A GOP move to prevent Michelle Obama from following in Hillary Clinton’s footsteps
First Lady Michelle Obama cheers local schoolchildren on the South Lawn. Photo credit: New York Times
Politico.com says it’s detected a Republican move against Michelle Obama:
House Republicans are pressing for a change in federal law that could force Michelle Obama and future first ladies to do more of their policy work in public. But Democrats warn President Obama may take the attempt personally “as an attack on his wife.”
The GOP effort is being led by the ranking member of the House Oversight and Government Reform Committee, Rep. Darrell Issa (R-Calif.), whose initial salvo was rebuffed recently at a contentious committee markup session. Under Issa’s amendment, any government policy group that Mrs. Obama or another first spouse regularly participates in would be subject to a law requiring meetings to be announced in advance and, in most instances, public.
Sounds like an attempt to prevent Michelle Obama from assuming the role that Hillary Clinton did during the first years of her husband’s White House tenure.
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339 comments Add your comment
BMDPD
March 26th, 2009
3:31 pm
Tech Fan, where is the money coming from?
ToTheProudTechFan
March 26th, 2009
3:32 pm
Sounds like you are going to have a bunch of broken lawnmowers, if you are buying more to save money on maintenence issues.
Peggy
March 26th, 2009
3:32 pm
I wonder what polical party the oil execs, Wall St, bank execs and AIG execs belong to???? I know Rush fans want to believe it’s the black & Mexicans fault but trust me when I say minorities do not have enough power to do what Wall st. did last year. When you see the NYSE on tv, what do you see?
George Washington
March 26th, 2009
3:33 pm
Are you people serious? When will we get off of this race issue? How about that fact that this socialist, marxist, lying, faithless president and current government is ruining our country. THE REVOLUTIONARY WAR WAS FOUGHT BECAUSE OF THE OPPRESSION THE PEOPLE FACED BECAUSE OF THE GOVERNMENT. ALL THESE “INITIATIVES” ARE DOING EXACTLY THAT. How about asking people that grew up in Russia during the communist years, or Hitler’s years in Germany how life was and how great their countries were.
tom
March 26th, 2009
3:33 pm
doubtful this rule will end up as any part of any bill that comes to the floor for a vote. Government Policy group? Whose group? I didn’t vote for Obama, but his wife seems pretty capable, intelligent, and successful in her own right.
Where does the partisanship end? I wouldn’t support this kind of nonsense if Democrats were doing it, & I don’t support it as a Republican measure either.
Let’s focus on issues like the economy, tax reform, healthcare, transportation, national defense, and environmental concerns.
Congressman Issa………..enough already!
William
March 26th, 2009
3:35 pm
Personally I could care less what a bunch of bubbas and bubbettes think including the GOP and AJC.
Racist South
March 26th, 2009
3:36 pm
Wow Peggy. How racist of you. Funny thing. I lived in New Jersey most of my life and never had a malignant thought about race in my life. And then I moved down here and was treated to the psychotically racist babble of southern blacks on a daily basis. In your stupidity in using the race card, all you do is make others angrier.
BMDPD
March 26th, 2009
3:36 pm
Danielle, I did not deny that Bush was partly responsible, but Dems deny all responsibility. The Republicans tried to look into Fannie and Freddie in 2003. The Dems called them racist and stopped it. Obama’s pointing the finger needs to stop. How many times has he said, “I inherited this.” Both parties and corrupt politicians are to blame.
Anonymous
March 26th, 2009
3:38 pm
Hey George W:
I thought you couldn’t tell a lie!
Maya
March 26th, 2009
3:39 pm
Wow…what well-placed priorities these legislators have. I’m underwhelmed and not surprised. I’ll never vote for that party again. They’ve lost themselves.
to William
March 26th, 2009
3:39 pm
Well please quit reading this site then
inescapable
March 26th, 2009
3:40 pm
It’s not RACE, It’s not Michelle, It’s SMOKE AND MIRRORS; ignorance baiting and the old divide and conquer game. The GOP is totally bankrupt, morally and intellectually.
This seems stupid
March 26th, 2009
3:41 pm
@ Rational Thinker – I see what you are saying, but look at some of the comments here. Everything being said about Obama could be said about almost every other President – if not worse. People may feel that some criticisms of Obama are racist because you can point to a similar if not worse gaffe or infraction by Bush or any other Pres – yet Obama seems to get a stronger reaction and stronger criticism. Why? Some people will think it may be race, but I take offense to saying it is the race card. As if once a Black person says “this is racism” that ends all debate and they get awarded a setllement (from where I dunno) and then they are on easy street. In my opinion – the term “race card” undermines and belittles the race problem that we still have in this country.
I agree, some minorities (black, gay, women) say something is racist or gay bashing or sexist – when it isn’t. Yet, it seems like ANYTIME a Black person raises the issue of race (especially when talking abut Obama) people start saying it is the race card and I think that is an attempt to belittle what could very well be a valid charge of racism.
And to your point, it doesn’t have to undermine or cheapen the issue. If you don’t see this as racist issue, then state your views. What difference does it REALLY make if someone thinks it is motivated by racism? You are in control of how you want to debate, you know? If you don’t think it is race, don’t address it. But the minimization of true racism – which still exists in this country – is offensive to me.
Eric J
March 26th, 2009
3:41 pm
Barack Obama is loud and makes you feel good but it’s only hot air, much like a fart!
Anonymous
March 26th, 2009
3:42 pm
Hey Racist South:
Isn’t Al Sharpton from Brooklyn?
This seems stupid
March 26th, 2009
3:43 pm
And just for the record, I do not think this is motivated by race at all. This is typical GOP BS. And it won’t work. AGAIN.
Aren’t you guys tired of a losing strategy?
Kudos
March 26th, 2009
3:43 pm
Well said Danielle. While most of these posts are interesting and some down right hilarious you make a valid point about the issue in the article. There are a ton of issues that Issa could champion for his constituents however I don’t think the one he’s chosen is what those constituents had in mind when they elected him. Thanks!!
inescapable
March 26th, 2009
3:43 pm
Tom, you’re a grown up!
ProudTechFan
March 26th, 2009
3:44 pm
LMAO, you are right for pointing out the flaw in my arguement about the lawnmowers, but I hope you still get the point. At some point we have to invest in the future of this country. If I have to sacrifice, and eat noodles and bolony sandwiches today so I can live in a nice home next year, thats sacrifice I think we all can understand. What’s wrong with living in a country that doesnt rely on foreign oil.. Looking at alternative forms of energy is necessary for the future of this country. Where does the money come from? Good question. We all know that we as tax payers are going to flip the bill for this, but it is up to the administration and the people we elected to spend that money carefully and not carelessly. These things take time people, but it has to start somewhere.
Racist South
March 26th, 2009
3:45 pm
Thank God I never lived in Brooklyn.
AT
March 26th, 2009
3:46 pm
Funny, how the majority right wing readers of this site complian about someone like Barry and his “race card” and yet seem to completely miss Peggy’s post. And let me add it’s hilarious watching the good ol boys party now pander to minorities with the likes of Michael Steele.
Anonymous
March 26th, 2009
3:46 pm
GOP playbook:
Fear and division.
rational thinker
March 26th, 2009
3:46 pm
This seems stupid- I have no problem calling something racist when i think it is but what “Barry: said (which is why Im commenting in the first place) is not right. I just have a problem with the “think racism, ask questions later” mentality that this country has. I just try to be rational and think of these issues on a case by case basis and I just don’t feel that Republicans asking for transparency into the workings of the first lady is racist. I mean this is just my opinion and not fact of course but thats how I feel.
Bored
March 26th, 2009
3:47 pm
It’s ok to prop up Michelle and to throw barbs at Laura Bush and Sarah Palin? Practice what you preach. I could care less what Mrs. Obama does, she is not a policy maker. Her contribution to America consists of reading to children and sleeveless dresses at formal events. Whooopeee!
I’d like to spend 5 minutes alone in a room with President Obama… at least I could give him a 5 minute intro to basic economics and we would all be better off…
This seems stupid
March 26th, 2009
3:47 pm
@ Chris Dunn – Did I say the Dems were pure and wholesome? No. YOU made the statement as if all media, etc. were sheep and slaves to the Dems and that is laughable at best.
BMDPD
March 26th, 2009
3:48 pm
Tech Fan, he is buying broken lawnmowers at inflated prices!
President Obama
March 26th, 2009
3:48 pm
What’s that? The United States is in a recession? We need some money? Well hell, turn on those machines, let’s print some more.
This seems stupid
March 26th, 2009
3:50 pm
@ Rational – I see what you are saying but for every “Barry” there is a “Peggy” you know? I just don’t understand how they don’t just cancel each other out? Why is Barry any worse than Peggy?
This is change to believe in?
March 26th, 2009
3:52 pm
It seems the race card is played by those who are racist. Racism falls on all races…not just one.
Bored
March 26th, 2009
3:52 pm
Gee Peggy, if you look at Barack Obama’s donors list you will find AIG execs, Wall Street Tycoons, Wall St. Workers, and famous media and entertainment personnel. Rush Limbaugh has never blamed any of this on blacks or mexicans, however he has been fair enough to put blame on Reid, Pelosi, Dodd, and Frank who helped engineer this mess.
Eric J
March 26th, 2009
3:53 pm
I didnt call you an idiot i called you a democrat.
President Obama
March 26th, 2009
3:54 pm
I seriously don’t have a vested interest in the cap and trade company in Illinois. Just ignore that.
Eric J
March 26th, 2009
3:55 pm
You think healthcare is expensive now? Just wait until it’s free.
Anonymous
March 26th, 2009
3:56 pm
Bored;
Are you serious?
They were all desperately contributing to the McSame “Four More Years” campaign!
ProudTechFan
March 26th, 2009
3:56 pm
BMDPD, thats true man and thats why I def. understand why people are so skeptical. But thats because the country is in economic turmoil. And in my opinion its everyones fault. But is inflation a good enough reason not to look at the future of this country, and decide the job cant be done. When prices for needs go up, people still buy them, because they are needs. We need a better healthcare system, we need to really look at how we can improve our education. If we cant compete globally because the education in this country is spiraling out of control we are headed for things worst than what we are experiencing today…These things will eventually break this country if something isnt done about it.
rational thinker
March 26th, 2009
3:56 pm
This seems stupid – maybe im reading wrong but I feel like Peggy and Barry are basically doing the same thing; turning this Repub. shot at providing more transparency thing into Michelle Obamas affairs into a racial issue. My only wish is that racism never came into play on this one. I feel like Im stoking the racism fire so Ill end with one more comment. If Obama’s fiscal policies don’t work out he is on the road to becoming on of America’s most polarizing presidents on that fact alone. If (I said “If” people) he fails he will be thrown into a gauntlet of scrutiny and negative press. will this then turn into racism? If so I imagine that will be the predominant theme to his failures and not the failures themselves. This is my concern.
Peggy
March 26th, 2009
3:59 pm
@Racist South….I was born and raised in Madison, Wisconsin. It wasn’t till I moved south that I realized how racist people could be. Whites hate Obama cause he accomplished soooooo much without nothing. I am not even talking about the White House. I am talking about his entire life up till his marriage to Michelle in 1992. Graduating from Columbia & Harvard. Becoming the 1st black president of the Harvard law review. There are many whites who believe he only accomplished this due to (oh, I forgot what u call it when you set aside seats for minorites). If it makes them feel happy to believe that cause they could not gain entry to a state college than I say keep believing that mess. He didn’t just get in, he GRADUATED. His parents have been called trash. People forget that both of his parents had PH.D’s. Intelligence is inherited just like stupidity. It’s what you do with it that makes you a great man or woman.
Last Word
March 26th, 2009
3:59 pm
Peggy?
Barry?
Lawnmowers?
What the H3ll are you people talking about?!
This seems stupid
March 26th, 2009
4:01 pm
So, your concern is that people will say that Obama failed because he is black not because he had bad policies? Ok. That seems very far fetched. But I agree. We can end it here.
ObamaFied
March 26th, 2009
4:02 pm
I guess transparencey does’nt mean for Michelle. Open Book my A*s,what is the left scared of today?
to peggy
March 26th, 2009
4:04 pm
Confucias say – Learn proper English and then post intelligently worded posts for more respect.
This seems stupid
March 26th, 2009
4:04 pm
And I didn’t mean Peggy. There was another poster saying truly racist things against Obama – which is like the flip side to Barry.
ObamaFied
March 26th, 2009
4:07 pm
Rational-Sadly if King Bama fails,race will come into play. Sadly if he succeeds,race will come into play. Welcome to America!!! Where we can’t decide which we are,tolerant or bigots.
BMDPD
March 26th, 2009
4:08 pm
Tech, it is not just me that is skeptical. Other nations are also skeptical. I think he is making a mistake. We should work to pay down the deficit. Then and only then, should we adopt new programs. The EU president stated the US is on a “Road to Hell.” It is not just the Republicans who believe that he is going to BANKRUPT the country.
GMan
March 26th, 2009
4:08 pm
“GMan – Do you have ANYTHING ELSE you can say? Or is that all the DNC authorized you to say?” Chris Dunn
Yes…
This is Darrell Issa…
http://www.perrspectives.com/blog/archives/001007.htm
GOP – The Bitter Old White Man’s Party… soon to go by the way of the dinosaur!
ObamaFied
March 26th, 2009
4:12 pm
GBoy-Wishfull thinking!! Thank God this country still has some sane citizens, care to jump aboard or stay path of idiotcy.
ProudTechFan
March 26th, 2009
4:15 pm
BMDPD, I agree, the deficit is very important and it should be taken seriouly, I mean if we continue to borrow money from China, our money isnt going to be worth anything. Its barely worth anything now. LOL…
And Im glad you bring that up, I dont see a clear plan of how this admin. is going to cut the deficit, with all the spending (or as I like to call it INVESTING..lol). But I believe the President, will make the necessary changes and cuts and reforms to the budget to keep that promise. Its a long wrong ahead, and only time will tell, but I think he deserves a chance.
Katie
March 26th, 2009
4:17 pm
I am sooo sick of black people thinking that any move against our president is racism!
If you people are so ignorant then why don’t you voluntarily segregate yourselves? Go buy some property out in the midwest and stay away from the white people you hate so much. There ARE people out there who do not care what color someone else is, but care about what is best for their country as a whole. But if ALL you wanna do it whine about white people being racist, then GET AWAY FROM THE WHITE PEOPLE.
I think they should go a step farther and ban them from being Secy. of State! Now that is a true abomination, Billary Clinton represting us. HA.
RB
March 26th, 2009
4:17 pm
Barry, I’m not sure how you rationalize being on God’s side when your guy voted ‘present’ for late-term abortions in the Illinois Senate. (Google it) To vote for it would be one thing, but to not take a stand is not Godly either. Your opinion is your right, but don’t claim some moral authority to support it.
GMan
March 26th, 2009
4:18 pm
Say what you want about the “Bitter Old White Man’s” party. This bitter old white man has worked hard and earned everything he has. This bitter white man has made financial decisions to ensure the vitality of his family. This bitter white man does not live beyond his means. This bitter white man does not feel entitled because he is an American. This bitter white man has ZERO debt. This bitter white man gives his 10 percent to church and charity. This bitter white man has health insurance. Finally, this bitter white man does not want to be taxed excessively to pay for those that show no financial responisibility. This is America! Everyone has a chance. My education was not paid for. I earned it. I shouldn’t have to pay for other’s bad decisions wheter they are white, black, green, blue or any other color in the spectrum.