Obama campaign deploys weapon-in-chief Michelle
With US President Barack Obama’s approval ratings riding a roller coaster of peaks and troughs over the past few years, at least one thing has remained constant: the popularity of First Lady Michelle Obama.
Recent polls show that roughly 70% of Americans view the smiley, athletic-looking first lady favourably – the same number as when she moved into the White House in 2008.
Barack Obama’s campaign has been looking to capitalise on affection for his wife, wielding her as a not-so-secret weapon in the president’s tough re-election battle against Republican Mitt Romney. They’ve sent her to schmooze with donors at fancy fundraisers, rev up the crowds at rallies in key swing states, deliver pep talks to discouraged volunteers, and crack jokes on talk shows. The first lady even led a work-out session on hit reality TV series “The Biggest Loser”, and will soon appear as a judge on a widely watched cooking programme.
But one thing people should not expect to hear from her is any hard-hitting political talk.
Though she has been cited as a catalyst for several of the president’s positions (his endorsement of same-sex marriage, as well as healthcare and immigration reforms), Michelle Obama has carefully crafted a public image that remains untainted by her husband’s sometimes controversial agenda. She dispenses hugs, parenting advice, and tips about fashion and staying fit – but she doesn’t often discuss politics.
http://www.france24.com/en/20120613-usa-michelle-obama-barack-politics-presidential-election-white-house-first-lady-campaign
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