America's Next First Lady

Maureen on Michelle

2007-04-30T18:44:00.000-07:00

Maureen Dowd is at it again.
From the NYT via theunknowncandidate:

"Usually, I love the dynamics of a cheeky woman puncturing the ego of a cocky guy.

I liked it in ’40s movies, and I liked it with Katie Couric and Bryant Gumbel, and Cybill Shepherd and Bruce Willis in “Moonlighting.”

So why don’t I like it with Michelle and Barack?"

Well how about it's because you don't like much of anything?

Or maybe it's o.k. when the "cheeky woman" is White?

Or perhaps it's because you secretly lust after Senator Bahm Bahm - like millions of other women across America - and can't stand to have the fantasy punctured?

All of the above?

Go somewhere and sit down.

Barbara Richardson Rings Bells for Victims

2007-04-22T21:20:00.000-07:00

New Mexico's First Lady, and most human of all the possible next first ladies, leads her state in an expression of sorrow for and solidarity with the people of Virginia after some crazed killer took the lives of 32 innocent people.

From krqe.com

"First lady Barbara Richardson said holding a service like this and ringing bells across the state is one way people can feel a connection to Virginia and the rest of the country.

“I think it's very important we do have this expression of support for those families and also to let the nation know we care,” Richardson said.

She also said connecting like this as a country helps in the healing of people who have had tragedies in their own lives. "

The Trib Bows Down to Barack's Better Half

2007-04-22T21:07:00.000-07:00

From the Chicago Tribune

'But Michelle Obama, 43, has a reputation for telling it like she thinks it is -- whether about the butter, her husband's ongoing effort to quit smoking or his political priorities. And though she's lighthearted in her critiques, she never plays the role of the deferential political wife.

"He's a gifted man," she tells the audience, "but, in the end, he's just a man."

The fact that the crowd responds with laughter and a long, warm ovation is a good sign for the Obama team.

One of its most formidable tasks, after all, is to win over Democratic-leaning women tempted to help make Sen. Hillary Clinton the first woman president, and Michelle Obama figures prominently in the promotion strategy. She's a charismatic public speaker, an accomplished professional whose life as a working parent looks familiar to all kinds of women.

More than just a spokeswoman, she's a crucial part of the Obama package itself, complementing and shaping her husband in ways that are politically and personally significant."

Michelle's Getting Good

2007-04-19T08:00:00.000-07:00

Oh Christ Judi, What Next?

2007-04-16T20:26:00.000-07:00

You know, as much as Judith Guliani gets on my nerves - I wouldn't wish this on anybody. One of her yappy ex-boyfriends is going on and on about how this woman (who is now a another man's wife - a man running for president no less) was basically the best he ever had.
Gross. Judi should have had Rudy's people hunt this dic@head down and make him sign some kind of post-relationship privacy agreement. Instead he's a-blabbing to the New York Post:

Theirs was a relationship that spanned five special years. They shared dinners, theater and a love of New York. And in his first in-depth interview, Judith Giuliani's ex-boyfriend tells how he believes passionately that she will be a terrific asset to her husband Rudy's presidential campaign - and a wonderful First Lady.

"Her heart is in all the right places in terms of doing good. She is well-trained for this kind of job if it ever happens," said Manos Zacharioudakis, who lived with the then-Judith Nathan for four years between husbands No. 2 and No. 3.

Eight years later, the clinical psychologist still waxes poetic about the woman he once loved and said former Mayor Rudy Giuliani, the GOP front-runner, is in capable hands."

It gets worse.

"She is a sensual person; she is a passionate person. She has that Italian eroticism and passion," said Zacharioudakis, when reached at his office in Volos, Greece, where he is in private practice."

Ew.

More on Michelle Obama's Money

2007-04-16T20:19:00.000-07:00

Yep. The financial colonoscopy continues.
From Lynn Sweet of the Chicago Sun-Times:

"White House hopeful Sen. Barack Obama and his wife Michelle reported $991,296 in income in 2006, boosted by a $506,618 payout in advances and royalties for his books, according to returns released by his campaign on Monday.
The Obamas have four main sources of income:
*Obama’s Senate salary of $157,082.
*Book income of $506,618. Obama’s second book, “The Audacity of Hope,” was released last fall and soared to the best seller lists.
*Michelle Obama’s payment of $273,618 from the University of Chicago Hospitals. She will get paid less in 2007 because she cut back on her job because of the campaign. She made more in 2005 because of a signing bonus from the U of C given when she was promoted to vice president of community and external affairs in January, 2005, just as Obama was sworn in as senator.
Tax returns from last year showed her total compensation in 2005 went from $122,000 to $317,000, though the higher figure includes a one-time pension payout and the bonus.
*Michelle Obama’s payment of $51,200 from TreeHouse Foods, where she has been on the board of directors since June, 2005.
Interest income totaled $4,590 in interest with $1,188 from dividends."

Bill Takes Hill to Regroup

2007-04-07T07:55:00.000-07:00

You'd need a vacation too if you had raised a record 26 million dollars in campaign funds in ONE quarter - only to learn a few days later that Michelle and Barack are breathing down your necks with 25 million.
Team Obama is beating the bushes for any and all contributions. And the spin is excellent: that his funds come from more donors, so they are more grass-rooty and therefore cleaner and a better indication of his popularity.
It clearly shook Camp Hillary to its core, and the principals are taking some time in D.R. to try to get it together. As a former president and possibly America's Next First Lady, Bill is probably telling Hill to keep her chin up - and remember he can raise stupid amounts of money in a matter of minutes.
How?
Consider this from worldmagazine.com

"What would motivate 45 health enthusiasts to dish out $2,300 apiece for 30 minutes on a stationary bicycle at a trendy health club? Two words: Bill Clinton. The former president showed up late last month at Soul Cycle, a new fitness center in New York City's upper west side, to raise cash for his wife's financially fit presidential campaign.

Strolling through rows of bicycles in a suit and tie, Clinton shook hands and shared personal anecdotes about Hillary Clinton, while raking in an easy hundred grand. The small crowd, mostly women, usually pays $25 for a spin class, but said Clinton's appearance was worth the extra dough. "People love him," one woman told ABC News. "People love him more than Hillary."

Mrs. Obama to Univ. of Chicago: 'I'm Outta Here'

2007-04-07T06:38:00.000-07:00

Uhhhhh. Ya think?
Let's see. Stay in Chicago to go to boring meetings about how to math over-achieving little snots with volunteer programs they don't really care about but need to have on their resumes....
Or hit the campaign trail to play a central role in one of the most exciting presidential elections in decades.
Yeah, I think it's safe to say Michelle Obama will be putting her career on hold.

Oh and ABC News - we get it. SHES TALL. You don't have to keep describing her as if she's the jolly green giant. Makes you wonder - what kind of dwarf Sunlen Miller is.

Who's the Boss?

2007-04-07T06:22:00.000-07:00

Ah the age old question.
Mary Sanchez of McClatchy Newspapers says America is not ready for a female president. The proof? She says just look at the backlash heaped upon the Giulianis after Rudy suggested Judi could sit in on Cabinet meetings (that is if she could squeeze them in between "freshenings").
I disagree Ms. Sanchez. I think the reaction is to Dame Judi. Just as I think some of the extreme reactions against Hillary - are because she's HILLARY and all that implies. I think different women in both situations might be received differently.
I do however agree with your assessment on this:

"So, when you cast a presidential vote, know that you're also signing on for the candidate's better half. Look closely at Michelle Obama, Cindy McCain, Ann Romney, Elizabeth Edwards, Jill Biden, Mary Brownback, Barbara Richardson and the rest of the wives whose husbands are vying for the White House.

Look closely at our old friend Bill, too. His famous charisma will be necessary to counter the harsh image his other half has duly earned. If President Hillary ever becomes a reality, it will be in no small part because people were actually voting for her spouse."

Yep, this race is all about "America's Next First Lady"

The Anti-Judi

2007-04-05T15:53:00.000-07:00

In true seasoned politician style Mrs. John Edwards takes advantage of the Judi Giuliani-lash and sets herself up as the antithesis of the woman America is becoming truly sick of.
When Rudy said if he made it to the White House wife number three would sit in on Cabinet meetings - Lizzy responded

"I wouldn't be attending cabinet meetings. Honestly, I have a lot that — You know, I think you get a great big megaphone and you get to talk about things you care about, and I hope I'd be busy doing that and mothering my adorable children as opposed to sitting in Cabinet meetings."

Ouch.
Love it.

See Giuliani - If You Had Listened to Me...

2007-04-03T19:58:00.001-07:00

when I told you to shut Judi up, you wouldn't be putting out pleas like this to CBS News

"Attack me all you want. There's plenty to attack me about. Please do it. But maybe, you know, show a little decency."

--Republican presidential candidate Rudy Giuliani, asking the media to back off from scrutiny of his wife Judith Nathan Giuliani. Writes WCBS-TV New York's Lou Young: "That's a tough sell for a man who suggested he might invite his wife into cabinet meetings."

And more bad press found at keyetv.com

"The fuss started when Mrs. Giuliani confirmed she had been married three times. It was previously believed that the former Judith Nathan had been married twice.

"Something I will share with you is that ... Rudy and I have both been married three times," Nathan, 52, told the New York Post.

Subsequently, Giuliani said that if elected, he'd be open to his wife attending Cabinet meetings on issues in which she's interested.

In an interview with Barbara Walters on ABC News' "20/20," Giuliani and his wife answered questions about the six marriages between them and whether she was the "other woman" who caused the breakup of his second marriage to TV personality Donna Hanover.

The Post and the New York Daily News gave prominent play to the marriage and cabinet stories. The Post followed up with a story under the headline, "JUDI'S JOB WITH PUP-KILLER FIRM."

The newspaper reported that that Mrs. Giuliani, a nurse, had worked for a medical supply company that used dogs to demonstrate the use of medical staplers."

The Ladies Finally Get a Little Love

2007-04-02T18:24:00.000-07:00

From the New York Daily News:

"Marriage has become a major subtext of the 2008 campaign.

The revelation of a third husband by Judith Giuliani was a first for a presidential campaign, but even before the Giuliani surprise the candidates' spouses were attracting attention.

For one thing, there's a famous former President auditioning to go back to the White House as First Gentleman.

Indeed, all three of the top Democrats have charismatic lawyer spouses at least as popular as they are. It's generally not hard to find people at a Clinton, Obama or Edwards event who wish Bill, Michelle or Elizabeth were on the ticket.

On the GOP side, marriage is a touchier issue."

(more)

And from CBS

"The extraordinary travel and time demands on presidential candidates make it impossible for spouses to stay on the sidelines.

"The increasing length of time that these national campaigns are running under now, and the concentration of these early primary states for nomination, the spouses are just critical to the campaign," said Sarah Brewer of American University's Women & Politics Institute.

Michelle Obama – at first apprehensive – is winning over audiences. Anne Romney kept a low profile when Mitt Romney was governor of Massachusetts, but not anymore, despite her Multiple Sclerosis. And Cindy McCain is along for a ride on Senator John McCain's Straight Talk Express much earlier than she was in 2000.

"Now, there she is sitting next to him – grinning from ear to ear, hair perfect, looking adoring," Mehren said."

Obama Bashes Bush - Gets His Grip and Grin On

2007-03-30T14:54:00.000-07:00

While making the campaign rounds in Tallahassee, Fla. Sen. Bahm Bahm lashed out at George Bush - saying the current Attorney General scandal show's Georgie-Boy's disrespect for the constitution.
Agreed.
But er um Barack sweetie you're showing a healthy disrespect for married man rule number 311. Don't be looking so damn smiley-smiley, and genuinely pleased to be posing with some cute state representative down in Florida - when your wife and possibly America's Next First Lady is back home in Chicago up to her a!@ in whiny little girls and dance recitals and PTA meetings. Photo ops like these are what the fake smiles are for.
Got it?
Good.

Oh No Not Again

2007-03-29T20:38:00.000-07:00

Oh good lord jesus.
Will this woman never shut up?
Now Judith Giuliani, in her infinite wisdom, is having a little prime time chat with the crypt keeper a.k.a. Barbara Walters. Other ancient New York hags like the Post's Cindy Adams are kissing much Giuliani a!#... making Judi and Rudy believe the public wants to hear about their relationship.
Wrong.
And all that talk about the third Mrs. Giuliani sitting in on White House cabinet meetings if hubby is elected?
Sigh.
Judi does not play well in the Red states. Have you guys forgotten you're trying to get the Republican nomination?

Cindy McCain Back on the Bus

2007-03-19T21:04:00.000-07:00

screenshot from abcnews.com Even the fantabulous Cindy McCain can't seem to breathe new life into this old concept. But she dutifully boarded The Straight Talk Express dos this weekend and rumbled around some well-trod primary ground. The bus, a hold-over from 2000, has been spruced up for round two.. but so far it is failing to generate the excitement of the last campaign.
Senator John did however manage to get in a dig-what-dig? shot at the competition. McCain said: "It's the same McCain, the same Straight Talk, the same, frankly, people with me, same wife."
Uh-huh, unlike that ho-monger Rudy Giuliani who is on spouse numero tres. But you know what McCains? Guiliani, Judith and all, is leading you in the polls.
Your mission Cindy - have his people come up with an idea better than the bus.

Judi "The Deal Killer" Giuliani Strikes Again

2007-03-16T22:37:00.000-07:00

Obviously my advice to Mrs. Rudy G. to SIT HER ASS DOWN has gone unheeded.
So guess what happened?
The media dumped another s!@#load of criticsim after her bizarre introduction of her husband at a recent fund raiser in New York.

The New York Sun called her intro "arguably problematic".
At the New York Times political blog "The Caucus" - the reader responses to Miss Judi were overwhelmingly negative.
Andrew Sullivan called her "Rudy's Judi Problem".
The New York Post painted her as a laughing stock.

Oh and Judes, - it's "This means so much to Rudy and me" not "Rudy and I". Not that you should ever get the chance to speak again.

bill bashes back

2007-03-16T22:35:00.000-07:00

Potential Next First Lady Bill Clinton's campaign appearances with his wife the senator may be few and far between - but don't think he isn't pulling those levers behind the curtain. The New York Post reports on how he took on the Times this week while raising another gazillion dollars for Camp Hillary.

"He said his wife wasn't getting a fair shake from the Times," said Curtis Sliwa, the WABC Radio host, who was there as a guest. ("I'm a Rudy guy," Sliwa explained.)

"Clinton said the Times is attacking Hillary because she won't apologize for her vote on the war in Iraq," Sliwa said. "The Times has always been super supportive. It's the equivalent of Rudy Giuliani attacking The New York Post."

Oh and don't let the chummy photo of Barack, Bill and Hill in Selma a couple of weeks ago fool you either. Big Willie is trying to deflect criticism about Hillary's war stance(s) - and force the Times to take on Obama.

"Clinton focused on the fact that three years ago - shortly after Barack Obama burst onto the world stage with his speech at the Democratic National Convention where John Kerry was nominated - Obama was asked how he would have voted on the Iraq war if he'd been in Congress at that time.

"And Obama said, 'I'm not sure,' " Sliwa recalled. "Clinton said the Times has a duty to report on Obama's initial ambivalence."

Ouch.
Michelle? Your turn.

Meet Michelle Obama's New Chief of Staff

2007-03-12T21:54:00.000-07:00

Little did she know when Eric Appleman visited her for one of his Democracy in Action pieces in 2003 - that she would eventually end up near the center of the hottest Presidential campaign in decades.
Melissa Winter, who worked for Senator Joe Lieberman for 10 years, is now Michelle Obama's right hand woman.

She probably also didn't know that some poorly lit snapshot from a random day at the office would end up being e-mailed around the internet four years later...or that some blogger with no life would end up poking around in her expense reports and giggling about how she probably spent that 1,700 bucks worth of tax payer money during that weekend in pre-Katrina New Orleans.

Laissez le bon temps rouler!

Michelle Obama Has Paid Her Dues

2007-03-12T20:52:00.000-07:00

The Left End of the Dial blog has dug up this shot of Michelle Obama trying to choke down some rubber chicken - while her then state senator hubby lays the ground work for an eventual run for 1600.

Barack: 'Hmmmm. I wonder how much campaign cash I can squeeze out of...oh s!@#. 'Did a flash just go off? O.K. stay focused. Note to self - have assistant get me two seats at another one of these godawful dinners with Chicago's Jewish movers and shakers to counter inevitable Obama loves Arabs hates Jews headlines.'

Michelle: 'Why is this fool trying to take my picture when he sees I've got my mouth - oh wait - maybe if I move behind this carnation...'

Michelle Takes Manhattan

2007-03-11T17:10:00.000-07:00

In New York - 1010 wins shows the Obamas' strategy was in full effect with Mrs. O playing the role of grounded partner to reassure the adoring masses that she will never let Bahm-Bahm believe the hype.

From AP:

"Senator Barack Obama was welcomed by an enthusiastic crowd at a fundraiser in New York today.
But the person who had the audience laughing the hardest was his wife, who decided to air some dirty laundry.

Michelle Obama told roaring audience members she sometimes wishes she could live with the same character she sees on T-V. She called that man "Barack Obama the phenomenon."

She said the Barack Obama at her house has trouble putting his socks with the dirty clothes. And he doesn't do a better job than their five-year-old daughter at making his bed.

But the senator's wife tried to depict her husband as more good-guy than politician.

She said he is sincere and authentic -- not manufactured.

The event at Manhattan's Grand Hyatt Hotel was one of the Democrat's first major presidential fundraising forays into New York City."

Good New York hair, make up, and suit by the way - sophisticated without being boring. Bonus.

Babs Richardson Still Under Radar

2007-03-08T11:00:00.000-08:00

I swear Barabara Richardson. If you show up at ONE more groundbreaking for yet another worthy cause - and all you get out of it is a mention in the Daily Lobo - I'm gonna strangle somebody.
Get out there girl!

Judith "The Deal Killer" Giuliani

2007-03-08T10:24:00.000-08:00

From TIME.com:

Richard Land, the Southern Baptists' ambassador to the very earthly kingdom of politics and policy (his official title is President of the Ethics and Religious Liberty Commission of the Southern Baptist Convention, the nation's largest Protestant Denomination) is a diplomat and an affable character, so when he speaks plainly the words carry weight. And his salvos launched at Republican frontrunner Rudy Giuliani were the warning shots in the evangelical primary: who has the strongest claim to the hearts and minds of the GOP base?

That's right. The Southern Baptists' Big Kahuna has spoken on the Giulianis' hoedom. And it's not good:

"You can't win just with white evangelicals" Land says, "but without them you face a loss of apocalyptic proportions." And that's the bad news for Rudy. "The vast majority of those people will not vote for Rudy. The three marriages is a deal killer."

Oh what to do. What to do?
OK - we'll have to re-think this but here's a start. Judi...KEEP YOUR ASS AT HOME. Republicans like Rudy, and they really want to give him a pass on that whole thrice married, pro-abortion, cross-dressing, estranged children thing. But they can't if he's constantly throwing his latest wife in their faces. If Rudy's there - you can be for damed sure Judi is too ...grabbing on as tight as she can - loving the limelight and tounging him down on the cover of the Post.
You want a shot at the East Wing? Confine yourself to the Upper East Side for the rest of the election.

Michelle Obama Headed to NY

2007-03-08T10:06:00.000-08:00

Move over Beyonce the real chief chick is coming to town and New York Business.com says the city can't wait.

The presidential contender’s $100-a-head fundraiser, being held this Fridaynight in Manhattan, sold out so quickly that his campaign moved it to a larger venue, the Grand Hyatt New York’s Empire State Ballroom. Tickets sales were resumed, with a new deadline of Thursday. The campaign had stopped selling tickets last week, but requests continued to roll in.

Typically, a fundraiser for a prominent candidate who appears in person would carry a minimum ticket price of far more than $100. Former New York City Mayor Rudy Giuliani, for example, has an event at the Sheraton New York Hotel & Towers on Wednesday, March 14, with a buy-in of $2,300—the most an individual can legally contribute.

But candidates will occasionally schedule low-dollar events, intended to attract and cultivate a large number of younger donors. In December 2005, Sen. Hillary Clinton sold $50 tickets to a fundraiser at Crobar on West 28th Street that both she and her husband, former President Bill Clinton, attended. Predictably, the place was a madhouse.

Mr. Obama and his wife Michelle may find a similar scene at the Grand Hyatt in midtown Friday. The event was originally to be held at The Grand, 41 East 58th St. His campaign would not divulge how many tickets have been sold.

Hairy Situation for Edwards

2007-03-07T13:38:00.000-08:00

Elizabeth honey, If you want people to stop thinking of your husband as the "Breck Girl" you're gonna have to do something with your own hair. How could his not look like shiny product-ed perfection next to this?

Paging Michelle Obama

2007-03-07T12:06:00.000-08:00

Sheh-Shell.
Sigh.
Come get ya man.

The New York Daily News reports that this went down at one of those down low rich people only fund raisers Barack has been holding sans spouse:

"He spoke for about 20 minutes, never mentioning Hillary Clinton," one guest tells us. "He was very impressive. People formed a circle around him. He shook everybody's hand and asked what they did."

One lady needed no introduction. Feasting his eyes on Beyoncé, the candidate said: "I never do this, but can I ask for your autograph?" The admiration seemed mutual as they posed for a photo. "I want a copy of that picture!" said Obama.

Naturally, he was also cordial to her boyfriend, Jay-Z, who laid his money down despite having had dinner a few nights earlier with Bill Clinton."

Naturally...as any playuh-playuh would be. When Senator Bahm-Bahm was in the pulpit in Selma on Sunday he sent a shout out to his lovely wife who was holding down the home front and taking care of the kids. He should have done the same while all hugged-up with Bey...and it's those very same kids that should have been the (very loudly) expressed reason why he was asking for some sexy 20-something singer's autograph (whether the kids wanted it or not).

Presidents have groupies - they are not groupies themselves. Learn it.

Yeah, a lot of people will say it was cute that his tongue was hanging all out. But you know who won't? Black women. They are still trying to decide whether he gets a pass or not anyway- and he will definitely be denied if they even think he has eyes for anyone other than Michelle.

Mrs. O - whether your husband was trying to get his JFK/Marilyn on or just clowning around...make him stop it. It could do more harm than good.

Being Bill

2007-03-06T14:29:00.000-08:00

From Cape Cod Times
Out of all the potentates and potential presidents parading across the Pettus bridge in Selma on Sunday - no one was welcomed by the crowds like the person who could be America's Next First Lady...Bill Clinton. At the sight of even just the tippy top of his snowy white head folks went nuts. Maybe because he'd been to Selma before...maybe because he was the only real Southerner among the key-noters...maybe because instead of being embarrassed by the overwhelming and illogical adoration - he wallows in it like a pig in s!@#. Whatever the reason, he needs to bottle it and force feed it to his still-too-stiff wife if he plans on making it back to 1600.

Romneys Are Family Values-rific

2007-03-06T14:08:00.000-08:00

From desertnews.com/hearst newspapers
Suck it Giulianis.
Suck it hard.
That was the message First Lady wannabe Ann Romney and hubby Mitt delivered over the weekend at a Rebublican conserva-fest in Washington. The leaning more right every day Romney introduced the crowd to his "sweetheart" to whom he
has been married for a bazillion years...right after Rudy, who is
on wife numero tres, rambled on about how he wanted support.

Ann's also took a turn on the mike:

"We have an exciting month this month," she told the crowd. "Some of you might think, 'Well, of course, you're running for president. That's exciting.' There's another reason we're excited — Mitt and I will be celebrating our 38th wedding anniversary."
Ann Romney introduced the couple's 37-year-old son, Tagg, before confiding to the audience that Romney's public accomplishments pale in her mind against "the accomplishments that I hold most dear in my heart, because for me he has been an extraordinary husband and most importantly, he's been a terrific example to our five sons and now to our 10 grandchildren." (Unlike ho-monger Giuliani)
Genius.

Brits to Potential First Ladies: Bake Cookies

2007-03-06T09:55:00.001-08:00

From London's Guardian/Observer
The bake-off, which seems like a relic of unliberation, has in fact only been in place since 1992, when Hillary Clinton defended her career as a lawyer by saying: 'I suppose I could have stayed home and baked cookies.' Who would have thought that, so many years after second-wave feminism, that phrase could be contentious?

But Democrats have had trouble winning votes from married women, and it was seen by some as such a put-down that the person currently bidding to be the first female President of the United States instantly sought to correct the strategy error by coming up with a recipe. Since then, the bake-off has only highlighted the extent to which the position of First Lady is a symbolic one, and how little that symbol is expected to change.

However idolised Jackie Kennedy was, however exceptional she seemed, Andy Warhol's immortalisation of her proves that it was all about surface and surrender. It has been said that an essential rung on a prospective presidential candidate's career ladder is to pass through Stepford and pick up a wife. Or, as Gil Troy, historian of First Couples has put it: 'When in doubt, go retro.'

Giulianis - The Blended Family Blues

2007-03-05T17:18:00.000-08:00

From the New York Post

"The Republican presidential candidate came to Southern California to speak with sheriffs about gang violence, but found himself peppered with questions about his family after his son, Andrew, publicly stated that their relationship had soured after Giuliani's messy divorce from Andrew's mother, Donna Hanover, and his later marriage to Judith Nathan.

"My wife Judith is a very loving and caring ... mother and stepmother. She has done everything she can. The responsibility is mine," Giuliani told reporters gathered outside the Los Angeles County sheriff's headquarters.

"I believe that these problems with blended families, you know, are challenges - sometimes they are," he said. "The more privacy I can have for my family, the better we are going to be able to deal with all these difficulties."

The New York Times reported Saturday that Andrew Giuliani and his father have recently tried to reconcile after not speaking "for a decent amount of time." In the Times article, Andrew said, "There's obviously a little problem that exists between me and his wife."

Billy C. - Dollars on the Down Low

2007-03-01T16:02:00.000-08:00

Potential First Lady Bill Clinton has been keeping a relatively low profile...but don't think he's sleeping on the job. That constant ringing sound you hear? The Clinton cash-register is cha-chinging away.

In The Huffington Post, Blake Fleetwood parses the process:

We came across, and verified, an email Bill Clinton sent to his best supporters last week, urging them to raise a million dollars a week for Hillary's presidential campaign (already raised is $705,280).

With the help of a confidential source in the Clintons' inner circle, we were able to parse many of his sentences to reveal the strategy behind his words and produce a MRI, in effect, of the former president's thinking processes.
__________________________________________________________

Dear _____________,

Am I enthusiastic about my wife's campaign for president? You bet I am.

WHAT BILL CLINTON IS REALLY SAYING:

I've been sitting on my butt for seven years watching Bush bungle everything. And those pathetic wimps - Gore and Kerry - could not beat a dead-man-walking. Now Hillary, with me quietly in the shadows, finally has a chance to show those Republicans what hardball politics is all about.

I know her better than anybody on earth,

And unfortunately, she knows me better than anyone on earth too; and I owe her a big one...Monica (or two -- Gennifer...or three -- Paula) which is why I'm working so hard on her behalf.

and she's got the best combination of mind and heart of everybody I've ever known.

So what if she's way short on empathy and charisma, especially with crowds. Obama is all about charisma, and nothing else. I'll take care of the charisma thing.

(more)

Babs Snubs Bushes

2007-02-26T21:44:00.000-08:00

New Mexico's first lady and FLOTUS contender Barabara Richardson just said NO to an invite to the place she hopes to call home come 2009.

From freerepublic.com:

GUESS WHO'S COMING TO DINNER: Richardson and other governors attending the National Governors Association's winter meeting are invited to the White House on Sunday night for a "black-tie evening with President and Mrs. Bush." A Richardson spokesman said the governor will be in attendance, but first lady Barbara Richardson is not making the trip.— J.J.

Bad move Babs. I know, I know, watching the Oscars at home in your pajamas was waaaayyyy more interesting. But you should have shown up looking spectacular - gotten some good pub...then bowed out early with a headache or something.

Vilsacks Say F!@# It

2007-02-23T21:27:00.000-08:00

Alas, we must bid a fond farewell to Christie Vilsack. She and hubby, Iowa Governor Tom are saying the run for 1600 costs too much money so they're dropping out. Damn shame too. Christie was by far one of the most energetic and entertaining of the First Lady wanabees...the self described spider hit up everybody from atheists to people who can't even vote yet for support. But I'm sure she'll redirect all that crazed energy and zero-in like a laser to try to secure Tom a spot as V.P. on somebody's ticket. Obama-Vilsack anyone?

Scooch Over Ladies, Ann Romney's Joining the Fray

2007-02-13T21:35:00.000-08:00

The Boston Globe shows the Romney fam making their big announcement today. In the photo, Ann, wife of former Massachusetts Governor and newly announced Republican candidate for president Mitt, appears to be the family's center (like Michelle Obama). And she's already come out swinging to help her husband claim the party's family-values high ground. Take that Cindy and Judi.
From the National Journal's Hotline.

"The biggest difference between Mitt Romney and the other candidates," she said, is that Mitt has "only had one wife."

Ooo. Spunky. Like it. But as a Mormon with MS and five sons, I guess she'd have to be to even think about getting into this fight to the finish. Welcome!

Michelle Obama Nails It

2007-02-13T21:25:00.000-08:00

During a 60 minutes interview Mrs. Senator BO showed again why she is at the center of the Obamaverse. She was relaxed, funny, smart, and looked great (good hair day). The campaign should keep her in motion. She hasn't got the silent waving spouse thing down yet - she's best when she talking and letting people see who she really is.

Obamas' Coming Out - Good....

2007-02-10T19:11:00.000-08:00

But not great. Barack and Michelle took the show on the road Saturday. Announcing a for real for real run for the White House before the senator headed to Iowa. Obama gave good speech... it's about all of "us" - blahbity blabity. But these things, natch, are not solely about substance...they are orchestrated to capture the public's attention and imagination...and this one fell a little short. Like it or not Michelle you are part of a show, one that has to be exciting enough to make people want to get up off their asses and go vote. Your business: icon building and energizing "the base"...which means vivid royal blue, or orange, or red, or yellow coats. Not your somber black one (although I guess you get points for not breaking out the mink.)
Again, check out the masters below.
Newsday caught the Clintons in the classic pose - in colors that make people want to watch...and if they watch long enough, maybe they'll eventually listen - which is the point.
And look at the wave. (Michelle, you've got a lot of work to do on this one.)
Like European royals, Hill and Bill make the wrists do all the work...but they've added American bigness by throwing their arms high in the air.
Barack has worked out a version of the high-arm/wrist based wave but Michelle, you have some kinda whole body windshield-wiper wave going on that is tres unattractive.

Stop this immediately. Remember, you are a queen, a compassionate one yes, but still a queen who must float regally above all the dirty politics.

Michelle Obama Stars on BarackTV

2007-02-10T17:54:00.000-08:00

barackobama.com unveiled a new look to go along with the junior senator from Illinois' OFFICIAL announcement that he's making the run for 1600...and wifey Michelle is one of the stars on "BarackTV."
The hair is a little crazy, but I'd spin that as busy mother/career woman with too much going on to obsess about hair. The pale blue turtleneck is just lovely...as are the stories about Barack whose idea of a date was to take her to one of his community organizer events to preach about how the world should be. Ah, young, buppie, want-to-run-for-president-one-day, love.

Judi, Judi, Judi

2007-02-06T17:44:00.000-08:00

Sigh.
Rudy and Judith Giuliani serve up some soft porn on the cover of the New York friggin' Post. Who the hell thought this was good campaign strategy? I mean Judi, you've already got major home wrecker/ho problems in the Red States and now this.

Judi, 52, insisted that when her hubby takes the plunge, she won't mind playing second fiddle to his political ambitions - and she revealed the famously tough-as-nails former mayor's sensitive side.

"I've always liked strong, macho men, and Rudy - I'm not saying this because he's my husband - is one of the smartest people on the planet," gushed the former Judith Nathan to Harper's Bazaar in editions due out Feb. 20.

"What people don't know is that Rudy's a very, very romantic guy. We love watching 'Sleepless in Seattle.' Can you imagine my big testosterone-factor husband doing that?"

Is that what you guys were doing when he was bringing you to the home he still shared with his other-other wife? You just pissed away a whole truckload of Republican good will that they decided to let you walk away with recently in New Hampshire.
Fine, don't listen to me. Go ahead. Try to go campaign in Idaho, or how about Kansas? Brownback is gonna family-value your asses right back to the Upper East Side.

Seriously, Michelle...Give Your Peeps a Raise

2007-02-04T20:52:00.000-08:00

Now there's international fluff. Excelen-tay.
The London Telegraph calls Michelle, Obama's "secret weapon" and says his campaign is getting ready to "unveil" her. Of course the article doesn't bother to say when, where, how, or why...it's basically just a rehash of compliments heaped upon Mrs. Senator BO in other stories in U.S. publications. A p.r. flack's dream coverage. Enjoy. And well done you.

Christie Vilsack and the Athiest

2007-02-04T20:36:00.000-08:00

Sounds like it could be a sitcom...but this is deliciously true. (or at least as true as anything in a blog can be)
It's just too good. In fact, far too good for me to try to paraphrase. So click here for the exchange in its entirety.
That Christie Vilsack. She'll hit up anybody for a vote. And we dig that about her.

Bush Name In Papers for Something Other Than Iraq

2007-02-04T19:28:00.000-08:00

The New York Post has details on the First Lady's attendance at a show during NYC's fashion week. It was a charity event, natch. (Note to potential First Ladies: when you want to do something frivolous like look at pretty clothes make sure it's to raise "awareness" or funds for some charity or other.)
By the way Laura was decked out with the perfect accessories...secret service men. If Hillary's out of town, no chance anybody else is going to show up with those.

Italian First Lady Slams Skank Husband

2007-02-02T08:13:00.000-08:00

O.K. I guess technically she's Italy's former first lady but that doesn't make this mess any less delicioso.
The papers in Rome are still FILLED with the news of an unprecedented move by Veronica Lario, wife of former prime minister Silvio Berlusconi. In a letter published on the front page of La Republicca newspaper - she demanded a PUBLIC apology from her husband for shamelessly and slimily flirting with women (and God only knows what else).

The U.S. media couldn't resist either.

From the NYT:

"It turns out that the 70-year-old former prime minister, whose own heart now beats with a pacemaker, attended an awards ceremony last week and was overly friendly with two young and beautiful guests.

“If I weren’t already married, I would marry you right now,” he told one, according to Italian news media accounts. To another, he said, “With you I would go anywhere.”

“These are statements I consider damaging to my dignity,” wrote Veronica Lario, 50, who has been with Mr. Berlusconi for 27 years. His remarks could not be “reduced to jokes,” she said.

“To my husband and to the public man, I therefore ask for a public apology, not having received one privately.”

In divining what this could mean, Italians barely knew where to start."

Whoo, and honey neither do I. More:

"Feminists called it an overdue rallying cry for Italian women like Ms. Lario, who has endured years of supposed infidelity (and no end of sexual remarks, like when Mr. Berlusconi opened a political conference by praising the legs of the women in the front row). Political analysts said Mr. Berlusconi, who wants a third turn as prime minister, could never again win the votes of women — and so was finished. "

But that didn't keep the bastard from trying to do some major spin control so that he can indeed try for another term as PM. Berlusconi wrote his own open letter to apologize to wifey...saying:

“Your dignity should not be an issue: I will guard it like a precious material in my heart even when thoughtless jokes come out of my mouth,” he wrote. “But marriage proposals, no, believe me, I have never made one to anyone.

Forgive me, however, I beg of you, and take this public testimony of private pride that submits to your anger as an act of love. One among many. A huge kiss. Silvio.”

Too little, too late. But for Mrs. B., mission accomplished. She finally stood up, spoke out, and reclaimed her pride for her sake and the sake of her daughters...and she put a major wrench in hubby's political plans to boot. Yipppeeeeeeee.

Note to those trying to be America's Next First Lady... don't try this at home. These are professionals operating on a closed course. Get to the East Wing first. Then if you think a public rebuke is necessary....BOMBS AWAY.

Biden's In - Meet Wife Jill

2007-01-31T21:37:00.000-08:00

Jill Biden is the latest to join the race for America's Next First Lady (after hubby Senator Joe announced he's making a run for 1600 - and managed to ignite a nasty Obama-versy at the same time). No photos on the senator's official website of madame Biden that I can point you too - so this will have to do. It is Jill's "four buttoned pink suit" that was up for auction on ebay.
Mrs. B. was probably trying to get rid of this frumpiness to make room for more tight leather pants and low cut blouses with which to seduce and frighten visiting Iranians.

Pro: She's an unknown outside the beltway - no baggage.
Con: That whole Iranian thing is the first thing that pops up upon "the google" when you search "jill biden".
Tip: Do more to publicize your Biden Breast Health Initiative.

What about Bill?

2007-01-31T19:06:00.000-08:00

The media scrambles to find a moniker for potential eastwinger Bill Clinton.
CNN's says he could be called the "First Gentleman". And while Senator Hills was in Iowa this past weekend someone suggested this.

"First Lady's Man".

(from the Washington Post)

And that wasn't the only allusion to Big Willie's philandering past. Everyone went nuts analyzing Hillary's response to a question about whether she is equipped to deal with "evil and bad men". The senator handled it well.

From the National Ledger...
"The question is, we face a lot of dangers in the world and, in the gentleman's words, we face a lot of evil men and what in my background equips me to deal with evil and bad men," Clinton said. She paused to gaze while the audience interrupted with about 30 seconds of laughter and applause.

It was a great moment. Is it evil and bad to lie to your wife and the country about diddling the help? Hilary tried to explain for the rest of the day that she didn't mean her hubby was the one to which she was referring.

Meeting later with reporters, she was pressed repeatedly to explain what she meant. She insisted it was a simple joke. "I thought I was funny," Clinton said. "You guys keep telling me to lighten up, be funny. I get a little funny and now I'm being psychoanalyzed."

How about President Emeritus?

More on Rudy and Judi

2007-01-28T20:07:00.000-08:00

New York's Newsday on the Giuliani's visit to New Hampshire

"he also appeared intent on quieting questions about his marital history by giving wife Judith Nathan an unusually high-profile role here. She barely left his side in public, and he called her a "partner" whom he leaned on for everything from getting through 9/11 and prostate cancer to understanding the science behind possible anthrax attacks."

The Guilianis Take the Show on the Road

2007-01-27T18:45:00.000-08:00

(from AP via cbsnews.com)
Rudy and Judi spend a snowy Saturday in New Hampshire getting some love from the Republican faithful. The Political Insider takes a little poke at the former Mayor - who has been raking in millions as a headliner- for-hire. Today's speech was gratis but don't get used to it. It costs a lot of money to keep Mrs. G 3.0 looking like this.

Toodles Teresa

2007-01-24T22:22:00.000-08:00

Alas, we must bid adieu to Teh-rehhhhzzzza Heinz Kerry. Hubby, Senator John says he's out, so she is no longer a candidate for queen of the East Wing. Too bad. I was really looking forward to her crazy-old-rich-lady- forced-to-ride-on-a-campaign-bus-ramblings. Those are always fun times. Oh well. If we're lucky, Elizabeth Edwards will take on that role. She's been laying low after lobbing some bombs at both Hillary Clinton and Laura Bush.
We can only hope for more.

Lizzy Edwards suddenly remembers the power of the Clinton machine and supplicates herself after questioning Hillary's 'happiness" (AP/ABC7)
Elizabeth Edwards v. Laura Bush (America's Next First Lady)

Forget the Speech: Look at Laura

2007-01-23T21:14:00.000-08:00

Lame duck George W. went on for a good fifty minutes about the same stuff he usually goes on about during his sixth State of the Union snore-fest. (Although I particularly enjoyed the reference to them Hy-brid Vee-hickuls) What's the only thing that kept the TV audience from dozing off? The all too few shots of Laura who dazzled in a Red-State-Red suit with just enough sparkle around the buttons to give it a little kick.
Take that Edwards.

Too bad the Democratic triumvirate below wasn't close enough to get a good look, because they desperately needed something to shake them out of their slumber.

(Pic snatched from barackoblogga.com)

Eventually, they did wake up, and the camera caught Obama clapping for a man who many in his base consider evil incarnate.

Note to Michelle: Tell Senator BO that yes, he has to look bi-partisan blah blah blah...but when he applauds- he should take a tip from Sen. Clinton and keep his hands low so it's hard to tell. Now Hill can say to those who talk about the need for reaching across the aisle 'see, I clapped for parts of the Bush speech'...and she can tell George-haters 'see, I didn't.' Genius.

Michelle Obama's Team Deserves a Raise

2007-01-23T19:37:00.000-08:00

You can't buy press like this. Well you can - but that doesn't make it any less fantabulous.

The Chicago Sun-Times (left) calls Michelle Obama's anchor .
"Obama, 45, would never make a run for president without his 43-year-old wife's approval and careful counsel, those close to her say. Rest assured, Michelle, a devoted mother, has weighed the impact on daughters Malia, 8, and Natasha, 5."

The New York Post dubs her "Barack's Better Half"
"Michelle Obama - a striking 5-foot-11, with high cheekbones and a dazzling smile - is a classic beauty in the mold of Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis."

The Boston Herald says she "makes Obama look good."
"Michelle Obama, on the other hand, (all over Ebony magazine this month) makes Obama look good. She’s been compared to Jackie Kennedy for good looks and class and to Hillary for smarts. Like Deval, she’s out of Chicago’s tough South Side, off to Princeton, then Harvard Law."

All that plus a profile in the next issue of Newsweek?
These are not blog props - this big ol' main stream media in first tier city fawning. A five percentage point boost right there.

Coincidence? Martha Wash Thinks Not!

2007-01-23T17:19:00.000-08:00

The New Zealand Herald jacks the swagger of America's Next First Lady with its article
"Never mind the candidates, they're off in the race for first spouse."

No really. See?

But ok. Let's see what mister Paul Harris has to say on...

"Michelle Robinson Obama, the wife of Barack Obama. Just as her handsome and youthful husband has created excitement among the political establishment, so his glamorous wife has caused a stir among fashionistas and glossy magazines."

and on Teresa Heinz Kerry...

"A less happy reminder of the Democrats' 2004 campaign is the spouse of candidate John Kerry, who is still considering a run in 2008. His billionaire wife, Teresa Heinz Kerry, was a controversial figure in 2004 because of her outspokeness and public gaffes."

oh and on Elizabeth Kucinich and "Ann" Vilsack...

"One is an English-born statuesque redhead, Elizabeth Harper, wife of Dennis Kucinich, another a highly successful banker and Blockbuster board member, Jackie Clegg, wife of Chris Dodd, while yet another is a former newspaper columnist, Tom Vilsack's wife Ann. All in all, the field of candidates is one of the most unusual in history."

Yawn. Men.
Oh and by the way Peter...Mrs. Vilsack's first name is CHRISTIE.

Fox News Slams Elizabeth Edwards for Slamming Laura Bush

2007-01-22T20:44:00.000-08:00

From Foxnews.com

"...Meanwhile, former North Carolina Sen. John Edwards campaigned in Iowa on Saturday, repeating his call for members of Congress who oppose escalation of the war in Iraq to cut off funds to support it. Wife Elizabeth Edwards also had harsh words for first lady Laura Bush, saying, "I am sure Laura Bush is a really nice woman, but she has not used that megaphone that somebody put right next to her for any of the things she cares about," and calling Bush's inaction "a tremendous disappointment to me."

Click here to watch Fox slam-fest

Candidates In, Potenetial First Ladies Left Out

2007-01-22T12:53:00.000-08:00

Clinton. Brownback. Richardson.
All three made web-announcements this past weekend about running for president and NONE of them mentioned their First Ladies-in-waiting.

Senator Hill's speech-ette had the best opening line. "I'm in. And I'm in to win."
(vid from hillaryclinton.com)
It also had the best slow pans from side to side to make it more interesting visually. But what it didn't have was any mention what so ever of Bill...although the photo behind her (on the table, screen right) was a subtle reminder that Big Willie is always in the background. So even if it turns out she doesn't actually really know how to win the presidency after all - he does dammit.
(Nice red state jacket too, by the way.)

There wasn't even a picture of Mary Brownback in the web video announcement of Kansas republican, Senator Sam Brownback.
He mentioned America's "culture" five times and praised God three times - but he couldn't squeeze in a "Mary" or two?
Unlike the other candidates, he did add a little folksy guitar under a photo shopped pic of him in front of the White House. Should go over well in the reds.

(vid above from brownback.com)
(vid below from richardsonforpresident.com)
And New Mexico's democratic governor Bill Richardson made his exploratory committee announcement in English and Spanish without a word in either language about wife Barbara. Nada. He was more than willing to pimp her to win re-election as governor last fall - but I guess now he's gotta prove he can carry the weight by himself.
They all want to project that image. (Obama too.) That is of course until word leaks out about their affairs with the 20 year-olds. Or until they're actually in office and their approval ratings drop to the lowest levels in the history of approval ratings. The stingy bastards want to hog all the glory, until the public can't stand their asses...then it's the First Lady who has to hit the second-term campaign trail to Kalamazoo for f!@#'s sake to convince people to vote for bonehead. Just ask Laura Bush. Oh well. The price of being FLOTUS.

A Pelosi Primer on Washington Fashion

2007-01-18T21:03:00.000-08:00

The New York Times devotes a whopping 1,400 words to the style and substance (but mostly style) of women in Washington.
Welcome.
As I noted back in November, First Lady of the House - Nancy Pelosi - is Grand Marshall of the D.C. fashion parade.
Now, the NYT:

"On Jan. 9, a Tuesday, she wore an impeccable black and white tweed skirt suit, with strong shoulders and the jacket nipped at the waist; on Wednesday, she draped a red shawl insouciantly around a red suit outside the White House; and on Thursday, she appeared in a mod, deep-blue velvet, slimming pantsuit."

Insouciantly?
Jesus. The New York Times. Trying to get all high-brow while essentially blogging about clothes.
Fun isn't it?
Yes, Pelosi happened to push through House legislation that upped the minimum wage, and took on the rising cost of Medicare drug prices...but more importantly, she did it while looking like a million bucks...literally. Armani ain't cheap.
I mean Armani isn't cheap.
But it is well worth it for a label that imbues its power-silhouettes with a soupson of insouciant femme-fatality. Bitches.

Remembering a First Lady of Civil Rights

2007-01-15T19:57:00.000-08:00

Can't let the holiday pass without remembering one of the all time great First Ladies. Mrs. Coretta Scott King.

Billary

2007-01-15T18:04:00.000-08:00

Pic e-ganked from Freakingnews.com

While all the other First Lady wannabes bring their own assets to the race, NOT ONE of them brings what Big Willie brings. And the Clintons are counting on the political machine they spent decades building to work just as hard and successfully for Hill as it did for Bill.
Christie Vilsack, you think you were good in New Hampshire last year?
Well, more than a decade earlier Hillary was there learning the lay of the land and making some very industrious friends.

From (Forbes):
'Nancy Richards-Stower, a New Hampshire attorney, said she'll work just as hard for Sen. Clinton as she did for Clinton's husband.
Richards-Stower recalled her first meeting with Mrs. Clinton at a restaurant where her husband was making his first campaign appearance in New Hampshire. As they climbed a staircase, Mrs. Clinton mentioned how eager she was to campaign for her husband.
"Mrs. Clinton, forgive me, but you've not done a New Hampshire campaign before," Richards-Stower told her. "The people you need to get aboard the campaign are going to want to spend time with your husband, not you."
Clinton responded by pinching a sizable section of her own hand.
"Nancy, my skin is this thick," she said. "If you think that I shouldn't do an event, I'd like you to tell me."
"Of course, the very first event she did was a sellout crowd," Richards-Stower said, laughing at how much she underestimated the wife who would like to become the nation's first female president.'

Bill Dodges Cookie Bomb, Hil Dodges Real Bombs

2007-01-14T20:32:00.000-08:00

A box addressed to potential First Lady Bill Clinton caused quite a bit of commotion in White Plains recently. The Secret Service and a bomb squad were called in to investigate the "suspicious package".
Turns out it was a box of cookies.
Meanwhile Senator Hillary made a very presidential trip to Iraq, Afghanistan and Pakistan with
a couple other members of the Senate Armed Forces Committee.
Is this officer talking to his next Commander-in-Chief?

Michelle Obama in Inner Political Circle, But Not

2007-01-13T21:09:00.000-08:00

The Chicago Tribune has a Sunday extravaganza on Senator BO's inner circle.
On wife Michelle's placement:

"Although she is a Harvard-educated lawyer who once worked for Mayor Daley, Michelle Obama doesn't play a day-to-day role in her husband's work, associates say. Instead, says Jarrett, she is the "true north" on his compass.
She says exactly what she thinks, friends say, and when others might tell Obama how to get elected, she reliably advises him not to calculate that way.
"She always asks Barack, `What do you think is the right thing to do?' "said Jarrett.
`Forget about what polls say. Do your homework. After you've done all the due diligence, what's the right thing to do?'

Translation - "don't bother me with the details. You've decided you want to try to be the most powerful man in the world...fine. I'll support you. I'll also speak the unvarnished truth to you because I know you. Know you like none of these hero-worshipers do. I know where all the bodies are buried - and I'll protect you. But I've go two kids to raise. Alone. On the talk shows and on the dais in New Hampshire you give lip service to being here for dinner and putting me and the girls first. But you and I both know - that's not true. Mounting a world-class power chase doesn't allow it. And that's fine. I'm on board because ultimately it could benefit us all. But spare me obsessive strategizing you and your cronies are so fond of. I'm busy."

Michelle Still Suffering for Barack's Rezko Stupidity

2007-01-11T20:56:00.000-08:00

From: Stella's Column (Chicago Sun-Times)

"THAT'S CLASS! U.S. Sen. Barack Obama and his wife, Michelle, were spotted seated in coach for the eight-hour trip back from their Hawaii vacation. This is one smart couple! ... They are on the cover of the February issue of Ebony, hitting newsstands Monday. Michelle's birthday is Wednesday."

We get it. Senator BO is the common man. He loves the little people. Yes, he's got a 1.7 million dollar mansion and two New York Times bestsellers but dammit he will not buy first class plane tickets with what everyone will assume are his ill-gotten Rezko gains.
Understandable. But Jesus. Honolulu International to O'Hare in coach - when you don't absolutely have to? Just take a deep breath Michelle. Air Force One has a looootttttttaaaaa leg room and M&M's with the presidential seal and your name on the box.

Cindy McCain Wins One, Loses One

2007-01-11T20:02:00.000-08:00

Cindy looked great at this week's BCS Championship in Glendale, Arizona - where she succeeded in keeping her eyes away from the players butts...but failed to get Senator John to not embarrass her by going to a football game in a suit.

Babs and Bill Richardson Make Moves on the Down Low

2007-01-11T19:29:00.000-08:00

Well well well. Looks who's quietly building his foreign affairs cred in Sudan while everybody back in the U.S. is fixated on Clinton and Obama. It's New Mexico Governor Bill Richardson. Just days after taking the oath for another term in office (a very low key affair so it doesn't look too much like he's bailing should he decide to run for 1600) his office says Big Bill even secured a 60-day cease-fire in Darfur.

Meanwhile wifey keeps tooling around in her hybrid Ford Escape to show the greenies the Richardsons are down with their cause. Take that Al Gore. Of course all of these good and presidential deeds are getting buried under mounds of ObamaMcCainClintonGiuliani press.
Announce already you two. Go on. Get you some.

Ebony: Obamas Next First Couple?

2007-01-10T21:09:00.000-08:00

Now this is more like it. The beach pic could be spun but in essence was a tad horrifying - so it's good that very soon afterwards the Obamas get an image out there like this. The junior senator from Illinois all suited and tied up and Michelle in Nancy Reagan red.
You can count on Ebony for some glossy pics accompanied by a nice short, non-taxing, no hard questions asked interview. Bonus.

Tip: Next time Michelle, don't let them photograph you gripping Barack from the back a la Pauletta and Denzel - in that let me hang on to my man for dear life pose that the mag is so fond of. (And yes I am that kind of familiar with Ebony Magazine covers. I make special trips a few times a year over to my granmama 'nem's house to read both Ebony and Jet. That way you can go through a stack of them in about 15 minutes. Fun times.)

Obama Uncovered

2007-01-09T21:40:00.000-08:00

Okay. So it's clear from this People Magazine pic that Senator BO doesn't join Michelle in those daily 4:30 am workouts. But good call Michelle in not demanding that he shape up. Yes it's a drag when you get all fine and ish - and he's about two
poo poo platters away from needing a Bro, not to mention those cheechos happening around the middle. And somehow it's even worse to roll over and feel that on a thinnish man (been there). However, the flab says "I'm just too busy, too dedicated, working too hard for the people of the great state of Illinois (and would do the same for all Americans as president) to find the time to stay in shape."
Overall assessment: The squishiness, while a little gross, works. Good move in getting that out there.

Christie Vilsack Spins Her Web

2007-01-09T20:27:00.000-08:00

Watch and learn from a master ladies. Self-described spider Christie Vilsack has already snagged Ken Fuson at the Des Moines Register. This article is 2,500 words of goodness and light. Christie loves the kids, Christie is a champion for literacy, Christie is Iowa's best First Lady in 50 years. But the most telling thing about her skills is this little vignette about her recent pilgrimage to political holy ground:

"I think she is just a splendid person," says New Hampshire state Rep. Jim Ryan. He said Vilsack sent books to his three daughters after she met them, and he expects New Hampshire voters to like her as much as his children now do."

Uh-huh. Jim Ryan is on the come-up in New Hampshire...he's the newly minted chairman of the state house's transportation committee even though he's served just one term. And now the children of a man with growing influence in primary central just love the Vilsacks who just happen to making their long shot run for president.
Genius.

In Other Other First Lady News.

2006-12-30T09:01:00.000-08:00

The first wife and first cousin of Saddam Hussein is now a widow. The former Iraqi leader was hanged Friday night.

The Washington Post on Sajida Khayrallah:

"She's a clotheshorse. She's a bottle blonde. She's the headmistress of a girls school. She's a jealous wife, and with good reason. She's the mother of a killer. She's her husband's first cousin.
She's Mrs. Saddam Hussein."

Dictator Who Ruled Iraq With Violence is Hanged for Crimes Against Humaity (New York Times)
Brainroom: Saddam Hussein's Atrocities (FOX)
Witnesses: Hussein argued with guards moments before death (CNN International)

In Other First Lady News...

2006-12-29T18:07:00.000-08:00

Juanita Jordan, wife of president-of-the-NBA-for-life Michael Jordan, has filed for divorce after 17 years of marriage. Nita put up with a lot of crap - and lately it's been all over Page Six. Sad. But not that sad. Make some New Year's resolutions and go do your thing Juanita. Oh, and during settlement negotiations - get your Bernie Mac on and make sure they go a little something like this.

The Giulianis Caribbean Escape

2006-12-28T19:31:00.000-08:00

Chillin' in the Bahamas with the Prime Minister - while the "exploratory committee" figures out a way to spin press like this.

Where the F!@# is Elizabeth Edwards

2006-12-28T14:46:00.000-08:00

Move over Tom Vilsack and Dennis Kucinich - a Democrat who actually has a chance to win has officially announced he's making the run for 1600.

That's right former Sen. John Edwards (D) N.C. ... in all his Tom Crusian glory...is in.

He made the announcement in New Orleans which is still screwed, chopped, scattered, smothered and covered.

...John with the kids in the lower 9th ward.

...John helping one of the homeowners who was bitch-slapped by Katrina.

...John in all his profiletudinous splendor, a money shot of the Bob Kennedy cow-lick bangs.

But the question remains. Where the hell was his wife? He needs her. Watch how she kept him from saying something that could have been blown way out of proportion earlier this month.

A Very Clinton Christmas

2006-12-28T13:59:00.000-08:00

Pic probably taken in the last few years in the Dominican Republic where the fam frequently holidays gratis at the
De la Rentas' - while the secret service and press are forced to camp out in some crap hotel on the other side of Punta Cana.
This is the suckiest of all the pseudo-personal holiday cards. Hil/Bill has got to do better this close to an announcement.
Image is everything. Just ask the Obamas and the Edwards-ez...who by the way are kicking Hil/Bill's ass in a new Iowa poll.
A picture is worth a thousand votes.

Giulianis: We're Married Now. Vote for Us.

2006-12-21T17:33:00.000-08:00

Pics on the brand spakin' new web site joinrudy2008.com
show a smiley Judi and a happy Rudy.
Still not enough to make conservatives in the red states forget about stories like this...or this... or this.
But keep trying kids. I like your spunk.

Edwards Family XXX-mas

2006-12-20T20:49:00.001-08:00

Festive. 'Cept eldest daughter Cate is close to pulling a Britney and showing every single bit of her business. Oh well, shows they're not uptight, overly controlling, pain in the ass parents who call you a "tramp" when all you want to do is wear a ripped-up sweat shirt so you can look like Jennifer Beals in Flashdan...
Oh, ummmmm -
Sorry.

The whole family is lovely but what hell is Elizabeth looking at? Voters want eye contact Lizzy.

An Obama Family Holiday

2006-12-20T18:29:00.000-08:00

Excellen-tay!
Everything about this picture is right. A study in how to properly mold poli-iconograpy.
It is chiaroscuric perfection.
His ying. Her yang.
His exuberance. Her everybody calm the f!@# down-ness.
Voters love balance.
Her simple no-nonsense tee is balanced by the feminine florality of the skirt. Man-ish on top but all woman on the bottom.
It's unstuffy and modern but also has all the sepia-toned implications of a happier, nuclear family-er era.
Did I mention voters love balance?
To top it off, not only is Michelle's dark shirt slimming (those 4:30 a.m. workouts have really paid off) but as the starkest, darkest part of the pic it is also the focal point. It puts her visually/symbolically at the center of the Obama-verse.
Naturally she has the most contained smile. She's pleased...but not blissed-out. The others can have all the closed-eye'd fun. Hers are wide open - because she has to run this show.
Michelle may take second billing on the card's signature - but this photo and this campagin-in-the-making are all about the woman who could be America's Next First Lady.

Barack O. Bomber?

2006-12-20T14:39:00.000-08:00

Grumpy old pundits argue over Baramma Obammer. Fun times.

Bill Sticks to Script...Stays Out of Spotlight

2006-12-19T21:05:00.000-08:00

Shock Poll: Hillary Clinton tied with Rudy Giuliani, Beats McCain (National Ledger)
Is Hillary Close to Announcing '08 Run? (FOX)
Hillary Clinton: Time for a Woman President (NPR)

More Money for the McCains

2006-12-19T20:45:00.000-08:00

Cindy sells the manch for $3.2 mil.
AZCentral.com sez:
"U.S. Sen. John McCain, the Arizona Republican, and his wife, Cindy, are leaving the big place in north central Phoenix behind to move to a condo near 24th Street and Camelback Road. Cindy McCain owned the house through a trust.
Looks like sooommmeee-ooonneee is planning on moving into the East Wing.

Bayh Susan, Hello Elizabeth Kucinich

2006-12-18T21:25:00.000-08:00

Ok - Last week we had to say buh-Bayh to Susan - so one potential First Lady is out... but a new one is in!

Meet Elizabeth Kucinich bride of Rep. Dennis Kucinich (D) Ohio

In the midst of the cacophony that was the re-hashing of the Obama visit to New Hampshire - a little announcement got lost.
Congressman Dennis Kucinich is running for president...again.
No hemming and hawing. No exploratory committee. He's in godammit. And that means his wife Elizabeth is too - and from what I've seen so far she's ADORABLE. Good asset Denny. Just click the arrow below to look at the way she strode in with him for his announcement, not at all self-conscious about towering over her elfin hubby (been there).

The Jackie-in-Dallas pink jacket was a plus and she seemed very not freaked out in the spotlight.
Plus, she's got a little substance to go with her style. Watch the England-native talk about her travels around the world to work with the poor. Okay it's a tad Soon Yi that she's 28 years-old ...THREE DECADES younger than Kucinich. That even beats the age-canyon between the Mccains...but young lungs means Lil' bet won't run out of breath in her very uphill race to be America's Next First Lady.

Pro: Bight-eyed and bushy-tailed, with slight air of detachment. Fabulous.
Con: Got a whole lot of Rapunzelocity going on, too much for Washington.
Tip: Get thee to the Okyo Salon in Foggy Bottom stat for a trim, doesn't have to be a cut cut, but jesus.

The Sister Factor: Obama's Black Chick Bounce

2006-12-17T19:55:00.000-08:00

More reasons for Bill and Hill to worry about team Obama.
From the Dec. 25th 2006 issue of Newsweek:

" Another African-American woman in Congress, who asked not to be identified for fear of offending the Clintons, says, "If her (Hillary Clinton's) base is black women, it vanishes down to zero" if Obama gets in. The fact that Obama is married to an African-American woman (Michelle Obama, a vice president of the University of Chicago Hospitals) is critically important to this constituency."

And what else do we know about this constituency? High-profile Democratic strategist and usually dead-on all around political guru Donna Brazile (more on this First Lady of her field later...) said in Essence magazine that black women are:

"the most loyal and consistent voters in American politics. Without us, there would be no Senator... Hillary Clinton of New York."

And now it can be extrapolated that without them perhaps there will be no President Hillary Clinton of the United States.
The Bill/Hill picture gets even bleaker when you throw in an Obama endorsement from Queen Oprah. Once the big "O" speaks, Hillary can kiss at least 14 million crucial votes good-bye. That sum is the number of African American women who will "vote Michelle", plus their menfolk's ballots - which you can bet will also be marked for Obama...or else.

And who says the race isn't about America's Next First Lady?

The Bill Dilemma; Hurting or Helping Hillary

2006-12-17T18:43:00.000-08:00

I wring my hands over this one everyday. Such an absorbing , sad, juicy, potentially dangerous conundrum.
As I said right after mid-terms...Bill Clinton is Hillary's biggest asset and he is Hillary's biggest vulnerability.

Now from the Washington Post:
"From now until Election Day 2008, the national fascination with the Clintons and their marriage will be central to the race. The media-industrial complex will again feed like hungry hounds on the Clintons, their past and future; on the Clintons and their mysteries; on power and politics as the Clinton lifeblood propelling her run against all odds."

So just how should Hillary play her big ol' fat Bill card. His charm alone would get and has gotten her millions of votes. And he's the all time black-belt master of kung fu masters when it comes to fund raising. Flip side - the hoe-dum problem and a bigger problem still... if you give him an inch and he'll take a mile - and end up stealing all her thunder. Dude can't help it.

Again from the Post.
"There's something unbridled about Bill's neediness, this love of the crowd -- like the story about his trip to the World Cup in Berlin this year. En route to the stadium on a bus carrying several aides and donors, Bill told the bus driver to head instead to the Brandenburg Gate, the New Yorker reported. There, hundreds of thousands of soccer fans had gathered to watch a match on giant television screens. Uninvited, the former president mounted the stage where a rock band had been performing, and just stood there waving and thanking the crowd, which responded with roaring cheers."

So here's what you do Bill, make your grand statements - you're liable to do something supremely stupid if you're kept too caged up - just make sure you keep making said statements ONLY on foreign soil. The U.S. is henceforth and forever more Hill Country, and just like when she won reelection to the Senate , you are to stand your ass back behind the curtains and nod a little and barely smile. As with all the best First Ladies your complete control of your spouse, and therefore the presidency, should be completely hidden.

Obama Ear Flap, Make him shut up Michelle

2006-12-16T22:17:00.000-08:00

It all started back in October when the New York Times' Maureen Dowd wrote:

"He’s intriguingly imperfect: His ears stick out, he smokes, and he’s written about wrestling with pot, booze and ‘’maybe a little blow'’ as a young man."

And there it would have stayed, buried beneath the sex-scandals, racist rants, and all the other pre-midterm election insanity - that is if Senator BO himself hadn't resuscitated it.

Fast forward to December '06. He sees Dowd in New Hampshire and says:
"I just want to put you on notice.... I was teased relentlessly when I was a kid about my big ears."
It was all caught on audio tape natch, and now there's a percolating debate over whether the junior senator from Illinois was serious or not...over whether he's getting a free ride from some media or not, on and on. It's fodder for Rush Limbaugh and even an "Open Question" on Yahoo for chrissakes. He uttered two sentences that have generated a million column inches of unecessariness.

It's not his big ears - but his big mouth that he should worry about. And now, Mrs. Obama, it's your job to make him put a sock in it.
At this level of unimaginable scrutiny there can be no unscripted jokes in public places, no private throwaway comments meant to flatter-slash-intimidate influential columnists. That job should be left to staff. The next time he sees some random b!@#$ that took a swipe at his ears, tell him to smile, wave, and keep steppin'. Unless, of course, said b!@#$ is moi.

MSNBC'S Carlson joins Limbaugh in taking Obama "big ears" comment seriously (MediaMatters)

GOP media lemming alert: Is big-eared Barack Hussein Obama this year's John Francois Kerry? (MediaMatters)

Barack Obama - He's All Ears; Maureen Dowd Questions Whether He's All Man (Bizzyblog)

Buh-Bayh

2006-12-16T10:16:00.000-08:00

Susan! This is a shocker! You're out already? It's just getting good.
Well, it seems that after all of your hubby's David and Goliath talk - you guys have decided that your slingshots are just no match for the giant political WMDs wielded by Obama, McCain, Clinton, Giuliani, et al. Kudos though for making the announcement on a Saturday smack dab in the middle of the Christmas holiday season. Keeps everything nice and under the radar- just where bail out announcements should be. Espeically since there are so many cyber-rumors swirling about why you guys really got out.
Oh well.
One question for you before you go though... Er um ,what happens to the $10 million you guys stashed for a run? Is that why you're still so perky? Just asking.

Bay Says He Will Not Run for President in 2008 (New York Times)
Obama effect: Goodbye Bayh (Chicago Tribune)
Bayh Out? (Daily Kos)

Elizabeth Edwards Gets the Memo...

2006-12-14T18:37:00.000-08:00

and hauls ass to New Hampshire - hot on the heels of Christie Vilsack.
Libby? Michelle? Cindy? Judi?

Elizabeth Edwards in N.H. (WCAX-TV)

Note to Mrs. Obama: Skip the Hawaiian Vacay

2006-12-14T18:14:00.000-08:00

Dear Michelle,

I understand you and the fam are going to Hawaii for the X-mas holidays. Soak up some sun. Make some decisions about the run for 1600. Hey, I understand. But you might want to consider cutting it short.
Show up in somebody's soup kitchen somewhere on Christmas Day. The sniffers have already been sniffing around your books and now they're trying to get some traction on that er um pre-holiday layoffs decision made by you and the rest of the Bay Valley Foods board. Firing Hispanic union workers who will now NOT have a Feliz Navidad - and then heading to the beach? Not a good look.

Have fun,

M.

Vilsack Prepping for Daily Show

2006-12-14T17:05:00.003-08:00

Uh -huh. Are you listening to me now Christie? Just as I predicted last week, the Daily Show is trying to make up for making a lame joke about your last name - by inviting Tommy on for a chat with Jon. Excelen-tay. Now all Mr. Christie has to do is nail it.
Use Obama appearance as road map.
See instructions below. Ciao.

Vilsack to appear on cable t.v.'s "The Daily Show" (Radio Iowa)
Vilsack to be on "The Daily Show" (Quad City Times)

Barack Obama on Daily Show

2006-12-14T17:05:00.001-08:00

See Christie. Tell Tom to watch, listen, and learn from Obama's little tête à tête w/Jon. Start off semi-serious, parry the thrusts, be deadly serious somewhere in the middle then end with a zinger. Tip: Avoid uncomfortable silences caused by glib/too short answers like the one about 1:47 in. Thanks. M.

Elizabeth Edwards' Blog Flap

2006-12-13T15:10:00.000-08:00

Archpundit has quite the little bru-ha-ha going on over Elizabeth Edwards and her role in her husband's yet to be announced presidential campaign. In an assessment of the chances of various potential candidates the original post said of John Edwards:

"The final problem is one not talked about very often. Elizabeth Edwards is a person you love and pledge your undying loyalty to, or she’s a pain in the ass who is petty, vindictive, and overly demanding. She’s driven away many a consultant from one who was quoted explaining why Senators weren’t supporting Edwards–there was no criticism–just a description of what Senators thought, to Steve Jarding and Mudcat Saunders to David Axelrod... Campaigns cannot be run when the entire staff has to answer to someone outside the traditional hierarchy. It creates fear and people tend to avoid taking risks."

Long story short... Lizzy (or at least one of her friends pretending to be Lizzy) nipped some blosgosphere bullsh@! in the bud. And with a well-worded reply had Archpundit apologizing.

Let this be a lesson ladies. Cyber-space counter attacks work. And you don't have to be in hair and make-up to launch them.

Don't Sleep on Christie Vilsack

2006-12-13T14:58:00.000-08:00

Um, while ya'll were out getting ya'll's nails done Iowa's Christie V. was out stumping AGAIN for Tom. Just thought ya'll should know.

Vilsack to stump in Siouxland for husband (Sioux City Journal)

The Mountain Comes to Mohammed

2006-12-12T21:33:00.000-08:00

Yes Ladies, while your spouses are high-tailing it to Iowa and New Hampshire and Florida and who knows where else this week, guess where possible/probable candidate Hillary is. At home.
The junior senator from New York doesn't go to the primary state potentates, the primary state potentates come to her...and ya know why? Two words.
Big Willie.
Don't hate. Imitate.

Iowa Democrats Join Hillary Clinton for Dinner in D.C. (KCCI Des Moines)
Take a guess at who Hillary dined Sunday (Concord Monitor, Concord New Hampshire)

Michelle Obama's Money

2006-12-12T20:35:00.000-08:00

Remember all that initial reporting on the reluctance of Senator BO's wife to jump into the campaign? Well that's because she knows once she and Barack are in in reporters are going to follow the money - and all her business is gonna be in the middle of Michigan Ave.
Some people are already taking a fine-toothed comb to the Obama family books. Tom Beven of Real Clear Politics writes:

"Obama's wife, Michelle, earns $45K a year sitting on the corporate board of Treehouse (formerly Dean) Foods, whose biggest customer is - you guessed it - Wal-Mart. Not to mention that Treehouse appears to have a bit of an executive compensation issue."

AW-KWARD. Seeing how Bahm Bahm recently lashed out against Wally-World for its sweat-shopiness.

And on top of the 45k, of course Sheh-shell gets another 300k or so a year for being an external affairs v.p. for the University of Chicago Hospital - that's three times as much money as she was making just two years ago... before hubby landed himself a seat in the U.S. senate. And it's enough money to really piss off a few folks in Chicago.

Tip: Study Hillary Clinton's responses and demeanor during her Whitewater/Rose Law Firm tribulations. Hopefully you've got some bad investments somewhere to show you've lost money "like every body else."

Babs! What the Heck Were You Thinking?

2006-12-12T20:28:00.000-08:00

Barbara Richardson. The First Lady of New Mexico. Wife of Governor Bill. And half of a duo with White House ambitions....in a pony-tail, no make up, and a quilted vest? Did you think you were giving a speech in your basement? The Alamogordo Daily News didn't do you any favors with this pic. Or maybe they did - to remind you that you've gotta to slap some style on that substance if you and Bill are going to make a run for 1600.
This is NOT very First Lady like.

Obama's Fatigue - Update

2006-12-12T16:40:00.000-08:00

Okay. Obama gets a pass on his less than energetic performance in New Hampshire.

The Washington Post says:
"Family issues remain a potentially significant obstacle to Obama. He arrived in New Hampshire close to midnight Saturday because he was attending a ballet recital for one of his two young daughters, and the demands of a presidential campaign would keep him away from his family for much of the next two years."

Well that explains it, but Michelle, tell him he absolutely must mention stuff like that in the body of his main speeches. It's voter-nip.

Obama Fence Fatigue Shows in New Hampshire

2006-12-11T23:10:00.000-08:00

Well here's some more unsolicited but desperately needed advice Michelle. I know you've got your hands full running the non-campagin - but you've GOT to take a minute and make him EAT. Methinks the strain is already showing on Senator BO.He arrived in New Hampshire looking very gaunt. So gaunt in fact that his sports coat "hytched-up" in the back as my grandmother used to say. He appears to be a naturally thin guy - but if he's looking skinny even with the camera's extra ten pounds - you've got to chill him out and make him eat. Voters don't want a boney president. Seems very basic and boring I know with everything else you have to handle - I mean, a grown man should feed himself right? But this is not about him. It's about you and reigning supreme in the East Wing.
Also, I know it's a whirlwindy time - but he's gotta sleep a bit too.
His speech in New Hampshire hit on his usual points...

need for better health care
need for oil alternatives
need for more money for education
need for more ethics in politics
need for change in Iraq
and of course included the staples -a funny name/people called me Alabama and yo mama (he needs to switch that up at this point)...women are smarter than men/my wife smarter than me...and our problems are American problems not republican or democratic problems.

It was enthusiastically received but his energy level seemed relatively low - like he's stretched awfully thin (no pun intended). He picked up steam by the end of the speech. But the mandatory preamble where he has to thank everybody and their grandmother in New Hampshire took too much time and he seemed a bit bleary-eyed and unfocused. No it wasn't a live speech broadcast around the world during prime time...but don't let that fool you, or him. The people with the power to manipulate public opinion watched every word via AP feed as it happened.

Bottom line is that this was way too important a speech for it not to be damn near as on point and inspiring as his career-making spellbinder in 2004. Make sure he wears a better suit, eats, sleeps, and kicks it up a notch for Iowa. 'kay? Thanks.

Christie Vilsack Hits the Bricks

2006-12-09T06:49:00.000-08:00

Cristie's making moves on her own. Bonus. The wife of the first Democrat with the huevos to say uneqivocaly that he's running in 2008 made her very own spouse-less trip to all important New Hampshire this week. Reporter Thomas Beaumont, who is tracking the long shot campaign, writes that one NH state Rep. said:

"I must note that (Iowa) Governor Vilsack's campaign will truly benefit from his wife's willingness to hit the trail for him"

And don't worry Christie. Yes, the Daily Show is making a national joke out of your name, but Jon Stewart also routinely feels guilty for cheap shots and will eventually invite your husband on for a guest appearance. If Tommy aces that...that's a good 5 point bump right there.

Yep Chrissy, glad you're taking charge (unlike some first lady wannabes who shall remain nameless Libby.)
You get 10 extra points for substance this week.
Now let's talk about style...

Christie Vilsack Takes her own trip through N.H. (Des Moines Register)

The White Man Calls Obama "Halfrican"

2006-12-08T09:25:00.000-08:00

Take a deep breath Michelle. This is just the beginning of media types dissecting your husband's racial make up as if he were that black/white alien on Star Trek.
A radio host in San Francisco , who is
White by the way, has dubbed BO a "Halfrican" and says his ghetto-pass should be revoked because he knows nothing of the "real" African-American experience.
From Media Matters:

From the December 4 edition of KSFO's Sussman, Morgan & Vic:

MORGAN: Senator Obama, who is, as you call, a 'Halfrican' --

SUSSMAN: Halfrican and, again, his father was -- his father was from Kenya, his mother's white. OK, now, I have nothing with mixed -- nothing against mixed-race people but, my point is, when this guy stands in front of a black audience, pretending like he was born and raised in the hood, and he can identify with their problems, he doesn't allow -- he is not, in my opinion -- 'cause my opinion is your average white guy -- he is not allowed to wear the African-American badge because his family are not the descendants of slaves, OK? He can't identify with the discrimination and the slavery and all of that that's gone into these black families for generations; he's a kid who was raised with a silver spoon in his mouth in a white family in Hawaii, OK? You wanna call me names for saying this? Go right ahead. I'm just telling you what the guy is.

Tip: Get ready for the race thing. This is nothing compared to what it will be like in say, oh, October 2008. Remain calm and always have an I'm-above-all-you-race obsessed-boneheads-answer ready like..."Oh no, I hadn't heard that."(even though you had) Smile and calmly add "But I'm sure the color of my husband's skin is far less important to the vast majority of voters, than the content of his character." This is to be uttered, by the way, while you are in constant motion. Never actually stop to answer any questions. You're just too busy.

Good Pataki, Bad Pataki

2006-12-07T20:37:00.000-08:00

Yes, George put on a very good I'm-not-sure-I'm-running-for-president-but-here's-my 28-point-plan-for-fixing-Iraq show on CNN. But any traction gained is slowly being eroded by bad stories about you Lib.

The Ithaca Journal's Jay Gallagher wrote:

(New NY Gov.) "Spitzer also said his wife, Silda Wall, won't take any paying job while he is governor. The future First Lady has for a decade run a non-profit organization that helps children volunteer their time and money to help poorer children.

That of course is in stark contrast to the current First Lady, Libby Pataki, who made hundreds of thousands of dollars most years her husband was governor as a consultant to various companies, some of which had ties to wealthy Republicans."

This comes after your "Driving Miss Libby" scandalette and maid-gate.
Tip: Take some of those hundreds of thousands you got and hire a consultant to give you an emergency image makeover.

Somebody's Ass is Sooooooo Fired

2006-12-07T15:31:00.000-08:00

Jackie O hell no.
Not one, not two, but three different women showed up for a White House dinner in the EXACT same Oscar de la Renta gown as THE FIRST LADY WAS WEARING.
While clutching her pearls Jaqueline Kennedy's former Chief of Staff and Social Secretary emeritus Letitia Baldridge couldn't resist this clenched teeth comment to CBS...

"They all should have congratulated one another on their good taste and the fact that they could afford the dress," Baldridge says. "Jacqueline Kennedy, when she was first lady made sure, and her couturiers made sure that nobody else wore that dress that season."
Ladies take note.

(pics e-ganked from the fabulous sandrarose.com)

Invitation to a White House holiday dinner? $100,000 in political contributions.
Red, "one-of-a-kind" Oscar? $8,500.
The sound of three old rich women simultaneously tearing the de la Renta people new ones? Priceless.

Longshot List Gets Longer

2006-12-04T20:09:00.003-08:00

Susan Bayh is ignoring the fact that nobody can pronounce her last name and is pushing her husband towards a run.

Wife of Sen. Evan Bayh (D) Indiana.
Mother of twin boys.
Lawyer. Teacher. All around busy body.

Pro: Perky. People like perky.
Con: Overly perky can be a pain in the ass.
Tip: Take some sound advice from this Indianapolis insider.

Bayh to Form Committee for '08 Presidential Run (FOX)
Bayh must work on name recognition (WTHR-TV)
Evan Bayh's Day of Infamy (The New Republic)

Jesus on Brownbacks' Exploritory Committee

2006-12-04T20:09:00.001-08:00

That's right heathens. Mary Brownback is considering a run for First Lady.
Who?
Wife of Sen. Sam Brownback (R) Kansas.

Self pro-claimed "full-scale" conservatives, the Brownbacks have decided to test the waters after much "prayerful consideration."

Pro: Newspaper fortune heiress - always a bonus when cup runneth over with cash.
Con: Looks like my third grade teacher. Hated her.
Tip: Play up fact that two of your five kids are adopted - puts a drop of compassion in your "compassionate conservatism".

God's Senator (Rolling Stone)
Brownback calls for more family values (Houston Chronicle)

Pope Shows First Ladies How It's Done

2006-12-02T07:29:00.000-08:00

Take note ladies. THIS is how you make an ahn-trahnce. Pope Benedict XVI, who serves as his own First Lady, mesmerizes in a winter white Armani-inspired if not designed double breasted coat, matching beanie, and his trademark Prada shoes. The pope disembarked from Air Pope One in Turkey this week - a country with its fair share of people who want to kill him for saying Islam is violent. What saved him? His too-fabulous-to-assasinate sense of style. They may hate his guts, but they love good tailoring. Even the Turkish media were enthralled.
Esteemed firstladyologist Lisbeth Baldrige says "It's First Lady 101. When your spouse is being trashed for some bonehead mistake...you can always divert attention away from the odd racist rant or shady land deal with a kick-ass ensemble and perfect accessories."

Papal visit: On a wing and a prayer (London's Independent)
The Pope Wears Prada...and Gucci...and sequins (Pandagon)
Fashion: The Pope Wears Prada (Newsweek)

Michelle Obama. Wife. Mother. Diabolical Rovian Advisor.

2006-12-01T18:41:00.000-08:00

That's right. More proof that 2008 is about the ladies. When it comes down to planning that run for 1600 Barack knows he can get the final green light from one person - and one person only. And Chicago's Channel 7 says and insider says Michelle says it's go time. Bitches.

The Daily Troika: Obama's Secret Meet (National Journal's Hotline)

Cindy McCain pulls a Lady Di on Land Mines

2006-12-01T10:37:00.000-08:00

Excelen-tay.
Cin-Cin is doin' a Diana and going to Cambodia to call attention to land mines.
The move bolsters her and therefore John's international standing, reminds the electorate that - unlike so many other candidates that shall remain nameless - her husband actually did serve in the Viet Nam war... and puts her in a different league than those other first-lady wanabees who can only seem to attach themselves to projects like helping American kids (yawn) read.
Way to lay the groundwork for the inevitable princess comparisons.
Both blond and pretty. Diana was addicted to making herself vomit. Cindy was addicted to getting high. Both mitigated damage from scandal with sympathy inducing vulnerability and killer clothes. Genius.

Tip: Orchestrate a fabulous Di-like photo-op with you walking around in a giant face mask to protect you from shrapnel in a field that has already been swept. Also, milk your thinness by appearing in a pair of snug khaki "I'm out actually doin' stuff pants" a la Diana. And yes, I've got to say it, a Diana haircut would work oh so nicely too.

2006-11-30T21:25:00.000-08:00

Like all good potential First Ladies Bill is doing the right thing by smiling and fighting aids in India and staying above the fray and ignoring reports slamming his and Hillary's record on abortion Meanwhile cyber conservatives are revving up their hard-drives in a new effort to defeat Hillary in '08 despite the fact that she hasn't announced she's running yet.

Michelle Distracts Oprah While Bahm Bahm Gets His Meet on with Luda

2006-11-30T20:11:00.000-08:00

Pimpin' all over the world...including Chicago where the junior senator from Illinois shows he's down with rapper Ludacris despite said rapper's beef with Obama's "girl" the almighty Oprah. Luda and Barackay Fiasco talked about empowering youth and then commiserated about hoes.

"Hoes In My Room" (Ludacris)
Barack Obama Meets with Ludacris (Blogger News Network)
Obama, Ludacris Rap about AIDS (Chicago Sun-Times)