Jimmy Fallon takes on Michelle Obama in potato sack race

By: Leigh Ann Caldwell
Topics: Domestic Issues

First lady Michelle Obama's "Let's Move Initiative" challenge might not be the next Olympic sport, but it was the latest duel between the first lady and "Late Night" television host Jimmy Fallon. And let's face it, no competition is complete with out a potato sack race.

At the White House, Mrs. Obama challenged Fallon to five physical challenges, which began only after Fallon changed from his royal blue spandex unitard into more presentable - and less form fitting - attire.

With "Eye of the Tiger" playing in the background, the first lady handily won the push-up and dodge ball challenge. But Fallon dominated tug-of-war and hula hooping.

The tie-breaker came down to an intense potato sack race. The nail-bitter ended with a Mrs. Obama victory after Fallon took a nose dive.

Although playing dodge ball inside the White House would be a thrill for most, Fallon and the first lady sought to raise awareness for her "Let's Move Initiative" for children health.

After the race was complete and Mrs. Obama was determined the winner through a not-so-complicated scoring mechanism of pencil, paper and check-marks, Fallon said in defeat, "The most important thing for the kids to learn is that it's all about being active and having fun. It doesn't matter if you won or lost."

"It matters," Mrs. Obama responded wearing a gold medal around her neck.

The first lady is on a media tour to promote her "Let's Move" initiative. On "The Ellen DeGeneres Show," last week, both women dropped to the floor for a round of push-ups.

Leigh Ann Caldwell
Leigh Ann Caldwell is a political reporter for CBSNews.com.
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by Facts_Matter February 9, 2012 7:43 PM EST: Michelle Obama is, like Hillary Clinton, a leader and a force in her own right. She is taking on a very specific and very serious problem. She has done the research to determine the best way for her to use her position to take this issue on. She is focused and she is effective.

and that is why the GOP hates her, same as Hilary. they just use the racist hatred card to draw more supporters in against Obama and his lovely wife.; Reply to this comment

by Journey12 February 8, 2012 5:28 PM EST

Michelle brings such a great spirit of enthusiasm and energy to the serious concern of childhood obesity. I wish that she was around to do this 20 years ago before the problem became the cancer it is today in society.

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by Facts_Matter February 9, 2012 7:22 PM EST: yes!


by bundye February 8, 2012 2:52 PM EST: What a crock!; Reply to this comment


by bree1345 February 8, 2012 1:01 PM EST: Go for it Michelle - at least she is trying to do something good. I think she has done a fine job in helping younger children understand the act of eating properly and exercising - note she does the exercising right along with them. Gets the word out any way she can. How many other lst ladies have tried to do something good for the children that are our future? How many of you complainers are over-weight? Next you all are going to be on her for helping the families of veterans. What kind of americans are some of us turning into.; Reply to this comment


by Jesus_Loves_Children February 8, 2012 12:14 PM EST: Bravo Michelle and Jimmy!; Reply to this comment

by kimberlytu February 8, 2012 11:58 AM EST

Here goes......I am not a Michelle and Barack fan by any stretch of the imagination. But, getting children and adults to think about health and what they eat is a good thing. Obamacare is a bad thing. Czars that are appointed during a Congressional recess is a bad thing. Taking our country down the European Socialist route is a bad thing. Electing a President who should never had been elected in the first place, is a bad thing. Afterall, he really was never vetted at all as other candidates are. He still gets a very big pass from the media who protect him all the way. It is too bad that some people are such idealogues that they are willing to let our country make a "fundamental change" for the worse because they can not admit that it is wrong. I am so disheartened.

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by truthzone3 February 8, 2012 12:39 PM EST: So in your mind, a President who is overwhelmingly elected by a majority of americans, (by 10 million people more than McCain), "should never have been elected in the first place?" Seriously? This is why so many people think Republicans are insane. I would suggest you study up on american history and learn how our electoral process works.


by DWileyOne February 8, 2012 1:38 PM EST: Obama was vetted like no one else before him ... as a matter of fact, there has NEVER been a question of birth credentials in any presidential election EVER ... until an African American had the temerity to run. Further, people were questioning his university grades!! Nice try, kimberlytu. Also regarding the press giving him a "pass" that doesn't fly either ... they hound him just like any other president, looking for an error or mis-statement so they can grab the scoop headline. Gimme a break ... this was a nice article on the First Lady trying to promote a healthy generation of kids. Stop trying to politicize it.

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by Proj-Coord February 8, 2012 11:53 AM EST: That's the Strong Black Woman they should be talking about. Not the angry one. I have never met an angry black woman yet. I have however met a lot many of them struggling with the daily challenges of life. Maybe that's what folks who don't understand misinterpret. Do what you do Mrs FirstLady. We got your back. Big O and little ones are watching and proud too.; Reply to this comment