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Michelle learns from Laura’s example
Michelle Obama, appearing this morning on “The View,” said she appreciated Laura Bush defending her last week for her infamous February statement about her pride, or lack thereof, in the United States. Obama, who wrote the current first lady a note thanking her, said:
“But I was touched by it. And that’s what I like about Laura Bush. You know, just calm, rational approach to these issues. And you know, I’m taking some cues. I mean, there’s a balance. There’s a reason why people like her. It’s because she doesn’t, sort of, you know, fuel the fire.”
In an interview on ABC last week, Bush, in referring to Obama’s “first time in her adult life she was proud of the United States” remark, said, “I think she probably meant ‘I’m more proud,’ you know, is what she really meant.”
back to top57 Comments to “Michelle learns from Laura’s example”
That’s certainly very gracious of Mrs. Bush, and I generally believe in giving people the benefit of the doubt when they make ambiguous comments as well. Judging by what Adam Beckham defensively calls “hostility toward white culture and white power structures,” (as opposed to “racism”), coming from the pulpit in which she’s been spiritually fed for all these years, though, I just don’t see any reason to assume that she’s been proud of her country all along and is only especially proud now that her husband is a candidate for president. I’d be happy to be convinced that I’m wrong, though.
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Oh how tactful.
I’m still wary of their agenda.
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Have you looked at the quote above carefully, “you know” “I mean” “you know” “sort of, you know” —–
I think you get the idea.
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REE:
Was there any need to bring race into this discussion?
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Well gee Adam, I just don’t know…
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Well…we’re starting off nicely here!
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I think it was gracious of Laura Bush to give Michelle Obama the benefit of the doubt. I think it was gracious of Michelle Obama to write a note to Laura Bush. I think it was classy of Michelle Obama not to reveal what she wrote in the note. And quite frankly when I am nervous which I would surely be appearing on national tv I might not speak in the most grammatically correct way either.
Still doesn’t mean I will vote for her husband, but I do find her very Jacquline Kennedy-esque
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It was a nice gesture. I’m still not voting for her husband.
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Michelle’s education would not give her an excuse to stumble about with ‘word usage’ – lets face it, she has a law degree, which would mean she learned how to express herself in a PUBLIC situation, such as a court of law – or perhaps she has the degree’s but can’t express herself, now that’s an interesting thought.
Many people are interviewed on TV who have never gone to college, never spoken in front of large groups and do extremely well, their grammar doesn’t stumble about as if they didn’t even go to H.S.
Read her ‘thesis’ she had plenty of time to write it, edit the whole thing over and over again, but yet………
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Yet what?
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Was there any need to bring race into this discussion?
Yeah, since it’s the race issue that I believe she’s alluding to that has made her not proud of her country heretofore. And I brought you into this discussion because our own discussion about Obama, his wife, his pastor, and race, is very fresh in my mind, seeing as how it’s still going on.
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Has Michele said that she meant something different from what she originally said? All she would need to do is explain her statement satisfactorally.
Adam Beckham, the Obamas are all about race. Mentioning them brings race into the discussion.
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What a nifty question,
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mmm….
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The Obamas are not “all about race”.
I think it is appalling how far people are willing to go to score political points in an election by making nasty insinuations (Victoria) and artificially injecting race into conversations (REE) for no other purpose than to ignite racial and partisan hostility.
What you see here is a situation created by Republican partisans in which the Obamas simply cannot win. Accusations and aspersions of a racial nature are cast against them incessantly. Every person they’ve ever met is thrown on the news and analyzed ceaselessly in the 24-hour cable news and on blogs like this, everyone digging hard to find the confirmation of all the old racial biases. And if they dare mention race, even in a positive way, a progressive way, in speeches that call for healing racial wounds and bridging racial divides, they are pounced on as being “all about race”, as being typical black victimhood-peddlers.
Michelle Obama says one thing that people object to, something she clarifies immediately, and she is never allowed to live it down. The Republican partisans attack and will not let up.
You guys really should practice some basic human values. I think it is disgusting.
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Well what is this?
What insinuations and those regarding race, have I made that upset you today?
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Adam Beckham, your position implies that the Obamas should somehow be immune from the same scrutiny that every other politician family receives. Why do they deserve such special treatment?
Obama is asking for our votes. The press and public, therefore, have the right to scrutinize his record and his statements and even his associations.
“Partisan hostility” is what elections are about. That’s why parties exist–to be hostile to one another. If they agreed, there wouldn’t have to be two major parties.
“What you see here is a situation created by Republican partisans in which the Obamas simply cannot win. ”
Why would a Republican partisan want them to win?
“. . .something she clarifies immediately. . .”
How did she clarify it? All I’ve heard is that her words were taken out of context.
“You guys really should practice some basic human values.”
I think most of us are trying. Why don’t you set a good example for us?
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Of course conservative Christians are going to construe Michelle Obama’s words in the worst manner possible. It’s what they do best. They live for these “gotcha” moments!
Laura Bush’s kind words will be dismissed or ignored as hopelessly naive. Rush L., Ann C., and Sean H. are the new Holy Trinity now.
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Duh Adam, they’re racists!
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Victoria:
Let me quote you:
” Read her ‘thesis’ she had plenty of time to write it, edit the whole thing over and over again, but yet………”
Grow a conscience.
Kyle A:
The McCains are not getting anywhere near the scrutiny the Obamas are. I’m not asking for “special treatment”, so please put that little Republican catchphrase back in the box.
I’m not talking about what people have a right to do, but what people should do. There’s a difference between a right and what’s right.
This is the kind of thinking that delivers the government we have today.
Elections should be about issues, not petty partisan gameplaying and the politics of personal destruction and character assassination. And what’s so disgusting about this is that these attacks aren’t even about Obama, they are vicious and dishonest personal attacks against his wife.
What do you win if you sacrifice your soul in the pursuit of victory?
From FOXNews.
————————–
“What I was clearly talking about was that I’m proud in how Americans are engaging in the political process,” she said.
“For the first time in my lifetime, I’m seeing people rolling up their sleeves in a way that I haven’t seen and really trying to figure this out — and that’s the source of pride that I was talking about,” she added.
When asked if she had always been proud of her country, she replied “absolutely” and said she and her husband would not be where they are now if not for the opportunities of America.
————————–
She immediately clarified her comments.
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Adam, there was not one thing in that sentence that was racist.
YOU WRITE:… “Let me quote you:
” Read her ‘thesis’ she had plenty of time to write it, edit the whole thing over and over again, but yet………”
She did have plenty of time to write it and edit her ‘thesis’ – that isn’t racist at all. The ‘thesis’ wasn’t released by Princeton until everyone kept asking why, then when it was releasd by Princeton, and read, it became obvious why it had been off limits –
I read it, so have others, it’s not impressive of a someone from Princeton.
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“The McCains are not getting anywhere near the scrutiny the Obamas are. I’m not asking for ’special treatment’, so please put that little Republican catchphrase back in the box.”
The McCains are a lot more careful with what they say.
In the history of elections, what the Obamas are experiencing is typical. To give them a pass on everything that they have said and written would be special treatment.
“This is the kind of thinking that delivers the government we have today.”
What? Did the political parties simply agree on everything in the past so that we had a different kind of government? That’s not in my history book.
“Elections should be about issues, not petty partisan gameplaying and the politics of personal destruction and character assassination.”
That’s pretty naive. Elections are about winning a position. If you want to claim that Obama hasn’t already done a bit of his own gameplaying, I think you will hear a hearty laugh in this circle.
————–
Thanks for the quote from Mrs. Obama.
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“The McCains are a lot more careful with what they say.”
McCain called his wife the “c-word” in 1992. Has a history of using the “g-word” (rhymes with Luke), and lets not forget his many and frequent Iran gaffs, including a fun little song!
But forget about that. Just in: Michelle Obama’s cookie recipe calls for “beaten whites”!!!
See for yourself: http://www.parents.com/recipes/recipedetail.jsp?recipeId=R118093
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(An excerpt from NewsBusters, please read the whole piece.)
NewsBusters
Michelle Obama: America is ‘Just Downright Mean’
By Noel Sheppard | March 5, 2008
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Just in: Michelle Obama’s cookie recipe calls for “beaten whites”!!!
LOL That’s clever.
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What do you win if you sacrifice your soul in the pursuit of victory?
Win what? I don’t consider a win by either candidate a win for the country or for me personally.
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Adam, in the real world, candidates are asked all sorts of questions and nothing is off limits. Welcome to the real world.
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Victoria at #24: So where is she wrong?
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You need to ask? Read the whole piece.
The columnist grossly mischaracterized what she said, especially the part where she talked about the lives of “most people” and he implied she was talking about herself. She very clearly said she was not.
What she said: The life that I’m talking about that most people are living has gotten progressively worse since I was a little girl.
The columnist’s response: Really, Michelle? Life has gotten worse for you since you were a little girl?
No, Noel Sheppard, you liar. Michelle Obama said nothing about her own life.
She makes the point that she and her husband have achieved their wealth by working their way through school and building careers and not being born to wealth as many Republicans in high office were. Sheppard insinuates she’s rich and still wants a handout.
I’m not impressed by lies, Victoria. If you are, that’s your issue.
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No, you need to re-read the piece. Then there is this from the same piece.
Life expectancy, education, just LOOK IN THE MIRROR. Then there are the complaints about paying back ’school loans’ COMPLAINTS, COMPLAINTS, COMPLAINTS –
Michelle complains none-stop. Things have not gotten progressively worse, but instead BETTER – but of course if you want to drill that into the heads of those in the audience, then give it a try – there will always be those who would believe such a silly remarks.
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If you want to argue that she’s wrong, that’s fine. If you want to pretend that she’s complaining about her own life when she’s making it quite clear she’s talking about others — as Sheppard does — you’re lying.
I don’t object to people disagreeing with her, that’s totally fair. But disagree with what she’s really saying and not some distorted caricature of it that a right-wing columnist makes up.
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The quote above in post 31 was taken from article post 24 LINK -
NewsBusters
Michelle Obama: America is ‘Just Downright Mean’
By Noel Sheppard | March 5, 2008
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(Here is an excerpt from The New Yorker, read the whole page, very interesting)
The New Yorker
The Other Obama
by Lauren Collins
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On The Other Obama in post 34, read the whole thing, but if you don’t have the time, read the last few sentences.
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18. “Of course conservative Christians are going to construe Michelle Obama’s words in the worst manner possible. It’s what they do best. They live for these “gotcha” moments”!
Dan Quale, Trent Lott, Jerry Farwell, Barbara Bush.
Right. Conservative Chrisians are the only ones who ever followed someone around and recorded their every word until they found a “gotcha” moment”.
You guys started this but now that the game is being used against you you want to change the rules. Fine with me. After this election.
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PS, Adam, isn’t Anlir stereotyping?
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Victoria:
Did I say there was?
What I said is that you were “making nasty insinuations”, which you are. You display a pretty thorough level of dishonesty and personal malice.
Kyle A:
What does that have to do with how we should act as people?
Do you have a system of values and morals? How contingent are they on the perceived actions of elected officials?
I notice you leave out the last part of the sentence, the “politics of personal destruction and character assassination”. That’s fairly telling, Kyle.
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Yes, he is. And?
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KBells,
Oh so now you’re gonna claim that it was the Democrats that started it? That will be impossible to prove, but go ahead and give it your best shot.
Bottom line – whomever started it, the Republicans have become masters at the politics of personal destruction, smear, innuendo, distortion, and falsehood. And their conservative Christian compatriots have become the high priests of it.
But, I really think the Republicans will find it doesn’t work this time around. The American people have grown weary of it.
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The Liberals Democrats controlled the media for 40 years. Of course, they started it. But they never counted on Radio and the Internet and the other side getting a chance to fight back. It’s a lot harder to win an argument when you don’t get to write both sides.
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“the Republicans have become masters at the politics of personal destruction, smear, innuendo, distortion, and falsehood.”
So Hillary a Republican now?
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1 Peter 3:15
But in your hearts set apart Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect,
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Adam – 9 – 16 – 20 – 38
YOU WRITE:…. “Let me quote you:”
I WROTE in POST #9 and YOU re- POSTED in #20 ” Read her ‘thesis’ she had plenty of time to write it, edit the whole thing over and over again, but yet………”
That Adam is responding to my question in post #16 which you now have changed your tune in post #38 as if you have forgotten what was asked, what I posted and what your answer is. It’s all in your post number #20, however you want to twist it up.
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Anlir can believe Democrats are saints all he wants, but I remember that they slit the tires during the last election, I remember that Obama’s black employee told the Muslim women they couldn’t stand behind him, etc., etc.
There will always be people who are deluded. Usually, they are Democrats/Liberals because they just can’t admit their side does nasty stuff like the other side. Republicans/Conservatives are more honest that way.
KBells hits the nails on the heads in 41 and 42. Too bad some don’t have the ability to see her accuracy.
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40. I don’t remember who he was with but back in the Clinton era I heard a guy saying his organization keep someone listening to every word Rush Limbaugh and Pat Robertson said, 24/7.
On the 64 election.
Johnson positioned himself as a moderate, and succeeded in portraying Goldwater as an extremist. Goldwater had a habit of making blunt statements about war, nuclear weapons, and economics that could be turned against him. Most famously, the Johnson campaign broadcast a television commercial on September 7 dubbed the “Daisy Girl” ad, which featured a little girl picking petals from a daisy in a field, counting the petals, which then segues into a launch countdown and a nuclear explosion. The ads were in response to Goldwater’s advocacy of “tactical” nuclear weapons use in Vietnam. Another Johnson ad, “Confessions of a Republican”, tied Goldwater to the Ku Klux Klan. Voters increasingly viewed Goldwater as a right wing fringe candidate—his slogan “In your heart, you know he’s right” was successfully parodied by the Johnson campaign into “In your guts, you know he’s nuts,” or “In your heart, you know he might.” (as in push the nuclear button), or even “In your heart, he’s too far right.” (some cynics wore buttons saying “Even Johnson is better than Goldwater.”
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Victoria — thanks for the link to The New Yorker. Very nice. Some of the same information also appeared yesterday in the NYT (wonder what their source was? hmmmm).
The last line? Riding off in an Explorer — you sell Fords??!
Seriously, the section you quoted was from her stump speech in South Carolina. Reading further in the article, a campaign staffer notes:
It does seem to me that any fair appraisal has to include recognition of such shifts.
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Kbells,
Your claim that American politics was as pure as the driven snow until 40 years ago, when suddenly the mean old Democrats started playing dirty is belied by the historical record. There have been dirty politics going on since this country was started. Your “best shot” is a total dud.
*****
Anlir can believe Democrats are saints all he wants
Yet again, NJLawyer, make a statement that she knows is false. (She’s a good attorney and a good Republican).
In fact, I have said many times on here that both parties play dirty politics. The Republicans are just better at it.
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Anlir, I never claimed that Republicans didn’t play dirty, but you seem to insinuate that they were the only ones. Politics is dirty business and the Obamas need to get that or get out.
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However, my examples seem to show that the Democrats took advantage of modern communication as a way of using the “gotcha” moments” type of smear much earlier.
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Harris – 47
I should have said the last few lines on page 3. Sorry.
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Victoria:
I accused you of making nasty insinuations, which is exactly what your reference to her thesis was. You are throwing “racial” and “racist” in there because that is your style, to make everything about Obama a discussion of racial hostility.
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Yep, hold onto this – ‘hug’ the moment and whatever else you can dream up regarding my posts.
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Victoria:
Michelle Obama’s “Why’s everybody surprised?” actually reminds me of you. When you start talking about things pink (especially, as I recall, strappy little things), you demonstrate the same kind of self-award, confidence that Obama also possesses.
Put politics aside, there may be more of a sisterhood here.
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Oh Harris, little pink strappy heels? LOL
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So much for family values.
NEWSMAX
Michelle Obama Woos Gays
Tuesday, July 1, 2008 8:29 AM
By: Fred Lucas
In the same article we have this statement!
WHERE in the ‘Sermon of the Mount is ’same sex marriage’ mentioned or JUSTIFIED?
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