<http://www.womensenews.org/story/commentary/100107/why-michelle-obama-channeling-jackie-o>
Why did Barbara Walters nominate Michelle Obama as the most fascinating person of the year? Lisa Nuss double checked the transcript–and the first lady’s first year–and couldn’t find a reason.
Editor’s Note: The following is a commentary. The opinions expressed are those of the author and not necessarily the views of Women’s eNews.
(WOMENSENEWS)–During Barbara Walters’ interview with Michelle Obama last month, I never heard Walters say why she chose the first lady as the most fascinating person of the year.
I dug up the transcript, watched the video and confirmed that Walters never said why.
Michelle Obama did a lot that was fascinating before 2009.
After bootstrapping her way to an elite college and law school where she was outspoken about racism, she left corporate law for high-profile policy work in politics and health care and won a powerful corporate board position.
All the while she battled her husband to pick up his slack on the parenting and insisted on her own demanding career after his election to the U.S. Senate. She told Vogue in 2007, “The days I stay home with my kids without going out, I start to get ill.” She said she loved her work challenges “that have nothing to do with my husband and children.”
Am I the only one who misses that formidable woman?
She began slipping from public view during the primary when her negative ratings–spurred by media portrayals of her as angry and vehement–threatened Barack’s campaign. She has yet to re-emerge.
She was nowhere to be seen during her national interview with Walters. It was as if the opinionated Michelle has been packed away somewhere in the China Room, a la “Invasion of the Body Snatchers.”
Click the link (above) to read more.