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
caz1158
March 26th, 2009
5:31 pm
Denise-Is’nt Prez Obama the one who wants to nationalize? GOP is’nt trying to control everything. I think your mistaken
Lulu
March 26th, 2009
5:42 pm
Obamafied,
If you don’t know what an independent is then that explains a great deal of your rhetoric. It stands for : I’m tired of seeing my country torn apart by a bunch of self serving party hacks. GOT IT?
rational thinker
March 26th, 2009
5:49 pm
Lulu is right. If an independant ever got elected president (this will never happen unfortunately) it would be the best thing to ever happen to the country. Atleast we would get 4 to 8 years of non partisan decision making that would hopefully be for the betterment of America as a whole and not for the betterment of a political party
Old Dawg
March 26th, 2009
5:49 pm
Craig: I didn’t know that Dick Cheney was the First Lady. If he was, then there’s a contradiction among Republicans on Gay issues. The Vice President is sworn in and is supposed to uphold the constitution. The First Lady is the wife of the president and, in most instances, is not an official of the administration. I understand the concerns about Hillary Clinton’s activities during the first Clinton Administration, but they were upfront and honest about her role during the campaign and it received a lot of press when the health care issue was introduced and failed in Congress. Like I said in my earlier post, previous First Ladies have had their causes: Lady Bird Johnson’s was replanting trees etc; Nancy Reagan’s was drug awareness; Barbara Bush’s animal rights and literacy; Laura Bush’s literacy and prevention of AIDS in Africa. From what I’ve seen and read, Michelle Obama is working with inner city food banks, schools and similar organizations. While it’s easy to cry racism in reference to the Republican’s efforts to track Michelle’s activities, I’m confident that the spouse of any Democratic President would receive similar complaints; it’s the Karl Rove in them — cry foul and let FOX NEWS run fake news stories about it. In other words, it’s easier to create a fake crisis than be responsible to the people who elected you and the rest of the country.
Lora
March 26th, 2009
6:00 pm
Enter your comments here
This seems stupid
March 26th, 2009
6:02 pm
@ Solution – Please don’t think that Obama is writing off his family by saying he is African American because I don’t believe that is the case. That racial designation is not all that he is. If you recall, he halted his campaign to be by the bedside of his dying Grandmother who is white. He mourned her deeply. You say his white family is ignored, but you don’t hear much of the Kenyan side. Also, his Mother remarried so he has another family in that sense. You don’t hear much about them either. Besides, he is our President and it is clear that he is family man. I think that you may be focusing on the wrong things.
Roz
March 26th, 2009
6:07 pm
To the poster called: ” To Roz”……..Truth hurts don’t it? Sorry if it upsets you that I deal in reality when it comes to the ideology of what a Repub is.
Only a racist would think in terms of Black and White………………The fact that you think I’m supposed to be impressed that The Repubs picked Steele, a man who isn’t even respected nor would he be safe around certain type of crowds,you know the kind that shouted such unrepeatable things about now President Obama” tell me all I need to know.
Casey
March 26th, 2009
6:11 pm
It’s sooooo amazing all the criticism that George W. endured during his tenure as president, but as soon as anyone says anything about the Lord and Savior Obama and his family, it’s racist. The people making these racist claims are throwing in slurs of their own. Funny how a black person is never racist, but yet continue to bash this country for being racist, when they’re already give the opportunity and hand fed everything they need. All government should be in the spotlight, considering every piece of legislature involves the American people, and that they are all elected officials, it all should be seen. We all know the Democrats love to pin the blame on someone else, cause they aren’t man enough to take anything on their shoulders. Always easier to point the finger. Seemingly the Liberal way is how this country seems to work, it’s not my fauly, it theirs for some reason. It’d be nice for Obama to take some time to actually do his job instead of turning everything into a publicity event to get more face time. As soon as he decides to take his job serious instead of just throwing money at all problems maybe the mob and the people who want his head will calm down, but until then, the people who scream racism need to shut up and look in the mirror. Oh, and the Inauguration was an awesome way to spend $150 million. Can’t tell you how many jobless people with families enjoyed the parades and celebrities that were in attendance. It’s my right as an American to say what I want, just as the W naysayers did. Stinks when the tide turns. Way to go Demmies.
GMan
March 26th, 2009
6:24 pm
Oh the irony of it all! You good old southern gentlemen think that President Obama wrote off the heritage of one side of his family. It was just a couple of years ago that you hought that if a person had any black in him/her, then they were black. Now you want to change YOUR rules.
GOP – The Bitter Old White Man’s Party… soon to go by the way of the dinosaur!
Casey
March 26th, 2009
6:40 pm
GMan, funny you say the Southern Gentleman trend is going the way of the dinosaur. It’s amazing the correlation between that and where this great country is headed. It’s now all about the hardworking Americans who do their jobs and succeed, picking up the ruins and having to provide for all the losers in this country who are like parasites and just suck the life out of it. If this country had more Southern Gentleman this country would be on their shoulders and prosper like it once did. People like you and all the other soft ass leaches in this country outta be slapped, or punched, whichever hurts worse.
Denise
March 26th, 2009
6:42 pm
Hey Denise! You are the idiot and I’m sure you are a republican. You may return to your cave ,now. You’ve been hypocritical today. Congratulations!
Denise
March 26th, 2009
6:55 pm
caz1158- my statement implies that republicans want to control people not situations or EVERYTHING. republicans want to monitor what is said or enjoyed by most Americans.This whole blogging about this is useless, because we need to take care of our own business and lives. By the way, people,whatever your destiny in life is,that’s how it’s going to play out. Obama does not control your fate in life – YOU do !!!! republicans have no control either- KARMA is a be-atch !!!!
Chris Salzmann
March 26th, 2009
7:10 pm
What would you expect from a Republican Party that considers “INTELLECTUAL” a dirty word??? These are the same folks who in a (I’m assuming here) stone cold sober state supported the likes of Sarah Palin for Vice President. What about that Joe the Plumber loser…….errr guy? Anyone surprised by this? This is what happens when a Party is running on an empty tank as far as ideas are concerned.
Not trying to play the race card here but why wasn’t this brought up during the 8 years of the Clinton or Bush administration? Especially with Hillary who was on the forefront of everything?
Chris Salzmann
March 26th, 2009
7:18 pm
Casey (March 26th, 2009 6:11 pm) said: Funny how a black person is never racist, but yet continue to bash this country for being racist, when they’re already give the opportunity and hand fed everything they need.
Funny but no one said that a black person is never racist. That’s your ignorant assumption just like the rest of your above comments which pretty much show that you’re the only racist here.
Casey
March 26th, 2009
7:35 pm
Hey Chris, I never said I was racist. I’m more of a prejudice person. Atleast I can admit the fact, and there is also documentation to prove my views on certain people. The statistics are there, but always seem to be ignored. I agree with Denise that people need to live their own lives and control their selves. Sad thing though is that with people now a days they are always getting into other’s business and making their business other people’s problems.
Joe
March 26th, 2009
7:40 pm
I rather hear about her garden. That’s news worthy.
kwazzi
March 26th, 2009
7:41 pm
mrs o, dick van dyke, and jay leno = seperated at birth
Jacque
March 26th, 2009
8:09 pm
Let us just make it universally applicable to the spouses, mates, significant others, or whatever of ALL elected personnel. Don’t pick and choose among officers and officers. That gets so arbitrary — just include everybody. Perhaps violations could carry something less than capital punishment, five to ten in a federal penal institution sound about right?
Michael
March 26th, 2009
8:13 pm
Hey Barry – When losing an argument you should yell louder or play the race card. This story is stupid but you managed to dumb it down more.
Mike Drake
March 26th, 2009
8:36 pm
If this is such a great idea, why didn’t Republican’ts bring this issue up when Laura was First Lady?
Jock Ewing
March 26th, 2009
8:37 pm
Dont anybody worry, Obama is a one termer just like Jimmy Carter. He will be effectively shut down come January 2011 when a new GOP Congress takes over. He will be a lame duck only half a term in. What a joke we have and America is getting what it DESERVES for electing someone not qualified for the job but instead more worried about being a Washington equailivent to a Hollywood Celebrity. America is truly a JOKE no wonder Europe laughs at us.
Republicrat
March 26th, 2009
8:41 pm
This is the most ridiculus, hate filled blog I have read in a very long time. We are all Americans. Stop throwing stones at each other. Embrace our country as the vibrant nation that it is when we embrace our differences.
Chris Salzmann
March 26th, 2009
8:55 pm
Casey March 26th, 2009 7:35 pm said: Hey Chris, I never said I was racist. I’m more of a prejudice person. Atleast I can admit the fact, …….
Chris says: And this begs the questions; what’s the difference between being prejudiced and being racist?
Casey March 26th, 2009 7:35 pm said: Atleast I can admit the fact, and there is also documentation to prove my views on certain people. The statistics are there, but always seem to be ignored.
Chris says: “Certain people”??? You mean Blacks, don’t you? Why don’t you just say the word instead of saying “certain people”? That says something. Yes, and if you look at any other ethnic group in certain income groups and you get exactly the same statistics. For example, you take the statistics of any white trailer park and I’m sure the levels of crime, drug use, criminal records of its inhabitants, unwed mothers, teenage pregnancies and government aid recipients (or as you called it “hand fed”) will be about the same. Have you looked at those statistics?
Georgia Gal
March 26th, 2009
8:57 pm
Old Dawg … I agree with you. I don’t think any of this is about racism, but it is wrong. No other first lady has ever been under this scrutiny and Michelle Obama has nothing to warrant her being under this scrutiny. The Republicans need to worry about and fix the things that are really wrong with this country (the economy, unemployment, two ongoing wars, etc …) and just drop this.
LMS
March 26th, 2009
9:01 pm
Jock Ewing,
You don’t honestly believe that the GOP will retake congress in 2010?? The GOP has made themselves all but obsolete and their approval rating just keeps getting worse and worse. They don’t stand a snowballs chance in hell of retaking congress in 2010 (or anytime soon for that matter) as long as they keep up the path they’re on (which seems very, very likely given their love for blowhards like Rush Limbaugh and Anne Coulter).
say what?
March 26th, 2009
9:15 pm
This is about another thorn in Obama’s side- just to see if he is a real man. A real man comes to his wife’s defense, but this couple appears to be able to adjust to whatever is thrown their way.
there are too many problems for Congress to solve, and this is the first thing they are sure they can resolve quickly. If it was such a problem, what happened the last 8 years with literacy and Mrs. Bush?
Racism still exists, it is not in the minds of the people this injustice is being perpetrated upon. GA is so far behind in eradicating racism, that we have a governor who tied the winning of a black president to the reason GA should no longer be held to the standards of the Voting Rights Act. As long as we have one token, we must not be racist. Glad that Sonny went the way of his savior Zig Zag Zell.
Call it like it is
March 26th, 2009
9:15 pm
If you disagree with Buckwheat Obama on any subject, anytime, then you are a racist. Get used to this. If Obama’s lips are moving, he’s lying about something.
Mike
March 26th, 2009
9:24 pm
The cumulative IQ of this thread is lacking…seems that the only argument that anyone can make is “racism”. Idiots all…
Must be nice to have an alibi, explanation and excuse for every shortcoming, failure and embarrassment. Tired of the broken record…try to form an original, intellectual position…jeez
Mike
March 26th, 2009
9:27 pm
Salzmann…you prove my point…
Can you hear anything at all over your own shouts of racism? Doubtful…
I worship the Messiah!!!!!
March 26th, 2009
9:28 pm
Barry’s deep, relevant and robust community organizer resume is not quite measuring up to what’s needed to lead the most important country on the planet, is it? “One and Done” is the new mantra for this knucklehead. He will be rendered null during the Nov 2010 election. When compared to Jimmy Carter, I miss Jimbo Cartier. Teleprompter Obama is a deer in the headlights. I would call Obama an idiot, but I do not want to insult those in that class. Good grief, get on with the next 20 months and get us to Nov 2010.
Chevy
March 26th, 2009
9:28 pm
Ok, I got another idea. Let’s put a video camera in Sasha and Malia’s room and track their grades in school while we’re at it. The GOP can’t ruffle the presidents feathers so they are going after his family huh? Shame on you Republicans. Get a life.
Over It
March 26th, 2009
9:48 pm
Unemployment is still growing because of decisions made by the GOP….Now all they can do is talk about this??? I mean…ugh!
Chris Salzmann
March 26th, 2009
9:48 pm
Mike March 26th, 2009 9:27 pm said: Salzmann…you prove my point…Can you hear anything at all over your own shouts of racism? Doubtful…
Chris said: Can you elaborate? Is this about my debate with Casey who admits she is prejudiced in her views about, as she puts it, “certain people”. It doesn’t take a genius (or a high IQ) to see racism in that.
C’mon Mike, maybe YOU can help her here by explaining the difference between prejudice against “certain people” and being a racist. Lets see you show off some of that extra IQ of yours.
BTW, if you read my earlier thread, my quote was “Not trying to play the race card here but why wasn’t this brought up during the 8 years of the Clinton or Bush administration? Especially with Hillary who was on the forefront of everything?”
Maybe you can answer that? C’mon Mike, show off some of that stellar IQ. Here’s your chance….got for it.
JAYB
March 26th, 2009
9:49 pm
Let me correct everyone on one thing….Obama is half black & half white…..yes, that is correct: equal. His father black and mother white. So stop playing the black card because he is not just black. I am in no way racist but I am so tired of hearing whiney people complaining saying it’s because he is black….bull. Such a double-standard!
Over It
March 26th, 2009
9:50 pm
I also heard the AJC is “cutting back”. I guess you gotta create job security the best way you can because this report is worthless.
Scooter
March 26th, 2009
9:55 pm
I have read several comments about the GDP controlling people, wanting to run people’s lives, etc. It is the Dems that want open-ballot union voting. It is the Dems that want to take hard-earned money from successful people. It is the Dems that throw life away with a drop of a hat. The true conservative platform should be to fight for life, cut taxes, lower spending, reduce entitlments, cut pork, secure the border, fight terrorism, and stamp out government curruption. BOTH parties have falied in these areas. As for this issue, if the work of the First Lady is seen as part of the latter, then Congress should legislate it. If it is voted down, then that should be because thoughful legislators vote it down. No matter, we have a a government moving away from so many of these conservative ideals. That is waht is really too bad.
Chris Salzmann
March 26th, 2009
10:04 pm
JAYB March 26th, 2009 9:49 pm said: Let me correct everyone on one thing….Obama is half black & half white…..yes, that is correct: equal. His father black and mother white. So stop playing the black card because he is not just black. I am in no way racist but I am so tired of hearing whiney people complaining saying it’s because he is black….bull. Such a double-standard!
Chris said: It’s all about perception. If Obama weren’t President and he was walking down the street towards you, what would you see? A white man or a black man? Perception is everything in this world and that is a sad fact. In the same way, if Obama looked white, he wouldn’t be claiming he was black. I know 1/2 and 1/2 kids from Black/White marriages who look completely white (and I mean blond hair and blue eyes) and they don’t claim they’re Black either. Again, it’s what the world sees you as………that’s the unfortunate reality.
Jock Ewing
March 26th, 2009
10:32 pm
LMS sit back and watch. He better get all his socialism crap passed now and he will but in 2010 he is finished and will do nothing for 2 years. The GOP will be just fine, trust me, 25% of those who voted for Obama already regret it and guess what, ITS TOO LATE. They are the ones who need to suffer the most as they decided the thing and I wish them the worst for being so stupid not being able to see the forest for the trees.
People need to think and prove they can before they are allowed to vote. Society is too much influenced by what the read or see on TV instead of actually using their own damn brain.
America died last November and the Funeral took place in January and it we will all be just fine in less than 2 years. Take that to the bank!!!
Frank James
March 26th, 2009
10:37 pm
The only thing racist is blacks supporting a black man with no experience, a Marxist, and a absolute idiot. Blacks blame everybody except themselves. Look at all cities with the majority of black population and there is a common thread, crime, drugs, violence and blame whitee.
Tech in 09
March 26th, 2009
10:57 pm
Alright I consider myself a republican. 1. How many GOPers are actually going after this? Is this a couple of rep. being bored and have other agendas? 2. It kinda embarasses me that someone is going to stoop to the level that of which a liberal would go to. Im tired of how both parties bicker over stupid things that really do not matter. Our country is in a time of need and we need to focus on that not little petty affairs.
Chris Salzmann
March 26th, 2009
11:07 pm
Frank James March 26th, 2009 10:37 pm said: The only thing racist is blacks supporting a black man with no experience, a Marxist, and a absolute idiot.
Chris says: Blacks voted for Kerry 7 to 3 in 2004. That make them racist too? Every other ethnic group listed as Latino, Asian, etc voted for Obama by a margin of 2 to 1 over McCain. I guess they’re all racist too???? McCain won the white vote 55 to 43. I guess that makes the 43% of whites who voted for Obama racist too, huh??? Obama an absolute idiot? I don’t see McCain (who I admired till he picked Palin) with a degree from Harvard? And don’t even talk about that how smart Palin was………………..
Admit it, you’re pissed because you know that Obama’s and his wife are a hell of a lot smarter than you’ll ever be.
Obama a Marxist??? Got any proof of that or have you listening to too many hours of 3 times divorced (or is it 4?), pill popping, viagara addicted idiot Rush Limbaugh? Yeah, Rush with all his baggage is going to teach us “family values”??? ROFLMAO
Frank James March 26th, 2009 10:37 pm said: Blacks blame everybody except themselves. Look at all cities with the majority of black population and there is a common thread, crime, drugs, violence and blame whitee.
Chris says: Compare ANY city with high unemployment and low education and crime and drugs will follow, no matter what the ethnic make-up of the city.
Chris Salzmann
March 26th, 2009
11:10 pm
Jock Ewing March 26th, 2009 10:32 pm said: America died last November and the Funeral took place in January and it we will all be just fine in less than 2 years. Take that to the bank!!!
Chris says: I guess we’ll all be bailing out the bank you’re taking it to………Not happy with the people’s decision? Too bad. Enjoy your days in the wilderness. In fact, Delta’s ready when you are.
mike
March 26th, 2009
11:15 pm
“Bring it on, Permanent Minority”
LOL. You sound like a mindless Republican partisan from four years ago. You are no different. LOL
To Barry
March 26th, 2009
11:40 pm
YOUR THE RACIST IDIOT!!!
Jogger
March 26th, 2009
11:43 pm
It is not about race. Why is everytime something does not go the black man’s way- it is racist??? Get a life.
Jock Ewing
March 27th, 2009
12:06 am
Chris Salzmann has no clue what he is talking about but you can reap what you so want and wish for. You got it buddy for 2 years so enjoy the ride. I will support Obama as much as the Dems supported Bush and that is NOT ONE DAMN BIT.
America is getting what it deserves. I hope you are right there at the front of the line for the government hand out and better yet going to work for them so you will be safe like Barney Frank and the rest of the cast of losers.
My Friend, just shut up, you just keep looking more and more foolish every time you post. You are one of many who made a mistake in November, but dont worry it will all correct itself in 2010.
Remember we had to have a Jimmy Carter before we got a Reagan and guess what we are watching a Jimmy Carter Jr. right now. ROTFLMFAO. Weakling and stupid at the same time. WOW. You Dems pulled a number but it took less than 100 days for Obama to screw it up.
He’s a one termer. Mark it down and BANK it in Barney Franks Bank!!
Kevin
March 27th, 2009
12:16 am
As much as I loved Atlanta while I was in grad school at Ga Tech, after reading the posts from so many Atlanta folks, can’t say I’m sad to have left. Obama is the president, like it or not, so get over it, hope things improve, and we will all be better off. Anytime someone questioned what Bush did the Republicans were the first to question their patriotism. Of course, that standard for Republicans is gone now…
Frederick Douglass
March 27th, 2009
12:55 am
Jock Ewing, I’m glad you made it back across the border unschathed with that stuff you’ve been smoking. You’ve got to be pretty high to not see
the deep sh*t your party’s in, y’all are irrelevant. There just are’nt
as many hateful, mean spirited, vile people in the quantities necessary for the Republican party to be a force anytime soon. This country has
been reduced to third world class over the past eight years, people are too busy trying to eke out a living to be bothered with your mindset, and Barack Obama didn’t create this mess, he inherited it.
Halimaw
March 27th, 2009
2:23 am
America needs Republicans, like a squirrel needs a car!
Weststar
March 27th, 2009
2:26 am
Posters complain that Obama is chastised due to his race.
Prudent Americans realize he is 16% Black,,, 34% Arab and 50% white.
Prudent Americans realize:
This FRAUD has numerous sealed records, his own family disputes his religion and place of birth,,
Sponsored ZERO legislation while US Senator.
Never held an accountable job until POTUS!