The US government is playing up Michelle Obama’s substance and style as America’s new first lady.
On Tuesday the Obamas opened a new era in American history when they became the first black American family to occupy the White House, after Barack Obama was sworn in as the 44th President of the United States.
The US government said that the first lady and President Obama are “in a partnership widely expected to transform the public face America presents to the world”.
Accordingly, Michelle Obama “will assume a new role that offers exciting opportunities and challenges,” the government wrote on its website America.gov.
Highlighting the positive contributions which she is expected to make, the government added: “As first lady, Michelle Obama will represent her country when travelling overseas, and she will preside as hostess at White House state dinners and other important functions. In addition, she likely will continue meeting with citizens across the United States, much as she did during the 2008 presidential campaign.
“Even though the economic recession might seem to dictate a subdued approach to the inaugural festivities, the historic nature of the Obamas’ debut as the first African-American president and first lady of the United States virtually guarantees an intensely joyful celebration.”
Metro Éireann’s American columnist Charles Laffiteau, who was in Washington DC for the inauguration, says the first lady is the subject of much attention in the wake of her husband’s historic presidential election victory.
“In fact the news media and the general public have basically elevated Michelle Obama to the status of ideal female role model and fashion style leader for women,” commented Laffiteau. “There are several factors at work here which help explain why this is happening just as Michelle Obama prepares to move into the White House.”
He continued: “Unlike America’s more recent first ladies, Michelle Obama also brings youth and glamour back to the White House for the first time since Jackie Kennedy did so almost half a century ago.”
Laffiteau also expressed his belief that Michelle Obama “is a very capable and intelligent woman who appears to have done a very good job bringing up two young daughters. I also think she will be a fine first lady for America and a good role model for other women in the US as well as in other countries.
“As for Michelle being a fashion diva, well let’s just say that I don’t really understand why American women appear to simply regard her as such… By focusing so much attention on Michelle Obama’s style and substance, one risks losing sight of what other women have to offer.”
Next week Charles Laffiteau gives an exclusive account of President Obama’s inauguration in Washington DC
