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
This seems stupid
March 26th, 2009
4:21 pm
@ Obamafied – we cannot decide what we are because we never really dealt with the issue of race honestly here. there is blame on both sides. There is racism and bigotry on both sides. What has to happen is honest and respectful dialogue along with true desire to improve race relations. We cannot pretend race isn’t an issue. We cannot just say race doesn’t matter and expect it to happen. It takes real work. And time.
I think race will always be a factor in the “story of Obama” because it is part of the unfortunate fabric of the country. But what does it say about our society that people are SO concerned that it will seem like racism and not bad policy if he fails? I mean, the man is barely two months in and already we wanna make sure that he is touted a failure for the right reasons???? Odd. In any event – IF he fails and IF it is truly bad policy and all his fault, it should be abundantly clear.
light bulb
March 26th, 2009
4:21 pm
Are there ever any new, fresh, intelligent comments made on these blogs. I voted for Obama and think the law is a good idea but the timing reeks of sour grapes. Spouses will always have influence but doesn’t need to be running behind the scenes policy committees.
Scooter
March 26th, 2009
4:22 pm
ProudTEchFan,
Is inflation really that important? Are you serious? Does Tech teach economics? The problem with inflation is that, not only does everything cost more, but our dollar is worth less. When inflation hits, do you expect your employer ro come to you and say, “The amount we are paying you is not worth as much as before. Therefore, we are going to increase your pay”. Commdities like oil will go up first, followed by staple items such as food and clothing. Making health care affordable to all Americans at the cost of our ablillty to pay for basic needs is not the answer. Now Pelosi wants to tax retirement incomes. She says that it will equal income distribution and make the “American-Life” 12 million illegal immigrants are seeking more attainable. Democratic plans to tax hard-earned (and already taxed money), massive spending on health care, etc…these are not the routes to stability. We did, indead, arrive at this economic crisis and massive deficit with the help of everyone (both parties). Massive spending does not fix a deficit. And, finally, counting on new income created is by a recovering economy is not a viable plan. We need tax-cuts for ALL Americans to recover from our economic woes. Spending by the “ordinary Joe” is the route we should pursue, not spending by Congress.
This seems stupid
March 26th, 2009
4:25 pm
@ Katie – What differnce does it make if Black people believe criticism of Obama is racist? Why does it bother you so if you know it isn’t true? Just a question.
BMDPD
March 26th, 2009
4:25 pm
Light bulb, there are many intelligent comments made on this blog. People are too close-minded to actually read and consider them. Although I disagree with Tech, his arguments are all pretty intelligent.
This seems stupid
March 26th, 2009
4:26 pm
@ Scooter – why don’t we give the tax-cuts based on the job creation?
This seems stupid
March 26th, 2009
4:27 pm
GMAN – you’ll be paying taxes until you die or you’ll go to jail. Just deal with it.
Just Watching
March 26th, 2009
4:29 pm
Only in Atlanta can a blog only get through 1 comment before somebody with lower intelligence and a huge racist and bigot chip on their shoulder (Barry @ 1:40) throw out the race card and start whining about how if you don’t fawn and gush over Barack Hussein Obama you have to be a racist. In my opinion there were several black candidates that would have been excellent as president with out having to buy the media or votes to get them elected!!!!!!
This seems stupid
March 26th, 2009
4:31 pm
In fact, esome mployers do give increases based on inflation. They are called cost of living increases. Your plan sounds nice, but we tried that in the 80s and it just didn’t happen. I know you may not agree, but I think Obama’s plan can work.
Russ
March 26th, 2009
4:31 pm
this bill seems stupid, and I am a republican. These comments illustrate why this country is in serious trouble : we lack critical thinkers and people who can approach a problem without name-calling and emotional outbursts. It’s become the nation of Jerry Springer Show tantrums and Oprah victimization. If the intent of the bill is to prevent another Hillary Clinton running a health care fiasco, then I am 100% for it. If its simply an excuse to pick on Obama, then I am 100% against it. BTW, regardless of your political persuasian, deficit spending is horible and has an adverse impact on all our lives. Bush administration spending was out of control, but the notion that spending more to save our country is just as ignorant. We are going to be in alot of trouble if the latest budget passes. Unfortunatly, many people on this forum seem to lack the basic understanding of finance and economics and are incapable of understanding this concept, and some of you are the ones who are blaming others beause your life sucks.
This seems stupid
March 26th, 2009
4:33 pm
Can someone explain to me why it matters if someone believes the motivation is racism? I mean really, what does it matter? There are many people who are making interesting comments and having thoughtful debates and you have these morons like Katie foaming at the mouth over a non-issue.
Rush Limbaugh For President
March 26th, 2009
4:34 pm
Well Well, I don’t know where to start.
If you sum up the attitude, anger and thinly veiled bigotry of the so-called conservatives on this blog it is easy to see why they are in the minority. They are smug, self-righteous and really want a simple world where everyone is wealthy and white. Then all the problems go away.
Their trump card is that they all go to church on Sunday and feel totally justified on looking down at those less righteous.
One more thing…. a bunch of them fly Confederate flags and are still pissed off the South lost the war.
The good news is that there ain’t that many of them, they just make a lot of noise. So don’t let up on’em.
This seems stupid
March 26th, 2009
4:36 pm
@ Russ – First, my life is fantastic.
Second, I understand the whole you cannot spend your way out of the recession – but what would be the alternative? To do nothing? Then where are we? I hear the GOP saying “No” but then what? Seriously. I think TechFan/Obama have it right.
BMDPD
March 26th, 2009
4:37 pm
I am sad for our nation.
to Rush
March 26th, 2009
4:38 pm
Actually Rush based on crime statistics in predominately minority areas maybe everyone being white wouldn’t be such a bad thing. Let the comments begin on this one but look at the numbers people.
ObamaFied
March 26th, 2009
4:38 pm
Light Bulb-Just saying you voted for Obama automatically disqualifies you as an intelligent,sorry. Talk to me in 4 years. As for those who race bait. Race is hardly ever an issue until the un-intelligent for both sides open their mouths!
jimmy
March 26th, 2009
4:40 pm
Maybe we should outlaw the word “racist” just like we did the “N” word because of the improper use of it. Everytime someone assumes that someone is racist they play that card. This is no different than the real racists who used the “N” word anytime they wanted to cut down an African American just because they were different than they were. Are some African Americans racists against White Americans? Lets lay down our differences and just get along.
to This seems stupid
March 26th, 2009
4:42 pm
Good point when you said “First, my life is fantastic” With all the problems I feel like people have on these posts I still dont see people flocking out of the US to immigrate to other countries. There is no other “melting pot” like the US and I dont think there ever will be. As Kenny Powers would say “Sure I’ve been called a xenophobe but I just happen to think the US is the best and all the other countries aren’t as good; that used to be called patriotism” Great and true line I think.
ObamaFied
March 26th, 2009
4:42 pm
Rush-Let me get this straight,biogtry is only on the right. Interesting if not hilarious! As said many times,but totally true in this case,”A Mind Is A Terrible Thing To Waste”
Judi
March 26th, 2009
4:42 pm
Barry is absolutely right. His comment is not a “race card” and people need to put that tired, trite, worn-out phrase to bed. It means nothing.
When it’s obvious that an action is racially motivated, it should be called out. It’s not acceptable.
For the GOP to ’suddenly’ decide the First Lady needs to do everything in public is nonsense and un-called for. Mrs. Obama is the first non-white wife in the White House. Suddenly, new rules are suggested. If it’s not racially motivated – then what is it? I mean, besides utter BS?
To Davidb – Apparently, as long as there are xenophobes walking among us, no, we can’t all ‘just get along’. Shame.
Just Watching
March 26th, 2009
4:43 pm
To Eston @ 2:52,.. So,just because teddy did not use his hooker to buy buy booze/drugs,it was okay to drown her in a muddy grave and be a lousy,drunk politician through out his carrer??? My,My My
rational thinker
March 26th, 2009
4:46 pm
Just watching – are we related?
Abe
March 26th, 2009
4:47 pm
So much anger.
So much hatred.
Listen to you people.
This is what I nearly desrtroyed our union for?
Sad.
light bulb
March 26th, 2009
4:50 pm
BMDPD, I apologize, there are a few comments that take on the issues. Speaking of economics we all learn in college all debt is not bad debt. It is important to consider what percentage of the GDP the proposed debt will represent. I am always amazed by the fact ten economist will all disagree on what’s the best solution to the current crisis but many such as yourself seem to know more. I appreciate though your interest and sincerity in your comments
Lulu
March 26th, 2009
4:51 pm
I’m an independent but I say LEAVE HER ALONE! Normally this is the press/media’s job to cover any unelected infleunce in our government and they did a passable job of noting spousal “participation” beginning with Roselyn Carter. The informed American people are capable of determining when “the line” is crossed and when it was they reflected negative feelings to Hilliary which follow her even today. We must be nore critical in our belief of the press/media today, however, because they have recently displayed a lap dog mentality to the Obamas that makes suspect.
Chris
March 26th, 2009
4:54 pm
Laura Bush had a great platform with literacy, being a former librarian/teacher, why didn’t Mr. Issa think that it was necessary to bring legislation up to require that all of her meetings and other activities be made public. I think that Mrs. Obama is promoting her cause with the same class that Mrs. Bush did, not requiring alot, if any publicity. Let her do her thing and leave politics out of it. Mr. Issa must not spend a lot of time in House chambers if this is all he can find to do. Seems there is more pressing business in the country to take care of.
jimmy
March 26th, 2009
4:54 pm
I do believe Barry stated that he believes that the Republicans could be doing this because of the President and his wife being African American. Why was that even mentioned? If he states that he is a Christian then why does he think that way? A Christian should love their enemies, right? And if he is a Democrat, does he believe in Abortion? Hmmm, another can of worms.
This seems stupid
March 26th, 2009
4:54 pm
@ Jimmy – to me that is part of the problem – laying down the differences. I say see the differences, RESPECT the differences and be tolerant of them. The term racist should not be buried as it is not the same as the N-word. The N-word was crafted with the specific intent to belittle one group of people. Racist to me means many things and shouldn’t be buried until racism is buried. In my opinion, one could make a racist comment, but not be a racist. Racism to me is when one uses race as a determinant for human traits or capabilities or when one shows racial prejudice. So you could say “Sally is a member of blank group and so she is good at math” or “Every member blank group is a thief” and to me both comments are racist and the person who said it is probably a racist.
Just because someone sees racism where it may not exist doesn’t mean that racism itself doesn’t exist.
ObamaFied
March 26th, 2009
4:54 pm
Lulu-Is’nt an Idependent short for I can’t make up my mind or will someone do it for me?
Not a race issue
March 26th, 2009
4:54 pm
Hey Barry, wake up and try not to play the race card . . . The GOP is simply tired of women like Hillary and Michelle playing politician when they were/are NOT elected officials. First wives should be just that and not act as elected officials. If Hillary and Michelle have political aspirations then let them run for some office . . . Let Michelle raise her children as a First Lady or get a job as she is a very educated, intelligent woman, but if she wants to be a politician, then let her run for an office!
Last Word
March 26th, 2009
4:55 pm
Relax you Faux News economic chicken littles!
The national deficit isn’t anywhere near the percent of GDP that it was at the end of WWII (@126%).
And we recovered just fine.
Rush Limbaugh For President
March 26th, 2009
4:56 pm
This blog like most I have seen has a few rational(this seems stupid, Russ), balanced, open-minded people but is mostly filled with immature(Obamafied), ideological, uninformed, narrow minded folks who are expressing things here they would not express in polite company.
One thing is for sure the far-right comes off as angry, sarcastic and defensive.
Lulu
March 26th, 2009
4:57 pm
THE SUBJECT HERE IS NOT RACE OR REGIONALISM, PEOPLE!
Roz
March 26th, 2009
4:59 pm
Racism is not a game so there is no such thing as a “race card” and only a racist will pretend it doesn’t exist! The Republikkkan party is steeped in a racist ideology but most Repubs are too cowardly as usual to admit it, so instead they whine on and on about nothing in particular.
Last Word
March 26th, 2009
4:59 pm
Oh, and technically racism is a objective observance of racial distinction and its differences, with no preconceived opinions attached thereto.
Bigotry and prejudice are the terms you people seek.
This seems stupid
March 26th, 2009
5:01 pm
A Last Word – see Websters. Thanks.
Tired of it all
March 26th, 2009
5:04 pm
CAN WE ALL JUST GET ALONG? WE ALL WANT RACISM TO BE A THING OF THE PAST, WHY DON’T WE START TEACHING OUR KIDS HOW TO LOVE OTHER RACES INSTEAD OF PUTTING THE OTHER RACES DOWN IN FRONT OF THEM. IT STARTS AT HOME. LET US NOT HAVE OUR KIDS OF THE FUTURE HAVE THE SAME VIEWS WE HAVE NOW. TO MANY CONFLICTS WITH OUR VIEWS. THANKS.
to Roz
March 26th, 2009
5:10 pm
Do you think including KKK in your spelling of republican is not racist? By the way the newly appointed chairman of the GOP is black and I doubt he would appreciate KKK in that spelling. As has been said in the previous posts racism goes both ways – whites against blacks and blacks against whites and you are a prime example of the main problem in improving race relations-the thought that it only goes one way.
miss d
March 26th, 2009
5:11 pm
The statements made here are not only ignorant but sad. What are some of you really afraid of? All of your insults and derogatory comments simply shows that no one has to play the race card, it is clear that racism still exists in America and always will! We have bigger problems people!!!
Soulfinger
March 26th, 2009
5:14 pm
This is so sad. I weep for the future.
solution
March 26th, 2009
5:16 pm
Why dont we all realize that Obama is half black half white and take the racism out of it? He is the perfect president in this regard. Does this seem like a viable solution to anyone? Probably not.
Which is worse? « Walk In Brain
March 26th, 2009
5:20 pm
[...] (1) Rep. Darrell Issa (R-CA) is attempting to turn the First Lady into a political football. [...]
Denise
March 26th, 2009
5:21 pm
This issue more than anything is about republican desparation to control people. Race is always going to be woven in the fabric of America. That’s a given. Most republicans are hypocrites and cave dwellers (hiding their true characters). Politics is like a playground filled with bullies and control freaks!
cubalibre
March 26th, 2009
5:21 pm
Can there be any doubt that if this same proposal had been offered by a Democrat when Laura Bush was 1st Lady, the GOP would’ve crapped a gold brick in protest? The denouncement would’ve rung from the rafters in both houses of the Congress! Race may or may not have a part in it, but I can’t be the only one who finds it odd that this was never proposed before…
GOP is dead
March 26th, 2009
5:21 pm
The GOP is dead. Long live a welfare state – just what our founders wanted. Spend, spend, spend. Everybody that dislikes something Obama does is racist.
This seems stupid
March 26th, 2009
5:26 pm
@ Solution – Has race ever been an issue for a POTUS before? How come? This race thing is bigger than Obama and he has only been in for 2 months, so maybe it will get better?
We do know that Obama is multiracial but as he himself has stated he identifes as African American – which is why I refer to him like that. I think what is telling is why he identifies that way. The truth is, if one appears Black/African American in this country you are just considered Black/African American – regardless of what the rest of your heritage may be. Not saying there is anything wrong with it, it is just the truth about our society. I have many multiracial friends and this is the same for all of them. And you cannot really take the racism out if there are people like whoever said “Fred Sanford is in the White House” which was just ignorant on so many levels and not worthy of addressing.
All you can do is take the racism out of it from your own perspective and either educate or ignore those who continue to inject it. I think that is all you can really do.
Hey Denise!!
March 26th, 2009
5:27 pm
I think your comment “republicans desparation to control people” is perhaps the most ignorant comment of all the comments on this post and yes I know how ignorant some of these are. With the way Democrats want the govt. to control EVERYTHING and make govt. huge I cant believe someone could be so out of touch with politics to say that republicans want to “control everything” You my friend are an idiot.
john
March 26th, 2009
5:27 pm
This story is hilarious. They cant beat Obama in public opinion so they attack his wife. HOW WEAK. You repukes are destined to go the way of the WHIG party.
solution
March 26th, 2009
5:31 pm
to: This seems stupid – Im just glad Im not a part of Obama’s white side of the family that gets totally ignored. To totally write off the heritage of one side is completely ridiculius to me. You think he identified with the black side because his opponent (Mccain) was from the evil white GOP empire? Wrong or not looks like he made the right decision.
Disappointed
March 26th, 2009
5:31 pm
I’m a register Republican and I feel this straight out SUX! Don’t we have more to worry about beside this crap! I may not agree with our President, but this is not a way to rebuild the Republican Party. Maybe they can learn from McCain’s Daughter. “So, kiss my A^&#(@!!!!” Have a nice day all..