First Lady Michelle Obama’s approval rating is higher than the President’s. But one thing I love about her is that she doesn’t seem to live her life based on the approval of others. When the press made a big deal about her bare arms, she continued to display her chiseled biceps in a fitness and fashion statement. She wears what she wants, dances how she likes, and promotes issues that matter to her.
Approve or disapprove, the First Lady of the United States is her own woman. Which is all the more reason why I applaud her refusal to be disrespectfully interrupted at a fundraising event.
The Washington Post reports:
“Obama was addressing a Democratic Party fundraiser in a private Kalorama home in Northwest Washington when Ellen Sturtz, 56, a lesbian activist interrupted her remarks to demand that President Obama sign an anti-discrimination executive order. Mrs. Obama showed her displeasure – pausing to confront Sturtz eye to eye, according to witnesses.”
“One of the things that I don’t do well is this,” she said to applause from most of the guests, according to a White House transcript. “Do you understand?” A pool report from a reporter in the room said Mrs. Obama “left the lectern and moved over to the protester.” The pool report quoted Mrs. Obama as saying: “Listen to me or you can take the mic, but I’m leaving. You all decide. You have one choice.”
After the exchange, Mrs. Obama was the last woman standing, while the protestor was escorted from the home.
I’m sure FLOTUS will be criticized for her stance, maybe even labeled “angry,” again. But I applaud her, and can’t wait to share her response with my daughter as another example of a woman –a brilliant, beautiful black woman –standing up for herself and teaching people how to treat her.
Read more here.
BMWK family, What do you think of Mrs. Obama’s response to the protestor?