country so incredible.We all individually have the power to shape our own destiny. I can say I understand why it was done.There are millions of people who will never be able to know Michelle Obama personally or meet her face to face.I know for me I am always proud of my country and to be a American.That doesn't mean that there are times when I am not proud of who is running the country.I thought her speech was good.

If you people think for one second, that Michelle, wrote this speech, I will give you my vote to cast, anyway you want. They have speech writers for this kind of thing. They couldn't take a chance that she would go out there and make another one of her I HATE AMERICA AND WHITEY'S ARE DOWN RIGHT MEAN. I Don't really care how many houses McCain has, you can be sure that they didn't get some kind of sweetheart deal, like Obama, got from his slum lord and convicted felon friend Resko. Never one of them knows what it's like to be middle-class, they both have money.

Michelle Obama was really good last night! She said all the right things. She praised her husband, which was a good thing to do.
I noticed one thing while reading some pundit comments: Leslie Sanchez, the Republican strategist wondered why Michelle delivered the speech in a cocktail dress. Typical, I would say.

Cindy McCain probably only hopes she can be that good. Just have her take a Vicodon.

"Why does Obama and Michelle say anything about his half-brother living in a hut and only lives on a dollar a day. I wonder if Michelle “loves” that part of the family?"

@ Ann it's not Obama's responsibility to take care of this half-brother living in a hut. My mother did that for years with her own sister living in China and it turns out her husband wasn't working at all because my mom sent money home. 20 years later the woman doesn't even speak to my mother once the money quit coming in. Plus this half brother is probably the family that Obama's father created after he left Obama as a child. Why should he help this guy he doesn't know out?

Hi Lisa, this was more of a platform for what Obama is and not Michelle's accomplishments. This would've been inappropriate for her to tout what she's done instead of sticking with the issue and that is Barack's bid for the presidency.

Fact- One cannot be all things to all people all the time. Partisan politics will provide criticism and compliments, and this will be true all week long for Michelle, Hillary, and each of the speakers. Some will say he/she should have included this or that, others will say too much was said ...As intelligent Americans it is our duty to see through the hype and showmanship to the character, beliefs and values that will sustain a leader to make the best choices for Americans. Fundamental differences separate the parties though we still expect that whoever is elected will represent each equally, showing balance to segments of society, and respecting underrepresented people. Media's coloring of this must remain neutral or at least balanced. Talking over speakers to reiterate a pundits opinion removes us from forming our own.

I have to agree with Eve. Ms. Obama's speech was about her husband's bid for the presidency. Others have and will let us know about her personal accomplishments. My sense is Michelle and Barack Obama compliment each other and are totally comfortable within themselves. This enables each to honestly praise the other. I feel this is something they have a history of doing for and about each other in every arena of their lives.

I hear they will redo Planet of the Apes starring Michelle Obama!!! need to fi x the under bite dearand nice try –trying to come across like apple pie!!!

The Obama Family is one in unity, love, compassion. Michelle knows who she is and what she has accomplished; and by now so does everyone else in this Country.

Wake-up everybody; stick to the issues. Change must come to our Country by neccessity or by embracing it. Either way ,change will come.

Financially we have already lost our clout and power. Our Country is in serious debt to other rogue nations; we would never do business
with these countries in the past. He who controls the purse strings control the power.

The Trickle-Down Theory of the past Bush Administration is Tax cuts for the Wealthy and they will past it on to you. Reality, It is not being past on to us. It JUST STOPS AT THE TOP AND THE WINNER TAKE ALL.

My challenge for anyone who thinks that a 72yr old man is as sharp as one in his forty's is in denial. Somethings just come with age.
I see the same signs in McCAIN that Reagan displayed when he was in office; forgetfulness, off the wall comments, etc.

The same powers in the Bush Whitehouse will be the same powers running the McCain Whitehouse; in other words the story will be the same, the names will just change. Bush-McCain, Cheney- to be announced. In other words a ROSE by any other Name is still a Rose.

Good Grief! No one forced Michele and Barack Obama into politics. There is no time for politics for whinny victims. Her speech was fine, the kids were fine. Let's move on. She is NOT a victim and everytime I hear someone say she is it makes me more disappointed. I am a right leaning independent. I'm open to Obama, but not with a "poor me", "victim me" attitude. I'm bright enough to understand that Obama is every bit a regular politician....no change here. But since I choose not to enter any race, anywhere, I have to accept that. I would just like a little honesty. I don't respond to pandering, I don't respond to promising the world, I don't respond to the idea that bigger government is better government. I respond to a solution to a problem. So far – they only offer more money – which is already a failure.

This is ridiculous! Michelle Obama is an outstanding, smart, intelligent, normal! woman...yes, she is a strong woman, and unfortunately, there are still some men and women in this very country who dislikes strong women, period. They are using other lame reasons to make her look bad, rather than being honest about their true reason for disliking her. This is America! This is a land of equality, folks!

Carol...really liked what you said! You hit the nail on the head! Thanks!

This election is not just about social change, it is about a global playing field.

Michelle has appears by Barak's side on the stump in leggings and a baby doll dress. Please help us if she expects to be respected on the world playing field.

As an employer in Chicago – I love flip flops and jeans – however If I have meeting with a large corporation, I wear a suit and have a demeanor that is respectable!

Another comment –

My employees have seen me on the shop floor with flip flops and jeans ....but when they see the suit they are happy because they know I mean business and I am working to keep them employed, they know their future is being taken seriously.

Lets see. Michelle Obama's speech, LOVE. Love and support for her Husband, Love for her Family, and, Love for America and its People.

Lisa's comments, unnecessary NEGATIVITY.

Political analysis is getting so ridiculous. Michelle Obama is walking a tightrope. No matter what she says or what she does or even more insane...what she wears...is going to be dissected beyond reason. She clearly loves her husband and her family and is doing the best she can. In my opinion she is one amazing woman.

I think Michele could have represented herself in full rather than just the family side. Lot of us have 2 bread winners in the family; a lot of wives are just as passionate about their work and excel at their work just like their husbands do. Balancing a successful demanding career while being a good mother and wife is quite an accomplishment and I don't see that it would take anything away from Obama if Michelle had spoken of her whole self instead of just one part.

I really liked the part after her speech where the youngest kept talking to her father on the video phone setup; that was adorable and funny!

Annie Kate
Birmingham AL

Frankly: I think Cindy has an issue with Michelle Obama. Nevertheless I am excited about what the Obamas are doing as well, I believe that Michelle had to find herself on the political stage. Michelle Obama in the workplace may not be appropriate for the political stage, or the campaign trail. We saw that already and the "big boys" and of the media went crying about "angry militant black woman". Sometimes you have to do what you have to do in order to get where you need to be. I bleieve we saw the real Michelle Obama, just a different side, an adaptable Michelle. A quality that I think suites her well. Knowing which hat to wear at which time reflects wisdom on the part of the wearer. I'm just sorry that some bloggers don't have that same respect for her "choice of hats".

am i the only one that can see that michelle had a great speech writer . talk about chainging your spots. i just could not beleive she was being honest . it was to scripted . you say mccain is to old . i'm not ready to let a rookie run this country. mccain is not bush , and in my heart i think he is the right man for the job . there can be change in this country and mccain is getting my vote , obama reminds me of a snake oil salesman , i'm not sure what he will say on the same subject from one week to another. obama is playing some of you as fools, but let us be thankful for the fools . but for them the rest of us could not succed

I am stunned at the pettiness of some of the criticism of this amazing woman! Her speech was delivered flawlessly with great style and eloquence, spoken clearly from the heart and in her own words. Her elegance not only meets but surpasses most of our former First Ladies, not because of her lovely and completely appropriate dress, but because of her shining intelligence. Tonight I am looking forward to hearing from one of the few First Ladies who is in her league – Hillary Clinton!

Any person doing on this post who grew up poor or middle class, who has children, or went to college of student loans be it Princeton or whatever college. If the really listened to that speech could relate to something in it. The only way that you could not is if you grew up with a silver spoon in your mouth.

Give me a break with the "7 houses" dig. They are all rich. The Obama's are millionaires. The leaders of the Democratic party (Nancy Pelosi, Harry Reid, the Clintons) are ALL rich. Stop buying the crap the Dem. party has sold to ignorant people for years that the Republicans are for the rich and the Democrats are for the poor. Are you that ignorant or gullible? How many houses does Pelosi have and who really cares? The issue should be "who has the most experience to lead the country?" "Who can we trust?" Obama is a creation of the DNC: a newcomer, a good speaker, someone who inspires uninformed people who are impressed by empty rhetoric and who don't really research voting records or experience. If you love Obama after really researching his beliefs and background -go for it – vote for him. But, if you have gotten caught up in the hype about his message of hope, or in the image of the person who is good at reading a teleprompter – then you are what is wrong with this country. I am no McCain supporter (he does not reflect my views either) but at least he hasn't attended an anti-White church nor has he associated with terrorists.

I understand that the point of the speech was to talk about her husband. I also think the fact that she has her own significant accomplishments also put Barack in a favorable light. I agree that a man that selects an intelligent wife is probably a better man than who doesn't. I also thought the song was inappropriate and demeaning. Why do we think America wants women who aren't strong and accomplished, whether they are mothers or not.

I was surprized by the reaction of the pundits. I thought Michele's speech was awkward, hokie, and scripted. She was trying so hard to sell her self as "acceptable" she came off phony. And everyone who said it was great came off phony too. She's a strong woman with strong opinions. I don't agree with a lot of them-but I appreciate authenticity-not extreme makeovers of the political or any other kind.

This was the politically-correct, "I want to get my husband elected" side of Michelle Obama. What side of a person is really authentic? The early unguarded remarks (For the first time in my adult life I am really proud of my country) or the scripted, look how sweet I am speech? Give me a break. She is a radical like her husband. I agree she appears to be smart, capable and hardworking, devoted to her family and husband which are all great qualtiies. But I believe she and Barack both still believe what The Rev. Wright said in church for 20 years: white people are the cause of all evil in America. I truly wanted Obama to unite us in the U.S. when I first heard of him. I thought it was GREAT we had a viable African-American candidate. And then he turned out to be a radical, "blame America" inexperienced disappointment.

Wake up AMERICA, it's time for a change.

I completely agree with you, Lisa. While she may care about her family, she also has had a spectacular career, and it's a shame that such an accomplished woman needs to turn herself into a two dimensional character so the public can understand and relate to her. Honestly, I think the majority of the public really is only interested in people who are flat caricatures of themselves. Paris Hilton and George Bush are two good examples. All very predictable quips and one-liners from those two. "That's hot. Loves it." and "We're gonna go get 'em." As they say, we are products of our environment, and when all we're exposed to is a lot of advertising and cartoonish people, that's what we respond to. You know, it's actually a very smart move on Michelle's part. People will understand her and will remember her, because her message was very simple. Obama should probably pick up on some of that, because I think there are a lot of people out there that don't like what they don't understand and don't understand very complex people, like Obama. Maybe he should be a cartoon, too, and then he'd win for sure! Seriously though, he might want to check into that. I think McCain probably is.

Oh, and Mike in NYC, you're an ass. You've totally discredited any minority who has made it into a good college as "mandated diversity." You've undermined all of Michelle Obama's hard work and intellect, instead crediting her success to the government. She didn't HAVE to be successful, she just as easily could have chosen to be a nobody like yourself. But she chose to be successful and intelligent, to get a good education and a prestigious job, and your close-minded opinion of what made her successful is exactly why people are still talking about and dealing with discrimination and prejudice. She worked hard for what she achieved, and we all need to give credit where credit is due.

I find Mrs. Obama more common personally!! They can put a pretty dress on Mrs. Obama and dress her up, but they can't seem to warm up her cold heart inside! I think she set's back women a 100 years and is hiding behind shadow of a man. Mrs. McCain on the other hand would make a real Frist Lady!!!

Dennis,
It's obvious from your posts what prejudices you hold. They are more thinly veiled than you might imagine. I imagine his 80 some yr old white grandmother in Hawaii isn't in good enough health to make the trip to the convention as he already stated she isn't strong enough to travel. She may be infirm. I don't know of any other of his "white" relations. Have you done a search and come up with any?

Some people will never change their minds about their prejudices because in order to do that, they would have to examine one's own heart and that is too frightening for them to contemplate. They might have to acknowledge that they have been wrong.

I thought Michelle gave a wonderful, heartfelt speech. As someone who was asked to give a portrait of the lives of herself and Barack, I think she did a fine job of telling their story. She is supporting her husband for President, not running on the ticket. It would have been self aggrandizing to talk soley about her own accomplishments, although I thought the short film that preceded her speech did that very well.

All I have to say about the Dem candidate is:

Ba-rack ON!!

of course they're going to make mrs. obama do that! remember the first time clinton ran for president? didn't they rip mrs. clinton to shreds, where she had to literally hide for a while? the 2-for-1 jokes? who really wears the pants jokes?

also, I think mrs. obama knows she's a strong woman, but her husband is running for president and she's there to support him. nothing wrong with that.

Dennis...CNN did not show Obama's sister speak at the opening of the convention. She is also biracial. They have the same mother but her father is asian. She is an american history teacher. She spoke proudly of their deceased mother and of her brother. C-SPAN showed all of the speeches.

Marty, LOL I can't believe you would mention someone's speaking abilities when you voted for George "we have a saying in Tennessee or is it Texas..anyway, fool me once...shame on um ?...fool me again...um?" W. Bush twice! You will obviously vote for McCain who graduated at the bottom of his class #494 out of 499 students! I respect his ability to survive as a P.O.W. as I respect all who have ever served our country but maybe if he had graduated with higher grades, he would have flown in the right direction instead of crashing into enemy territory which is what I am most afraid of him doing with this entire country.

Ann...please. A hut? You should be ashamed of yourself. That's an old African stereotype. Their father died before either brother knew of one another. His brother is a proud African man and asked if the American media would stop exaggerating his plight. There are people in America living in rural and urban "huts". When was the last time you did something great to show your love for your own countrymen, women and children. You should really try it. It would make you feel so good inside. I gaurantee it.

If we allow McCain to be elected we could all end up living in a "hut". There are millionaires right here in America foreclosing on their mansions! This is not a racial issue, it's not even a class issue nor is it a party affiliation issue. This is a human issue. We as Americans are struggling in every realm of our own lives! It has to stop for the sake of our children and our children's children. Don't vote for the person. Vote on behalf of your personal interests. Vote on behalf of those issues that affect you or the industry that you work in or the people that may depend on you.

The speech was obviously written, at least largely guided, for her; and worse she allowed it. That's change for you; the ability to go back in time. Of course they don't know what else to do about her image after her comments of America. The answer is nothing. What's done is done. Everything coming henceforth just sounds like backtracking. And if you're still working on your image in the convention you've got major problems.

I think there is WAY too much thinking going on here. Michelle is well known to be highly educated, highly intelligent, and very strong. But she is also a wife and mother. And that was where she was speaking from...the aspect of every woman. Not the scholar or attorney. She was speaking in glowing terms of her husband and i'm sure if the roles were reversed he would have done the same for her. The night was not about her many accomplishments, it was about his...After all he is the one running for president!

Today Hillary Clinton marked the word DEMOCRACY!
No doubt she is in essence the next president of the united states.
I believe the OBAMAS had to wait for Barak to mature politically before trying to endorse the role of a president.Surely Hillary does not need to tag along Joe Biden to be credible as a president.
Barak is running for himself not for the democracy and I am afraid he is handing the presidency to John mccain on a gold platter.

kate

She was all scared and she did not look like a "wanna be first lady" She dosen`t have the class of a First Lady. She is far away from a First Lady.
And me as middle class I`m looking forward to buy another house and another one as investments because I have to renovate them as per my taste and that means work for some other people that will do the job, work for the real estate agent, work for the lower and for the bank. That how the economy works. And I`m sorry to hear that somebody`s is in foreclosure situation but just a question for all those :How did you get there?How many credit cards we need?Why don`t you keep them under control?