Can someone explain to me, like I'm ten years old, why all the hate for Michelle Obama?

[MrScorpio]

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/chris-kelly/townhall-michelle-obama-i_b_177947.html

Why is this very gracious and beautiful, strong, intelligent black woman garnering so much animosity?



I just don't understand any of these haters, of whom I'm sure, can't hold a candle to her.

[madaboutharry]

1. Because a lot of

republicans look at a woman like Michelle Obama and think that "she doesn't know her place".

It has been said before: You can change the law, but you can't change the way people think.

[SpiralHawk]

33. You got it. Republicon men are intimidated

And this is the only way they know how to 'cope' with strong, intelligent women -- attempting to put them down.

It is pathetic, and of course the antithesis of real masculinity. But then, soooo many of the republicons are wide-stance, viagra-popping chickenhawk latter-day Pharisees, it is not surprising.

[marshall]

80. If they really stopped complaining and looked at her life they would admire her

She has subsumed her career and education into the role of supportive wife, mother, and homemaker for the country's number one home. She's the modern ideal of June Cleaver--educated and sassy yet supportive and helpful.

[Puzzler]

120. Bingo!

.

[babylonsister]

2. Consider the source (townhall). That's what they think their job is.

I don't even think they consider anything to be positive about her-they start with their r/w imaginings and go from there.

[tekisui]

3. She's a strong and intelligent black woman.

She destroys many stereotypes at once, and the lover's of the status quo are terrified because of that.

[Connie_Corleone]

5. I was about to write the same thing.

[EFerrari]

81. Yep. n/t

[AwakeAtLast]

125. +3

:hi:

[politicasista]

164. Bingo n/t

[BlooInBloo]

4. "very gracious and beautiful strong, intelligent black woman"...

Self-answering question, no?

[FailureToCommunicate]

142. So correct. AND she's a WORKING mom in a stable family. They hate that! AND

did someone mention **she's black**?

[bunkerbuster1]

175. indeedy.

[rfranklin]

6. I encountered some of that feeling last week...

Talking to a woman about the state of the economy when she volunteered the following--

"I hate him...and I can't stand the sight of her..."

I really didn't want to pursue it but the emotion behind it seemed somewhat akin to what I feel about Bush, just somehow less justified.

[billyoc]

7. Being intelligent, black, OR a woman is enough to be hated by the far right.

[Captain Hilts]

27. Tuff shit! Her enemies do her credit, don't they? They make her look even better. nt

[lamp_shade]

8. Consider that they also hate her husband and their children. EOM.

[acmavm]

9. They're bitter. She makes their heroine Palin look like the

ethically challenged moran that she is. In fact, everytime Michelle Obama opens her mouth a collective sigh of relief amongst all intelligent people everywhere can be heard loud and clear, and I don't mean just amongst women.

[FailureToCommunicate]

144. Ah, but can Michelle shoot wolves from airplanes?!? Didn't think so! So there!

(sarcasm)

[hobbit709]

10. The same people have a lot of hate for her husband too.

The main reasons are
1. They're racists
2. They're sexists
3. They're intimidated by obvious intelligence
4. All of the above

As far as I'm concerned, God bless strong uppity women. The world needs more of them.

[truebluedemz]

91. FEAR

They have hatred and fear for ANYONE who is smarter than they are.

[MajPayne2]

11. Jealousy, bigotry, stupidity...

You would think that on some base level these folks will realize that she is a mother and her children may read this drivel about her at some point. No human decency organic to this crowd of misanthropes.

[cali]

12. racism. pure and simple.

the racism directed toward the First Lady is much more blatant than that directed to the President. I've seen some of the ugliest racism on Freeperville and other wingnut sites that you can imagine. Everything from "ugly black bitch" to "Blackie O" and much more.

It's as simple as that.

[Captain Hilts]

17. We have to ignore the far looney fringe that would say "ugly black bitch." They're not

important and probably hated Eleanor, LadyBird, Rosalyn and Hillary as well. They've revealed themselves to be dumbasses.

[GoCubsGo]

24. Oh, they did hate these women.

How can anyone forget how they treated Hillary when Bill was President? Hell, they even accused her of murdering her friend, Vince Foster. They sent the FBI to grope through her underwear drawer looking for documents during the Whitewater farce. They called her fat, ugly, witch, bitch, blah, blah, blah. They even went after her kid! I'm not sure if they did Lady Bird or Rosalyn quite as badly, but they did smear Eleanor. They sure like using the word "ugly". My God! Have they looked at their own women? Barbara Bush's looks could turn a person to stone! And, Sarah Palin and Cindy McCain ain't all that.

[Captain Hilts]

25. FDR was crippled because he got VD from Eleanor who got it from a black man, etc.

Such shit is best ignored.

[texanshatingbush]

55. Citizens of Dallas treated Lady Bird badly.....

I remember--I think it was in 1963, the same year Kennedy was assassinated--that she got shoved by a crowd of Republicon women when she went to Dallas for some event. In those days, "shoving" was probably the equivalent of today's "sliming" or "pie-ing". We were shocked that the wife of the sitting Vice President--and a native Texas herself--should have been treated so impolitely.

[Captain Hilts]

57. Really!?! nt

[Beacool]

99. The right is still harping over Vince Foster.

More than once they joke that Hillary will have someone removed in "Marcy Park" (where VF's body was found). They also keep insisting that Hillary and Vince were lovers.

Eleanor suffered quite a few indignities too, from making fun of her looks to being called a lesbian.

But, to be fair, the left was just as vicious with Hillary during the primaries. KOS, Huffington and even this board were positively toxic at the time.

So, Michelle is not being subjected to anything more than some of our Democratic First ladies have been put through when their husbands were in office.

:-(

[GoCubsGo]

119. You just said the magic word.

"Democratic". They were shitty to Elizabeth Edwards, Tipper Gore, and Teresa Kerry, too. Especially Teresa and Elizabeth. Nancy Pelosi, too. The more I think about this, the more I realize that they go after anyone with a "D" after their name--male or female. The more important the Democrat is, the more vile and hateful they become.

[Fire1]

158. Nail on the head!!!

[TreasonousBastard]

13. Explain it ot me, too. I don't understand that...

sort of hatred. Hillary had that same blind hatred aimed at her, too, and I never got a good reason from anyone just why they had a problem with her.

[ehrnst]

145. Hillary (&Michelle) are less worried about pleasing men than they areabout accomplishing something.

The opposite of Sarah Palin - who was back at her job THREE DAYS after giving birth, because that's not an excuse a man would make. Who trowels on the makeup and teeters on 3 inch heels.

Like Michelle, Hillary is a woman's woman - she truly respects women and doesn't apologize - physically, vocally or otherwise when she's speaking. Unlike Sarah Palin who couched her bigotry and ambition in winking "you betchas" and whining singsong verbiage. Hillary and Michelle don't defer. They lead.

Hillary and Michelle don't apologize for who they are and what they've accomplished, and they encourage other women to do the same.

Unlike Sarah Palin, who takes that standard Republican woman meme "I'm special, I'm the exception - I can keep up with the men. I've been chosen and blessed. You shouldn't be trying this. I'll put my kids in daycare to work all day to educate the public on how women should stay home."

They hate Michelle and Hillary because they show these all these conservative women that they didn't have to settle for the limited choices that they did. They're envious and threatened - Michelle and Hillary didn't follow 'the rules,' and are happy, successful mothers of well adjusted kids. No one wants to hear that they were had.

And Michelle & Barack defy every racist stereotype they hold dear. Again...the conservatives do NOT like being proven wrong.

[thunder rising]

14. This is great: Ah, Christian-sponsored humor. That's not just funny. That's Jesus funny.

[depakid]

They were FAR worse to Hillary

Compared with those days, Michelle's getting off light...

[Captain Hilts]

20. And to Eleanor. Amazing the shit they caught. nt

[Beacool]

101. Yeah, your gal was slammed a lot at the time.

x(

[jonestonesusa]

161. That's easy to say if the hatred is not directed at you

and you don't have two small children in the White House accompanying the first black president of a historically racist country.

It's indefensible to minimize what the Obamas face to occupy this office. I don't make a habit of comparing marginalization - i.e. who has it worse, Michelle Obama or Hillary Clinton, because it's divisive and not subject to proof. Why do it?

[Captain Hilts]

15. There isn't a lot of hate for her. Ignore the few loonies on the fringe.

She's taking the same lumps they all have. Eleanor, Hillary, even Laura Bush took lumps from the right wing.

[Botany]

16. Because of the F.B.I.

Fear .... the right knows President Obama and Michelle are kicking their ass and
see their power and votes going away.

Bigotry She is black and a woman.

Ignorance See Rush, Fox, News Max, "stuff" learned growing up, and general lack of education.


Michelle supports things and projects that no real American should have trouble w/ such as:
Feeding the homeless and the poor, education, the families of our troops, the elderly, and kids.

How dare she? :rofl:

[asteroid2003QQ47]

31. I continue to have the uneasy feeling that Michelle...

would make and even better President than her husband, I would have voted for her.
(Think the F.B.I. hasn't noticed that?)

[Botany]

35. She would be great but I think she would not "suffer fools gladly"

and might tell a few people off.

[asteroid2003QQ47]

37. That's but one of the reasons I like her! n/t

[Captain Hilts]

117. At times, me too. But First Ladies - ER, HRC, MO, etc. are permitted to be more 'real' than

their husbands are. So, it's not really a fair comparison, though it's a fun one. I like how 'real' Michelle is though I voted for him because he is measured and controlled, unlike the previous occupant of the Big Chair.

[liberal N proud]

18. You said it all right in your message

"gracious and beautiful, strong, intelligent black woman"

republicans don't have time for her or her type. Racisms, sexism and stupidity all wrapped up in a nice little hate package.


I on the other hand find her to be potentially one of the best first ladies we have had because she is gracious, beautiful, strong and intelligent.

[johan helge]

19. But Republicans always hate

- they hated Clinton, they hate Obama, they hated Kennedy ...

[rasputin1952]

21. They hated Eleanor Roosevelt too...

Michelle is in fine company there...:D

Intelligent powerful women, (or men for that matter), scare the RWnuts like there is no tomorrow. Many of the people who make the Right side of the aisle up, never got past the Calvinistic approach to women, they believe them to be subservient to males, and are there only to bring forth new RW'ers, silently and w/o an education. They have a lot in common w/some other religions that find women in a "less than equal" manner.

Michelle is 180 degrees from what the RW "expects", even though they found it fine for Nancy to lead the Gipper around on a leash. I liked Jackie, Ladybird, Betty Ford...and I like Michelle. I believe she really is of Eleanor Roosevelt caliber, and will do some fantastic things from her position. She is an asset; Laura bush was a liability...what a difference in only 2 months!

One other thing, and I'm no fashion guru...but Michelle could even make one of Laura's potato sack outfits look good, even if she had bean cans for shoes...:D

The women I've spoken to would sell their souls for her smile, and even the R's around here admit she is a breath of fresh air.

[Captain Hilts]

26. We haven't gotten the 'she must be a lesbian' rumors yet. All strong women get that one too.

It's very tiring. And insulting to both straights and gays.

[rasputin1952]

28. I think that may come down the pike somewhere in the future...

but even the RWnuts won't buy it.

It is indeed an insult to both straights and gays...AFAIC, a person's sexuality should have nothing to do w/what kind of job they do...or anything else...:hi:

[Jennicut]

94. Edith Wilson actually ran the country for a few months after Wilson had a stroke

I wonder what they think of that? :rofl: Not that it was right or anything, the VP should have take over but it is kind of amusing.

[Captain Hilts]

112. No one wanted Mr. 'what this country needs is a good 5 cent cigar' for prez...

just as no one wanted Wallace or Truman to be prez.

[eridani]

169. Probably true of Nancy Reagan when the Alzheimers started to kick in n/t

[Phoebe Loosinhouse]

22. Think back to the New Yorker cover that got so much attention

Remember that the artist was attempting to satirize the picture of the Obamas that was presented on the campaign trail by their opponents. Michelle was depicted as an angry, militant black woman with an afro in cammies fist bumping her secretly Muslim husband.

Right wing radio pushed that image as hard as they possibly could. They spent hours and hours talking about their attendance at the America hating (to them) church of Rev. Wright. According to them, Obama's extremely marginal and peripheral relationship of serving on a board of a non-profit with Williams Ayers constituted "palling around with terrorists", an image that Sarah Palin also flogged to her "real America". And they blew the "for the first time I'm really proud of America" comment(only they ALWAYS leave out the word "really")totally, gigantically out of proportion and twisted and distorted her meaning. The wing nuts also hinted ferociously that they had an absolutely scandalous tape of Michelle Obama using the word "whitey" in a scurrilous manner. Of course, they never produced the tape since it only existed in their tortured imaginations. These stupid, stupid, caricatures caught on with the dimwitted 27% percent of the nation that Rush, Fox and Hannity appeal to.

Finally, Michelle Obama is in the Hillary Clinton mold of First Ladies - an amazing, accomplished woman in her own right with scholastic and professional successes of her own apart from Barack. I think the right wing prefers the pearl wearing, cookie baking, lurking in far background model as practiced by Laura and Barbara Bush. Good thing that Barack and Michelle have an obviously committed and loving relationship or we would have had a whole subset of character assaulting innuendo on that level.

Michelle Obama is a smart, beautiful, AMAZING woman who I could not be prouder to have as my First Lady.

[JohnnyLib2]

23. Stereotypes are hard to change.

Her presence, and the admirable qualities you describe, are rattling some cages in that sense.

[Captain Hilts]

29. People don't feel comfortable with women who aren't doormats. nt

[rosesaylavee]

30. I'm sure glad I have not run into or read about any of that.

I think I would start smacking people if I did. Depending on the hour or day, I think I like her more than I like her husband ... and I am crazy about him.

Whoever does not like or admire her, put them in the same box as those who did not care for Eleanor Roosevelt. They have other issues going on and are not worth your time to fathom their problems.

[Captain Hilts]

32. They listen to Limbaugh and their parents listened to Father Coughlin. nt

[ejpoeta]

34. i'm going to have to say that it has to do with the fact that she is strong, independent

and speaks her mind... and has her own mind. some people prefer a woman to walk five steps behind her husband and only speak when spoken to and such.... some think women should be home with the babies. when i was in MOPS (mothers of preschoolers) there were a lot of women there who seemed to think that they were subservient to men and that men run the household and the woman's job is to take care of the children and such nonsense. i ended up leaving because i could not support that idea. nor some of the other ideas they seemed to try to push on people.

[PVnRT]

36. She has intelligence and her own opinions

Thus she is evil, just like Hillary was when she was First Lady.

[Captain Hilts]

38. I'm going to add one more factor here. She's big. Physically big. ER had the same 'problem' -

and a lot of men can't handle that. Imagine what it was like being a six foot debutante in 1903. Not easy.

One Republican senator referred to her as "that Amazon." A lot of men just can't take it.

The other thing is not only are they both physically big, they are both seen displaying physical strength. In Mobama's case, it's working out, the buff arms. In Eleanor's case it was being seen on many occasions physically holding up her husband - who was a big guy and top-heavy - no mean feat.

When you look at Mobama and ER you know that if a fight breaks out, they'll get their licks in. A lot of folks just can't stand that.

[SemiCharmedQuark]

43. I think that's true...but they went after Hillary too. I think they just don't like strong women.

"Bitch" being the preferred term.

[Captain Hilts]

48. Yes, that's the primary issue. nt

[Zero T]

39. It all started when she said...

‘For the first time in my adult lifetime, I am really proud of my country’. This might indicate to some that she considers less than significant, things like victory in the Cold War, the passage of the Civil Rights Act of 1991, Ginsburg's elevation to the Supreme Court, putting a man on the moon, the sacrifices of military personnel, and general progress in science, medicine, and technology, and general social progress. This attitude could be seen to some as disrespectful to the accomplishments and sacrifices of Americans over the last 25 years.

I'm not quite sure why nobody in this thread can see this. You all seem think that anyone who is not a Democrat is a racist and a hater, which is simply a convenient way to explain it without actually looking at the facts. It is not about her skin color, it is about her attitude.

[SemiCharmedQuark]

41. And then what? You say "it started" so what else?

[Phoebe Loosinhouse]

44. "It is not about her skin color, it is about her attitude."

You say it STARTED with her statement "For the first time in my adult lifetime, I am really proud of my country". I give you credit for at least retaining the word "really". OK, she made one statement that you personally find disrepectful and indictative of a "bad attitude". So if it started with that, what else did she do to reinforce your image of "disrespect" and bad attitude? What else do you hold against her?

[Bluenorthwest]

46. Well she said 'adult life'

and she's younger than me, and I was a child when we landed on the moon. Michelle was a little kid. The general social progress of which you speak has been weak, and many millions of Americans still face discrimination, legal and open.
And the entire quote was, to my ears, one of the most patriotic things I have ever heard. That quote that upsets you, it made me feel better about this country, as Michelle's up close testimony said to me, yes, we have a democracy, our votes do matter. We really have what we always said we have. Those who heard something sinister are listening with goopy wax filled ears, or in some other way managed to miss the entire point of that quote.

[Captain Hilts]

50. That didn't help her any. But I think a segment of the population would dislike her anyway.

But, yes, that was a stupid thing to say. And she said it a couple of times.

[Raineyb]

72. So what?

Perhaps people should hear how the American experience was for every segment of the population instead of living in the fantasy-land of the great egalitarian mecca which is clearly not the case (for those who keep their eyes open anyway.)

Regards

[Captain Hilts]

90. I agree with that. nt

[firedupdem]

54. I agree with everything she said. Perhaps you need to think of

other people's experiences in this country and you would understand. Recognizing people's personal accomplishments has nothing to do with waving the flag and chanting USA! Her attitude is great. She studied hard, finished school, is a good mother, had a great job and still found time to serve her community. That's what I'm proud of. Look at a few pictures of folks that look like you hanging off trees and think about how proud you would be.

[Captain Hilts]

58. We're not talking about our views, we LIKE her, but this is what some people think and...

base their opinions on.

[firedupdem]

104. The poster I responded to stated his problem rather clearly. Her

attitude and disrespect for the country. You seem to agree with him so I don't know what you're talking about. I also could care less about people that don't like Michelle. That's there issue to deal with. She's who she is, and she has what she has. youbetcha!

[NatBurner]

66. this was just the first convenient excuse

that little misstep hardly warrents the hate thrown her way

some asshole called her the "first bitch"

really?

she could have stood on top of mount rushmore waving two flags singing god bless america, and they would find a way to hate her for that too

i feel like i'm wasting keystrokes trying to explain this to you though, so fuckit

[Raineyb]

71. If you're going to bitch about something Michele Obama said then you should at least get the context

right. Really proud implies a heightened sense of pride not a new feeling toward her country which is what you seem to be trying to imply.

You seem to typify the type of person who demands that every single "accomplishment" be celebrated as though merely managing to stop being completely savage and treating some members of the society (while still mistreating others) is something to celebrate. When society does what it's supposed to do it's really not cause to pat anyone on the back.

BTW, the civil rights act of 1991 merely added the idea of emotional distress, an idea which ought to have been bloody obvious anyway as there were studies back in the Brown v Board of Education days that people used in their arguments to desegregate schools, and limited what a jury could award because God forbid anyone found to be discrimination should actually have to pay an amount that would actually hurt their pocketbook as a deterrent from such asshole behavior in the first place.

While I'm on the subject, the moon landing did not occur during the last 25 years.

You sound like one of those people who seem to be under the impression that black people should be grateful for the pittance of progress that's been made since the '60s and that we should just STFU and not think about how to further improve things. Furthermore, while you wail piteously about the "disrespect" of the sacrifice of people while not even considering the fact that when you have a society that denigrates, belittles, ignores, and downplays the contributions of part of their society that they are in fact forcing that part of the population to sacrifice without even bothering to acknowledge that the sacrifice is being made nor are those who are being asked to make this sacrifice of their basic humanity asked if this is a sacrifice they are willing to make.

The modern Republican do not like strong women. They really despise strong black women because they don't think she "knows her place." There isn't a damn thing wrong with Michelle Obama's attitude. I would say that there are plenty of white people who feel similarly to her. The last 25 years or so haven't exactly been exemplary of what this country can be unless you think greed, mendacity, and selfishness are things to aspire to. If Michelle Obama were white I'm sure they'd find some other reason to hate her but your attitude comment is really rather poorly veiled racist code. When you disagree with someone who is rather like you it's a disagreement. Somehow when it's black women in this country it's about an "attitude." It's bullshit. It may (and frankly I rather doubt it considering the number of racists in the Republican party) not be completely about race but only the blind and the stupid would pretend that it's not about race at all.

Regards

[NatBurner]

86. *starts a slow clap to this^ reply*

kudos

[MrScorpio]

96. Excellent reply

You hit all the points before I did

[firedupdem]

103. Thank You!!!!!!!!!!!! n/t

[Karenina]

107. HAL-LO!

Danke Dir.

[Number23]

133. That's my girl!

:applause: :hug: :applause:

[MadMaddie]

127. If I follow your logic I along with Michelle

should have been proud that the country murdered Martin Luther King, John F.Kennedy and Bobby Kennedy! You want to go back further how about Abe Lincoln. Oh, let's not forget the bombing of the black church that killed 4 little girls, oh and the lynching, sigh....and what else spitting on blacks being integrated into good schools...seriously I could go on.

Just like Michelle I went to school received good grades, went to college and I am still employeed in a very good job. Yes, things have improved but things are not equal for all citizens.(I mean all citizens women, gays, children, singles).

Apparantly, some forget that it is America and there is a such a thing as "Free Speech"!

It seems that some conveniently forget all of the hate during the previous 8 years. The previous admin had no problem calling Americans anti-American and freedom haters.

This is just an excuse for racists to justify their hate. If it's not this excuse than it's another. We will wait for the next one because it is surely coming.

[Number23]

132. Zero, your name is perfect. Because that's obviously how much you understand about black people

When Michelle made her comment, I don't know a single black person that could not relate to her comment on SOME level. Instead of questioning why nobody can understand why Michelle's "attitude" is the reason some don't like her, you need to be trying to figure out why she said what she said and why SOOOO many people of color agreed with her.

It blows my mind that there are people in the world so blind, so un-insightful and so narrow, that they would be SHOCKED that a black woman in the United States could go many, many years without having much pride in this country which has been no fan of black folks or women.

[Drunken Irishman]

136. It started well before then, bud.

[KitchenWitch]

137. ,,,

:popcorn:

Buddylisting for later.

[olegramps]

141. We have been invaded. Zero, very apt.

[playerhater]

148. those things didn't occur in her adult life

so you fail.

[Vektor]

171. Wow, you pulled that dusty, old, irrelevant, misconstrued comment out of the woodwork again?

Hmmm. Interesting.

[Bluenorthwest]

40. I've seen similar freak outs

there are always bigots who froth at the mouth when black women or other minorities gain fresh positions of new power. Always.

Usually the Fist Lady means nothing to me, and I will always ride the President for policy blunders, whomever the Pres might be. But Michelle Obama has my hands down admiration. From the Primary onward, her words and actions have spoken directly to me. She's Eleanor material.

[Peacetrain]

42. There is no explanation beyond jealousy of those people who attack her

They did this with Eleanor, Hillary, I am not sure about Jackie, but certainly Rosalyn..

[Doctor_J]

45. The people who write for/visit/believe Town Hall are very, very sick

Mentally ill - many of them deranged. Were you not around for the Clinton presidency?

[Captain Hilts]

51. I don't know what 'town hall' is. Religious cranks? nt

[Doctor_J]

69. They call themselves "Libertarians",

but they didn't have any problem with Smirk imposing a dictatorship over the last 8 years. They bitch and moan about single moms getting food stamps, but thought it was great that Smirk was terrorizing librarians to get reading lists and internet records from innocent citizens. Like I said - deluded.

[Commie Pinko Dirtbag]

47. The answer has one letter.

D.

[Nicholas D Wolfwood]

49. Because she challenges the caricature of what a strong black woman is.

And does so with unfaltering elegance, I might add.

[Rashel]

59. She's very hard to pigeon hole. She's natural, just herself.

Conservatives say that they despise the left wing "elite", but it seems to me that they don't like how real the Obamas both are.

[slackmaster]

52. I'm not aware of any animosity toward Michelle Obama

Where are you getting your information that such feelings exist?

[AnotherMother4Peace]

53. The Haters are out in force - following the GOP leader's (Rush) edict "I want him to fail"

They're going after the whole first family. They're mean, nasty, ugly, and full of hate.

[yurbud]

56. the right would attack her no matter what she looked like or does consider attacks on Hillary...

and even Chelsea Clinton. The latter is especially telling. Kids aren't political players in their own right, they are just along for the ride with their parents. But that didn't stop Rush Limbaugh from calling her a dog, or McCain from making that joke about Chelsea being the offspring of Hillary & Janet Reno.

They have to make the Democrat in office seem not just wrong but freakish, or at least they think they do.

[Captain Hilts]

60. What they don't know, they'll just make up. nt

[yurbud]

67. yep

[MoonRiver]

61. A combination of jealousy and racism,

which creates so much cognitive dissonance that their pea sized brains are popping like firecrackers. :nuke:

[MiniMe]

74. I'd say jealousy and fear

The wingnuts are afraid of a strong woman.

[MoonRiver]

77. There's that too.

I bet they would have adored Colin Powell's wife, if he had run for and won the presidency.

[Catamount]

166. I couldn't agree with you more!

[Zero T]

62. I simply answered the OP's question.....

based upon reading that I have done. These are not necessarily my views. Is reading comprehension really that poor around here?

[Tarheel_Dem]

84. Your commentary says everything we need to know about you...

"I'm not quite sure why nobody in this thread can see this. You all seem think that anyone who is not a Democrat is a racist and a hater, which is simply a convenient way to explain it without actually looking at the facts. It is not about her skin color, it is about her attitude."

When people are using terms like "ugly black bitch", or trash in the White House", I think reasonable people get the picture. You, however, seem to be an apologist for these kinds of insults.

[olegramps]

146. You have been shot down. Accept it.

The Repuks would latch on to anything, no matter how trivial, to discredit her. The phrase, "for the first time in my life," is a common expression.

[zulchzulu]

63. Skin pigmentation and intelligence with a woman is just too much to take for halfwit Limbots

Shhhh... she's black, yunno...

:crazy:

[karynnj]

64. Because she is not First Lady Cindy McCain and she is black, intelligent and a strong woman

The RW has a incredible sense of entitlement and they do not see President Obama as legitimate - just as they didn't see Clinton as legitimate. They have hated every possible Democratic First Lady in the last two decades.

Some of that is the difference in woman's roles - Nancy Reagan, though influential gazed adoringly on Ronnie, Barbara Bush was as strong (and hard) as you can get - but she looked like a grandmother and did not take independent roles, and Laura Bush did far less than any First lady in my life time. Look at the Democrats in contrast - HRC was from the beginning sold as an equal to Bill, Tipper Gore led a campaign that led to regulation that labeled records, Teresa Kerry runs a major foundation that does a huge amount of work on the environment and women's issues - ranging from women's pensions to women's health, cancer and toxins in the environment, and Michelle Obama, who was her future husband's boss at one point, is a very high powered lawyer. Just as we are more impressed by these women - the right is terrified by them.

[road2000]

79. Good list, but you left one out.

They really hate Elizabeth Edwards.

[karynnj]

83. Because I defined possible First Lady as the wife of a Democratic nominee

and I didn't include Howard Dean's wife or Bill Bradley's wife - but they (and Elizabeth Edwards) fit the same pattern. Dean's wife, a doctor who kept her maiden name, would have been attacked had he won the nomination. Bradley's wife, a college profesor born in Germany would likely have had to deal with the rampant zenophobia that Teresa faced.

The RW didn't target Elizabeth much in 2004 compared to their attacks on Teresa. In 2004, there were few attacks on Elizabeth Edwards by the right while they were running, until she spoke of the cancer returning. Then their reaction was actually pretty mixed - genuine sympathy but a strong view that she needed to be with her small children.

[ericgtr]

65. The Christians are so full of love

Not like those hateful Muslims.

[genna]

153. Where did Christians or Muslims fit into this discussion?

:eyes:

I don't think all Republicans are Christians. I also don't think all atheists belong to the Democratic party.

At some point you might distinguish between the Christians you like, the Obamas,O8) and the Christians you have a problem with, whichever ones refer to Muslims as hateful:evilgrin: (I assume).


If the tussle over who is more religious boiled down to country, the U.S. would still top a lot of other Judeo-Christian nations. I don't know the implications in Islam and other faiths, but our country continues to be a majority of followers of some faith.

[Clio the Leo]

68. Is there really a LOT of hate? Or just small but LOUD hate?

All of the right wingers that I know, the ones who still aren't sure about this Obama guy, where he came from or what he intends to do, all concede that Michelle is a excellent mother, perfect wife, and wonderful First Lady.

And, like me, they all want her arms. :)



And if you'll excuse me, I have to go do some more push ups now.

[Catherine Vincent]

70. Some folks don't like it when certain people prove to be smarter or have more money than themselves.

That's two reasons.

[Beacool]

73. Change the name to Hillary Clinton

and take the "black" part out of it and you would get a similar column. The only difference would be that you wouldn't know if the writer was a right wing hack or a left wing one.

The larger question is why do intelligent, well educated women who have strong opinions intimidate so many and elicit such hatred.

:shrug:

[Captain Hilts]

116. We live in a country that doesn't trust a woman to host a game show, let alone a late night..

talk show or a sunday morning chat show.

[Laura PourMeADrink]

75. My wingnut inlaws hate her (of course him too). This weekend

they said that the two of them are just "playing being president" like playing house. Bottom line, wingnuts hate educated, smart people in general. Women, more so. In the heart of Texas, woman STILL sit in the kitchen and talk about other people and gossip while the men hang out together outside doing snuff and spitting. Never the twain should meet.

What's weird is that the used to despise Hillary for the same reasons - intelligence and action. But then, during the campaign - Rush wanted her to win so they started portaying her as a blue collar "one of them".

It was a horrible weekend. Talking about Obama not spending enough time on business.(ignoring that Bush was always on vacation) About running up the debt. (ignoring Bush's historic debt increases).

It's funny, I had a far easier time dealing with the stupidity when we were not in power than I do now.

[Ilsa]

76. Because she is a very gracious and beautiful, strong, intelligent black woman.

They can't stand it. She is wonderful, and they hate wonderful, successful minorities who are also good parents and spouses. She "has it all" and they hate her for that.

[Mz Pip]

78. Because they lost...

and are bitter about it. Not many gracious losers in that crowd.

Also I think they have this whole "White Priviledge" thing going on. Some who is not white has something they think they are entitled to. Judging by that piece of crap article in Townhall that called Michelle a bitch it rings true. The idiot seemed to imply that Michelle should have been content with her "affirmative action" education and job. How uppity of her to not just be grateful for what she's been given and take even more.

Blonde Cindy should have had the position in their minds.

[Ganja Ninja]

82. 2 words.

She's black.

[Doctor_J]

105. No, they hate(d) Hillary just as much

It must be something else

[Captain Hilts]

113. Yes, they hated Hillary from the get-go. No doubt race is involved here, but there...

are a lot of irrational reasons kooks hate Mobama.

[Tarheel_Dem]

85. I am firmly in the camp of ignore these assholes who are trying to make a

name for themselves by going after the First Family. I can remember that before the Clintons came along, I had never heard of Ann Coulter, Sean Hannity, or Rush Limbaugh. These people owe their successes to the Clintons. How 'bout we ignore these assholes, and don't celebritize them? Afterall, there's fame & fortune in taking on the first black Prez and his family. Just ask the likes of Joe the Plumber.

I'm hoping that Ms. Obama won't feel the need to address this. I would hate to think that she would be helping these asshole's ratings.

[Captain Hilts]

87. Exactly. Ignoring them is the best strategy. nt

[GoldenOldie]

88. The haters are those 5th and 6th grade white kids that tattled on their classmates.....

to make brownie points with the teachers.

The haters are drowning in jealousy of this middle-class black woman, graduate of Harvard Law School, wed to a black man, himself a Harvard Law graduate, who had the audacity to attain the highest office of the land. Michelle worked through difficult odds not only as a black woman fighting the racism within the black community but also the white, ivy leaguers, etc. To top all of this, she dared to wed, function as a working attorney and raise two absolutely beautiful, smart, well mannered daughters. Now as First Lady, she has become a real working partner in her community DC and the US.

Now look at her "Haters," Laura Ingram, Ann Coulter, Rush Limbaugh, Bill O'Reilly, Sean Hannity, etc., etc., etc. Each and every one of them have attained notoriety and fame on the pain and hard work of others. Each one of them seem to have little if any partners or home life. Many of them have failed to complete their educations and only climbed the ladder of success by hanging on to the backs of others. They have been given full access to the mic and they are now tattling/ranting on the American airwaves. These "Haters," once nasty little grade-school tattlers/whiners, are now nasty adults, making millions using their tattling on our air-waves.

[Captain Hilts]

White kids? What about the black kids in her schools that said she "talked 'white'"? nt

[truebluedemz]

89. They hate everybody smarter than they are

Yup.

[Jennicut]

92. They are totally scared of her. Smart, beautiful and likable.

But they did this to Hillary although Hill did try to have more power in the WH then Michelle. I love her and she is an inspiration to me.

[Hepburn]

93. Jealousy, IMO. n/t

[Uzybone]

95. Racism is still out there

I know there are deniers who are saying it'll be the same if it was any number of white first lady democrats but its not. Racism is a big part of it.

I concur with those who say we should generally ignore the most virulent of the kooks. They are dying off anyway. I trust the Secret Service to do their jobs.

[Cha]

97. On the Love side..I was

watching late night tv last night and "Extra" was on and they were interviewing Reese Witherspoon for her new movie with Seth Rogan, "Monsters And Aliens"(Antimated)..in which Reese was saying what an excellent role model Michelle was for the country. Letting us know how Michelle being a mother of young children in the White House and doing everything she does along with planting an Organic Garden on the South Lawn is very inspiring.

We just get to hear so much about the hate on DU but there are a lot of people out there who are thankful that we have the Obamas IN THE WHITE HOUSE:patriot::patriot:

[Cleita]

98. Stupidity.. plain and simple. If you disagree about the hate thrown at

a lovely and elegant lady like her, then you aren't stupid.

[JerseygirlCT]

100. I certainly can't explain it. I think she's wonderful.

What a great role model! I just love her style - strong, smart, outspoken but gracious... She's terrific.

[La Lioness Priyanka]

102. same reason why hillary was maligned when she was just the first lady.

simply because destroying the images of dems is something the republicans do well

[ZombieHorde]

106. Why do people always mention how beautiful they think she is?

I rarely see BO described as handsome.

[Captain Hilts]

111. Women are supposed to be decorative. nt

[playerhater]

149. It's patronizing but for the first time

many Americans who have only been force fed European standards of beauty are now opening their eyes to the beauty of a dark skinned black woman. So I look at it as progress.

[InAbLuEsTaTe]

108. R-A-C-I-S-M

[Burma Jones]

109. Because spewing hate pays well......

[Freddie Stubbs]

110. For the same reason that people hated Laura Bush, Hillary Clinton, Barbara Bush, and Nancy Reagan

Those who hate the President will project that hate toward anyone connected to him.

[Captain Hilts]

115. Yeah, the 'ugly/old-looking' Barbara Bush jokes got very old very quickly. nt

[hugo_from_TN]

128. Exactly - transference

Same goes for kids. The hatred toward the Bush girls here was incredible.

[genna]

155. I did like Laura Bush (I know it's a shock)

She just seemed so fragile. With all those comments about her wardrobe like she was not sophisticated or elegant enough made her seem too vulnerable.

She felt like a simple woman who winded up marrying a rough, black/white morality guy with self esteem issues.

For the first time, I didn't project my feelings about Bush's policies onto him or his wife. I felt sorry for him to have reached such a height of success (won the presidency) only to be incapable of managing all the responsibilities that lay within. Because he was incompetent, his power to shape and alter the minions course was negligible.

I resented the same machine behind Reagan's catapult into power. He was too sick to govern his house. I didn't like Nancy's elitism. I felt good about her defense of her husband.

I thought Bush I was the only Republican in my lifetime who was in charge of himself and his administration. I didn't have a warm feeling for him but didn't dislike him. He was an uppity (loaded term) guy who thankfully kept his personal foibles to himself. I didn't like his wife at all.


In all that, I just disagree with you. I didn't project on each spouse.

I liked Bill until he hit the Jesse Jackson button during the primary. I thought he was manipulative for the greater good until the Lewinsky thing. Now I just rather not deal with his opinions. I don't know if I ever fully embraced HRC. I felt sorry for her through the Lewinsky thing, but felt like she needed to strike out on her own and run for office herself.


I liked Carter, don't remember Rosalyn enough for good/bad feelings. I liked Carter's mother. Billy and Amy Carter were names I heard but I didn't develop a feeling for them either.

[Political Heretic]

114. Never have I had such a serious crush on any public figure. :)

I love her to bits.

[mzteris]

118. she's black AND female -

hits the two areas that old white men fear the most!

[AndrewP]

121. They find something "dark" about her.

[Zavulon]

122. I can actually quote one particular Repug co-worker, but won't.

You wouldn't believe me if I told you what he said.

Suffice it to say that "being intimidated" has nothing to do with it. I honestly don't think that's the case with any of the Michelle-haters I know.

The nicest answer among this group I've heard is this: "I'm just sick and tired of being told how beautiful she supposedly is. She's got a man's face, a mostly male body, isn't even remotely feminine despite her $50000 dresses and looks nothing like the sort of woman I'd call beautiful."

Another hates her because of her "proud for the first time" crack.

Anybody can find a reason to hate any political figure if they try hard enough.

[Vektor]

173. How ironic.

This:

"I'm just sick and tired of being told how beautiful she supposedly is. She's got a man's face, a mostly male body, isn't even remotely feminine despite her $50000 dresses and looks nothing like the sort of woman I'd call beautiful."

Is a dead-on description of Sarah Palin. I couldn't have worded it any better myself, yet the right lauded her as some sort of goddess, which was a joke of epic proportions.

[TheKentuckian]

123. I think your answer is contained in your question

"gracious and beautiful, strong, intelligent black woman"

You know there is a segment that "don't play that".

[donheld]

124. Because she is

To be young, gifted and black,
Oh what a lovely precious dream
To be young, gifted and black,
Open your heart to what I mean

In the whole world you know
There are billion boys and girls
Who are young, gifted and black,
And thats a fact!

Young, gifted and black
We must begin to tell our young
Theres a world waiting for you
This is a quest thats just begun

When you feel really low
Yeah, theres a great truth you should know
When youre young, gifted and black
Your souls intact

Young, gifted and black
How I long to know the truth
There are times when I look back
And I am haunted by my youth

Oh but my joy of today
Is that we can all be proud to say
To be young, gifted and black
Is where its at

[spanone]

126. not from me, i love her.

[Liberal_Stalwart71]

129. You answered your own question. She's BLACK, beautiful and brilliant.

Nothing more to add than that.

[jberryhill]

130. Like you are ten? Okay, but....

Would you like to get in my car and have some candy while I explain why people don't like Michelle Obama?

[Skittles]

131. WHO is trashing her?

I WILL KICK THEIR ASS!!!

[MadBadger]

134. For the First Time, I'm proud of my country

I think that comment fueled a lot of the hate. Most of us here understood what she meant by it, but the haters made her out to be the militant black woman they wanted her to be, and this meme spread just like all the anti-Obama emails did.

[asteroid2003QQ47]

150. If you know what she meant by it, HOW do you know what she meant by it...

any more than the 'haters' did?
As for my interpretation, I saw it as something a 'militant black woman' might say and was proud of her for saying what needed to be said!

[Raineyb]

151. That's not even an accurate quote of the woman.

If you're going to argue why haters dislike something at least make it clear that they're deliberately twisting what she said.

What we have learned over this year is that hope is making a comeback. It is making a comeback. And let me tell you something -- for the first time in my adult lifetime, I am really proud of my country. And not just because Barack has done well, but because I think people are hungry for change. And I have been desperate to see our country moving in that direction and just not feeling so alone in my frustration and disappointment. I've seen people who are hungry to be unified around some basic common issues, and it's made me proud."

Where in that statement does it say that she wasn't proud before. (And even if she wasn't it's not like we've got so much to be proud of in the last 25 years or so) Really proud is a statement of added pride not newly discovered pride. If we're going to discuss the statement could you please do us the favor of getting the statement and the context correct instead of feeding the right winged meme in the first place.

If you want a further analysis feel free to read my earlier post on the subject.

Regards

[MadBadger]

162. She said the quote twice. The first time she didnt say really, the second time she did

[Raineyb]

163. I posted the quote right there. Did you miss the word really? n/t

Regards

[MadBadger]

167. In Milwaukee she left out really, in Madison she included it. The Quote is below

Speaking in Milwaukee, Wisconsin today, would-be First Lady Michelle Obama said, "for the first time in my adult life I am proud of my country because it feels like hope is finally making a comeback."

Then in Madison, she said, "For the first time in my adult lifetime, I'm really proud of my country, and not just because Barack has done well, but because I think people are hungry for change."

http://blogs.abcnews.com/politicalpunch/2008/02/michelle-obam-1.html

[Raineyb]

168. You forgot this

UPDATE: After a confusing interlude where the Obama campaign insisted she'd only made the Madison remark, not the Milwaukee one, this blog post has been corrected.

I have no idea what he corrected but as I don't trust your source I'll stick with mine. What is it that they say? If it's not on video it didn't happen. I heard about the Madison remark; I've heard them replay it. I've heard them deliberately cut out the really. I've heard jack about the Wisconsin one.

Frankly, considering how some people go out of their way to be insulted that someone hasn't completely swallowed the fiction of how this country sees itself, I'm not sure it makes much difference as the "not proud" is merely a bullshit excuse. They wouldn't like Michelle Obama no matter what she said because they think that the First Lady is supposed to be a white woman and they see her as being out of her place. If it weren't that interpretation of her statement(which frankly I don't have a problem with. What the hell did this country do politically in the last 25 years besides follow a reckless ideology of selfishness, mendacity and greed down a black hole of debt and financial ruination? Is that something to be so proud of? I don't think so. Frankly, this country needs to grow up with that exceptionalism bullshit that is rather poorly disguised as "patriotism." We're so patriotic that when we fight a war we don't even bother to ask the populace to make any sacrifice a la WWII. The squatter in the White House tells people to go shopping and very few people bother to question him on it. We're childish about paying taxes when taxes are what one pays for living in a civilized society although I'd forgive them if they realized we're not as civilized as we think we are. Civilized countries don't allow millions of its citizens to be bankrupted by illness, or allowed to die prematurely because they can't afford to pay for treatment. But I digress.) these racist fuckwits would find some other excuse so I see absolutely no reason to pretend that their "gripe" is remotely legitimate. But hey if you're inclined to let them believe they have an actual beef that's on you. But don't expect the rest of us to answer the question of "Why don't they like Michelle Obama" and consider that bullshit excuse a legitimate reason.

Regards

[genna]

156. What if she was militant?

Why do those words inspire such fear: militant black?

What image springs to your mind?

[Norrin Radd]

135. Her kindness, generosity, and good works

remind them of how hateful, selfish, petty, and destructive they themselves are.

[backscatter712]

138. Because she's a strong, assertive and smart black woman.

She intimidates those with small penises.

[NYC_SKP]

139. "Well, Timmy, some people are jealous, they feel insecure and inadequate...

...and some other people are afraid of smart people, and some other people just don't like black people."

"They are mean, they are bullies, they are small-minded."

"And, worst of all, they always try to get other people to think and hate and fear along with them."

[olegramps]

140. You wouldn't want the white trash that hate her to like her.

[genna]

157. Agreed.

I would hate to hear what would be said if it were the other way around.

Instead of the Jon Stewart retirement home visit where the man was talking about her backside and the woman saying it was just too big (did anyone else hear Sir Mix a Lot in the background during that conversation?), imagine Michelle Obama getting those dreaded Halle Berry comments. I'd be sick to my stomach.

I'd prefer them to keep any lustful thoughts to themselves. Better to have them say all that hateful self esteem destroying stuff, then listen to the dominatrix Amazon warrior fantasies.

Let us all be thankful for NOT hearing anyone telling them about a chocolate princess. Imagine them painting Michelle Obama into the corner Palin inhabited. :puke:


Thank God for big and small favors.
Amen.

[genna]

160. UPDATE: Rep. Izza going after Michelle in legislative form

Hey, they should pay the first lady a salary for leaving her career and taking care of the nation's business. Then and only then, should they be able to examine her and her public activities. Along with that, they can write up a detailed list of responsibilities so they know they are performing according to Congress' deepest hopes and dreams.

From the desk of Politico.

-snip-
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.

At the March 10 markup, Issa’s proposal triggered more than 35 minutes of impassioned debate. I’ve linked video of the exchange below, but Democrats clearly seemed to be recoiling at what some viewed as an effort to target Mrs. Obama.
-snip-

http://www.politico.com/blogs/joshgerstein/0309/GOP_transparency_push_seen_as_attack_on_Michelle_O.html

[ColesCountyDem]

143. Her 'three strikes' are...

... that she's a.) beautiful, b.)intelligent and c.) Black.

That's why, in a nut shell.

[Marrah_G]

147. Only hate I have heard is from RW pundits

Everyone else seems to love her.

[WorseBeforeBetter]

152. They'd be bashing Dr. Judith Dean as well, if she were First Lady.

Too earthy. No make-up. Didn't sacrifice her career for her husband or her country. Blah, blah.

And look at how they treated another potential First Lady, Teresa Heinz Kerry. It was appalling.

They don't like strong, intelligent, accomplished women. Period.

[Autumn]

154. Do you remember when Hillary was the First Lady?

That is what they do.

[tabbycat31]

159. because she's a strong woman

and frankly I'm surprised they're not bashing Malia and Sasha already.

[LWolf]

165. Sounds like racist sour grapes to me.

Personally, while I'm not a fan of her husband or a supporter of his administration, I think she makes a great first lady.

[Vektor]

170. "very gracious and beautiful, strong, intelligent black woman" (That's why.)

Petty, jealous, racist assholes are the only people who "hate Michelle Obama."

The very sad truth of the matter is that they actually hate themselves and are projecting their self loathing onto her in a feeble attempt to feel better about their own pathetic lives.

Which is tragic, and I'd almost feel sorry for them if I had the capacity to muster up compassion for stinking, fetid sub-human waste. But I don't. And yes, you're right, they cannot hold a candle to this lady, and they know it.

[cherish44]

172. Main reason is they hate her husband

that's the core of it

[applegrove]

174. Because she has a magnetic personality and a hillarious sense of humour. She

will be a beloved first lady and the GOP is terrified of that. They want to own all narratives. And they attack Obama for his strengths... one of which is Michelle.

[acmavm]

176. NO. There is no explanation. It's just vile and unacceptable.

[bunkerbuster1]

177. Once upon a time, a very good political party became very, very bad.

This party used to be called "radical" and they worked very hard to free the slaves, and to make our nation stronger.

But then it soon became very, very bad and it got much worse as it got older.

Most of the people who belonged to the party became so mean and spiteful that they hated anyone who was better at something that they were.

And that is why they do not like Michelle Obama. They would not like any First Lady who belonged to any party other than their own.

Now go put on your pjs and brush your teeth.

[Fla Dem]

178. Anybody now, in public view who takes potshots at Mrs. Obama might as well

hang a sign around their neck that says "I am a F@#king A-hole. Michele Obama has been nothing but beautiful, elegant, sophisticated, down-to earth and a wonderful role model for all young women. I am proud to have her represent the USA as our "First Lady". If the right wing starts to trash her I think there will be tremendous backlash from all sectors of our nation.