Michelle Obama writes first lady Laura Bush after she defended her 'proud' remark

[sabra]

Source: AP

WASHINGTON - Michelle Obama said she was "touched" that first lady Laura Bush came to her defense after she was harshly criticized by Republicans for saying last February that for the first time in her adult life she was proud of the United States.

Obama, wife of Democratic presidential candidate Barack Obama, later clarified her remarks, saying she had always been proud of her country and was particularly proud to see so many people involved in the political process.

In an interview last week with ABC, Bush said, "I think she probably meant 'I'm more proud,' you know, is what she really meant." She said comments in a campaign are closely watched and can be misconstrued.

Michelle Obama told the women of ABC's "The View" that she sent Bush a note for her remarks.

"It took me a while to write it. It's like, how do I address her?" she said. "I said dear madam first lady."

Read more: http://www.startribune.com/politics/national/president/20405979.html?location_refer=Politically%20Connected

[Tangerine LaBamba]

1. What elegance, style, grace

She's everything we deserve in a First Lady.

[BigDaddy44]

12. which one are you talking about?

Michelle or Laura?

[tom_paine]

14. In this particular case, I'd say both. Not a big fan of Laura, but the truth is the truth.

She behaved well here, better than I thought possible.

Uncle Dick probably gave her one of his through-the-side-of-his-mouth scary talking to's for that.

[Richardo]

2. Credit where it's due department - that was nice of Laura. And also, gracious of Michelle.

Which we knew already. :loveya:

[iamjoy]

3. Thanks, Laura Bush

I mean it, we often don't like her because of her husband and 'cos we think she acts like a Stepford wife. But she showed far more class on this than a lot of other women (Cindy McCain for example). Perhaps her "defense" of Michelle Obama is really insight into why Laura is the way she is - she knows if she did step into public and speak out on politics more, she'd be a target.

[madaboutharry]

4. That is right.

Cindy McCain acted like a bitch "Well, I for one, Have Always Been Proud of My Country" (shakes head and smirks....)

[bunkerbuster1]

6. Seconded.

She done good.

[redqueen]

7. Agreed... this was a very classy move...

I wonder if Cindy will realize her mistake and keep her mouth shut more often.

[yodermon]

20. I read somewhere that she has the highest approval rating of any Republican

public figure, period.

(on edit) hmm maybe not.


via http://thinkprogress.org/2008/01/31/laura-bushs-popularity-drops/

[roguevalley]

27. she showed class. that is to be celebrated, especially since Cindy

is attacking Michelle.

[yardwork]

5. Very gracious of both of them.

Too bad Laura Bush isn't president now.

[LTR]

8. Here's where Laura Bush said that about Obama

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=132x6330471

I called it a very classy move on behalf of the current first lady, and I still believe that.

To be honest, Laura Bush has always stayed above the fray. She isn't a heartless snob like her mother-in-law. She stays out of the way of policy and has positioned herself as the nice person in the administration (which is filled with some rather nasty people). Sure, we may poke fun at some of her actions (like her wardrobe), but overall, there really isn't much to attack her on.

Her daughters have also served well in this role, and quite frankly, it's tough to attack them. Sure, they were a bit rowdy as youngsters, but I was even worse at that age, so I can't really say much.

[bunkerbuster1]

10. At the risk of sounding concern-trollish, I've always been bothered by some of the talk here

particularly the "Xanaxed Zombie Stepford Wife" business.

I know it's just a small group here at DU that get frustrated and resort to such stuff and she's a public figure and all that. But it bears mentioning that I don't think it's really appropriate, particularly given the evidence that, save for an occasional verbal fumble (like saying "nobody suffers more than us" over Iraq war dead), she's not the problem, here.

[Rudyabdul]

9. I've always liked...

Laura Bush. When I first heard her speak I knew that she is very intelligent. The only downside to her, is that she is married to an idiot.

[BigDaddy44]

11. Wow, there's a first

Didn't you know you're supposed to hate her with all your heart and soul in order to be accepted here?

[Rudyabdul]

15. What?

Why should I hate this lady. She hadn't done anything to me. She just has misfortune of being married to a murderer.

[Maine-ah]

23. I think you may have missed the sarcasm in the previous post

welcome to DU :hi:

[Ignis]

26. Yes, because we all march in lockstep here at DU!

I think you took the wrong exit off the Information Superhighway, sir.

[Justitia]

13. I also remember Laura Bush defending Theresa Heinz Kerry on something she said ...

Ugh! I can't remember exactly what it was, but I think the media took something Theresa Heinz Kerry said, made it sound like an insult to Laura, and Laura (very graciously) immediately poo-poo'ed the idea, said "of course that's not what she meant". I thought her reaction was very classy and she seemed very genuine in the moment.

I'm not normally a fan of Laura, but that moment gave her some esteem in my eyes - especially since their husbands were locked in campaign battle when it happened.


I always kinda like seeing the First Ladies and Potential First Ladies gather or come together or defend each other. It smooths the rough edges of politics. That is why the Cindy McCain response to Michelle was so repugnant.

[kskiska]

16. Mrs. Kerry said something about Laura never having worked

and was reminded she once was a schoolteacher (for a short time).

[Imagevision]

17. Michelle, she keeps getting better...(like Barack)

[Pavlovs DiOgie]

18. Sheesh

The article misquotes Michelle AGAIN - saying that Michelle said it was the first time she was proud of the US. We all know she said it was the first time she was 'really proud' - an obvious big difference!

[Triana]

19. I'd say thanks to both of these ladies - both were gracious in this exchange...

..very refreshing! I've got nothing against Laura Bush for the same reasons others mentioned here. She isn't the problem. George is.

[badgerpup]

21. Not a fan of Laura, but I don't hate her.

Gotta say she definitely fitted the title of First Lady on this one...

props for graciousness and courtesy and courage.

She didn't HAVE to say anything...she didn't have a dog in that particular fight.

Yucky metaphor...only other one I could come up with was "It wasn't her ox being gored."

[truthisfreedom]

22. What Laura said was absolutely sweet and kind.

For the first time in my adult life, I'm proud of a bush.

[fbahrami]

24. Question to ladies (or gentlemen) who may fancy George ..

Would you remain married to George? If so, why ("why" really should be capitalized)? Think about it. Why would you remain married to a guy regularly here and elsewhere described as a war criminal (i.e. mass murderer). Grace, style? What would you have to be thinking or believing)?

[Psephos]

25. A question that's equally useful for HRC. n/t