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.
For instant updates, follow me on Twitter.
Tell us what you think about the site
Customer Care »
Vacation stops, manage subscriptions and more
AJC Services
Sections
Other Editions
Visitor Agreement | Privacy Statement
© 2013 The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
339 comments Add your comment
Brett
March 27th, 2009
7:49 pm
The sad part is almost 99% of the posts on this blog have nothing to do with the ACTUAL story you just read. Everyone is just attacking each other or something. That’s the problem with this country as I see it. We can’t even concentrate long enough to post views on the story we read 2 seconds ago. We would rather start in on our own agendas instead of thoughtful debate. Sad!!!
As for the actual story………..it’s a joke and will go away quickly. She is not an elected official people. No way it gains any support.
John Radney
March 27th, 2009
7:49 pm
Everything the mammie does should be public. Anybody ever know one not the steal. The ugly woman has hairy armpits.
Lynn
March 27th, 2009
8:56 pm
One would think that during this time of uncertainty (Major recession and two wars) that the GOP would be busy and have other priorities, but it never seems that way. Especially lately, the only thing that they have done is to criticize the President but never offer any real solutions, sling inflammatory comments towards anyone that doesn’t agree with their ‘values’(as if they have some’ and now to sponsor hollow legislation. This really takes the cake!! If a First Lady takes on an offical position then she should be subject to whatever standards are in place for that role, however this seems to be just a targeted exploit of the GOP. I don’t feel that it has anything whatsoever to do with race. It’s just another way for them to avoid dealing with the real, substantive issues of the American people. It’s a meaningless distraction….that is all the the GOP is capable of because they lack integrity.
Ladyvoter
March 27th, 2009
8:57 pm
These GOP men who attack First Lady Michelle Obama are the same wimps who avoided military service while talking tough. Bring it on. I am over 60 and could take any of them, from Fat Boy Limbaugh to Chipmonk Jowls Gingrich.
Sam
March 27th, 2009
9:31 pm
Michelle Obama..how do respect such a tramp. She said right after her husband got nominated… that for the first time in her life that she was proud to be an American. What a joke and lack of class on her part. The way that I was raised is that low lifes that thought this way were unpatriotic and born in the ghetto or lived in trailor parks. She is an embarrassment for the US.
Scooter
March 27th, 2009
9:47 pm
It is amazing to me that liberals and dems say thing like, “The GOP only critczes PResident Obama”. Do you idiots not know that is ALL you did while Bush was in the White House. Do you not see that? Liberal friends of mine point out that they took issue with Bush. Could it not be that conservatives and Republicans take issue with Obama? Are you that blind to your own actions that you think dems would never do that. My gosh, it has only been 2 months since there was a Republican President and you have already forgotten your actions of 8 years.
Keep It Real!
March 27th, 2009
10:20 pm
Sam tell us how you really feel about the Obama family?
Class is not talking about another person in a derogatory way!
Let’s deal with the issues at hand! Ther people that elected that official did not know what they were getting into!
I feel sorry for the district he represents!
It’s o.k. to criticize our president but let do it with thoughts that make sense!
No one on this blog know much about what is going to work or not going to work because last I checked we have not been in this situation before so please think before you vent!
Be positive for a change!
Chris
March 27th, 2009
11:48 pm
Goodness are you guys adults or children. Call it what you want who cares! People are hurting, Black White Hispanic Asian PEOPLE are HURTING! How about for every hour you blog on this AJC site you go out and pick up litter in your neighborhood. Or take an elder you know to the grocery store. Do something constructive other than feeding into the HATE that is always on this site. Don’t you notice how The AJC always have these stories and they always have comments and they always led to name calling and race fighting. Really let it go we have to change as humans the way we interact with one another. If we start in our own neighborhood doing for ourselves and helping OUR neighbors, no matter the race, who are in need the gimmics of Washington will be mute all together, we will have changed the country ourselves….
Chris Broe
March 28th, 2009
12:01 am
“Unemployment at record highs, unstable ecomony, two seperate wars, N Korea, global warming issues, Veterans rights, children living in proverty, teen pregnancy, crime, No child Left behind, healthcare reform.”
Great…Take the fun out of being the Great Satan…..
RoadRanger
March 28th, 2009
1:45 am
Remember your history, my friends. As First Lady, Hillary damaged much of the plan to restructure health care by formulating it behind closed doors. President Obama has promised us the most transparent administration in history. Issa, who does find himself on the fringe a lot, is trying to hold the president accountable. I don’t see this as an attack on Michelle Obama. It is politics as usual and The Politico has far more serious things to report.
power to the living
March 28th, 2009
2:14 am
Step back here it comes ” the race card” The GOP Is Full Of racism and so is America, but there are a lot of White preople that are not racist. I can tell the difference and I suspect most people can too. You Know if you are a racist. If you are not Don’t worry about it. If you are accept it live with it.
America has a terrable history when it comes to race. If I were White I would find it painfull to read about what white people did to others and them selves. The Indians, the blacks,the Cubans the Mexicans, the Asians, ect. all have been cheated murdered and lied to. I know I know I have gone too far, but it’s true. Now the good old boys want to kill me. Some say what a nut. Others say truth. So where do we go from here? More of the same or should we find a way to fix OUR problems.
Its not written that America will last as the ” greatest military and financial power in the world.” I thnk that title will go to India and china in a few years. We have work to do at home before we can be fit to lead the world anywhere.
PS: the nation is already bankrupt. The due bill is in the mail room waiting to be delivered. Will President Obama’s Plan work I don’t know. The GOP’s plan what there is of it in the news doesn’t seem to make any real moves to deal with our problems. You tell me how it works. Please say more than cut taxes,let AIG and the auto makers go broke. Tell me how this will affect the economy and when will these actions make things better for Americans I need to know more.
Roz
March 28th, 2009
3:04 am
To the poster called “Sam”…Let me clear up a lie for you that has not been cleared up by your “mentor” Rush Limbaugh as well as the rest that has peddled the lie about Michelle Obama…
Michelle actually said “For the first time in her life she was REALLY proud of America.When then Senator Obama was running for President,the Repubs edited the word “Really” out of what she ACTUALLY said to emphasize racist overtones for political gain……..While The Oxy-Contin Degenerate HYPOCRITE Rush Limbaugh and those of your ilk chose to hear and see what you wanted due to your own biases .Many in the mainstream media pushed the same lie to sell their product. Networks like CNN initially reported what was actually said and then they resulted to editing out “really” and the journalists on CNN also kept that lie in circulation which was just as irresponsible and ignorant as an idiot of Limbaugh’s ilk.
Many racists hide behind patriotism or religion due to your own fears for those who are different and you want those who are different to be accountable for your hate ……..I’m not the type of person who will try to reason with unreasonable people because it’s a waste of time. I’m about facts and I don’t like it when ignorant people think the lies you believe as fact based on your own biases are supposed to be accepted as truth just because you have no problem making a lie into truth…..
brian
March 28th, 2009
6:07 am
our political system has reached an all new low. there are more complete morons in office than ever before and the same goes for the american voter.
change is coming, but not the change you think.
danjonglee
March 28th, 2009
7:58 am
Doing public work in private is better for us. Give it up Racist Repubs
vote em all out
March 28th, 2009
8:46 am
CopyLeft don’t you mean bankrupt America!
Chuck
March 28th, 2009
8:52 am
God help the leftists if their dealings have to be done in public.
Merry
March 28th, 2009
10:24 am
The world is still waiting….just what promises has he broken? What is not transparent? Give us some specifics.
Also…what is this whining about teleprompters? Every president in the last 30 years has used them. Do you really think George Bush wrote his State of the Union address, memorized it and didn’t read it from a teleprompter? HE CAN’T EVEN SPELL OR PRONOUNCE ‘STATE OF THE UNION’ without prompting! Can’t you find something more important to whine about? Like the economy or something?
Ryan
March 28th, 2009
10:46 am
GOP doesn’t want another Hillary who can beat their a-ses.
woofn
March 28th, 2009
12:20 pm
how can you read the latest blog on this site like most other web sites…in any case, Barry needs to get a grip. he sounds very paranoid and the whining of predjudiced against blacks regarding this issue is laughable.
woofn
March 28th, 2009
12:23 pm
can the person that monitors this site have it to where the latest comment is seen 1st…in any case Barry needs to get a grip as to his racist comments.
My 2 cents
March 28th, 2009
12:47 pm
You people amaze me. Why do you blame Bush for everything wrong with the economy. He doesn’t pass budgets, he requests them. Your wonderful Congress, both parties, are the problem. Now we have a POTUS that is as liberal and ignorant as the rest of the clowns in Congress.
larry
March 28th, 2009
12:47 pm
Atlanta is all black all gay all black all gay all black all gay all black all gay…..They are very inclusive,compassionate about whitey’s rights,gonna take good care, protect whitey and his family.All black all gay all black all gay all black all gay.Wonderful !
Elrey Jones
March 28th, 2009
1:22 pm
Obama is a liar, racist, and thief. Opposing him and his wife is doing the the Lord’s work. They are a travesty for our country and are spending money we don’t have. They steal from working people, are liars and can’t be trusted, and they are racists for their support racist black clergymen like Wright and Farrakhan and other haters. I sleep well and feel I’m doing the work of the Lord in opposing those two racists.
Elrey Jones
March 28th, 2009
1:26 pm
Black people are robbing and murdering non-black people at an increasingly alarming rate. Why are the Obamas supporting civil and human rights for all – not just africans. It is absolutely disgusting at the number of robberies, murders, car jackings, and home invasions that is going on and not one peep from those two racist leaders or their Bolshevik genocidal supporting gulag loving smoke filled room back door evildoers. Me – I’m just doing the Lord’s work.
Scooter
March 28th, 2009
1:45 pm
Ryan,
What GOP candidate did Hillary ever beat, except in NY, where Dem always win? She could not even secure her own party’s nomination. What are you talking about?
Chris,
Why weren’t you out fixing the world after work on a Friday night? You were waisting your time admonishing others for doing the same. Way to set the bar so low, my liberal friend.
vuduchld
March 28th, 2009
1:46 pm
So the rabid right has decided to go after Michelle Obama…yawn yawn. When one goes after someone else it is a true measure of one not being confident in their own beliefs as well as having absolutely no new ideas to contribute. Darrell Issa fits both statements. The GOP has no interest in helping Americans because their whole program is to get back in power, bringing back the previous status quo. Americans have seen them for the travesty they are and have moved on. If the GOP is afraid of a woman who is planting a garden in the White House why would any sensible American support a party that has become a safe haven for nincompoops!
Scooter
March 28th, 2009
1:46 pm
I personally think race plays absolutely no part in my dislike for the Obamas. I could not stand the Clintons or Carters, and they are lilly-white southerners.
vuduchld
March 28th, 2009
1:48 pm
Hey Elery Jones, you need to lay off the meth buddy!
Scooter
March 28th, 2009
1:50 pm
vuduchld,
Then how confident were dems when they spent 8 years going after President Bush and VP Cheney? How confident are the dems, and media, as they go after Sarah Palin? Either you folks are the least confident people in the world or you just made a stupid argument. You can choose which one it is.
dwayne pennyman
March 28th, 2009
1:56 pm
what color is colored folks?
dwayne pennyman
March 28th, 2009
1:57 pm
Enter your comments here
MEMYSELFNI
March 28th, 2009
5:35 pm
Hey Turkey Slayer…it seems you would consider Ann Colter as the type of woman you would consider someone that looks feminine..That figures someone who looks like she’s been smoking crack. And believe me I want be burning down my neighborhood…Instead it will be yours. Power to the People…And this time it will be televised!
MEMYSELFNI
March 28th, 2009
5:47 pm
Sam, so you say anyone who said they now are proud of America is a low life…Well I’m saying it! It seems only people like you have the authority on what one should feel about this country. F you you don’t know how I feel living in this county…and guess what I’m not going anywhere..so deal with it…it’s people like you “low life” that has driven this country over the cliff…and one more thing look around it’s more of me than it’s of you. Power to the people! it will be televised!
Marci
March 28th, 2009
7:25 pm
Gawwwwd….Those Pubs make me sick!
blackprix
March 28th, 2009
10:01 pm
When a party gets ‘hung out to dry’ like the republicans did last November, they’ll do ANYTHING to get their swagger back.
After Bush/Cheney/Rove/Wolfiwitz/Rice and Rumsfeld took this country down the tubes that don’t have much to hang their hats on!
If they go forward with this BULL … they lose again because we finally have a President who will speak out publically with regard to their negative discourse.
The Republicans are wallowing in their own doings … way down in the mud after 8 years of dirt, lies and distortions! This is all they have and it will continue to beat them in future elections!
blackprix
March 28th, 2009
10:06 pm
Addendum … by the way, the GOP got their butts kicked everywhere … senate, congress, governorhips last November. If they expect to return to some assemblance of a party that knows right from wrong … they better be a party of mixed cultures instead of OLD WHITE MEN!
America’s diversity is something they know NOTHING ABOUT AND COULD CARE LESS —
America finally woke up after watching this country lead by another Bush, be taken apart by lack of character, intelligence, and ability!
I know I’ll do everything in MY POWER to make sure we never have another GOP Prez in my lifetime!
Scooter
March 29th, 2009
12:32 am
Good job, blackprick. That’s one vote.
visitAtlanta
March 29th, 2009
2:29 pm
Obama disappointed me with his “special olympic” comment. He confused me with his overboard laughing on “60 minutes”. He bored me with his press conference. And he didn’t really answer the reporters questions! He hired tax-cheat Tom. He broke his promise and signed the 8000 earmark bill. He is leaving 50,000 troops in Iraq. He insulted England with the gift exchange. I’m losing hope.
Bumpkin from Lumpkin
March 29th, 2009
7:16 pm
Same ole’ blah, blah, blah from some of the AJC’s finest blog trolls. Funny references to the old white guy’s party. That’s about as funny as the gay, black, uneducated, can’t make a decision unless it’s politically correct party. But then again, I wouldn’t expect any less from the stereotypical idiots that post here.