Michelle Obama: On The Campaign Road

Candidate's Spouse Talks Of Support From Oprah, Jokes, And Her Daughters' One Wish At Campaign's End

(CBS)  In Part 2 of The Early Show co-anchor Hannah Storm's interview with Michelle Obama during a visit to Barack Obama's campaign headquarters in Chicago, the wife of the Democratic presidential candidate spoke about her hopes for the campaign, including the influence of one supporter in particular:

"You know, Oprah is Oprah," Michelle said. "So it's pretty phenomenal when someone with the character and power and the success that she has, says to the nation that this is the man I trust. You've gotta be flattered by that."

When asked if Winfrey will join the Obamas on the campaign trail, Michelle said, "Our hope is that she will. I hope she'll be in Iowa and New Hampshire and some of the early states."

As for Michelle, her time on the stump has come with a steep learning curve, such as jokes about her husband's domestic skills.

"Something you have backed away from a little bit are jokes about your husband," Storm said. "You've talked about him not putting the bread away or putting his socks in the hamper. Those are sort of removed from your speeches. Why?"

"Because if it distracts from the broader point, then who cares? OK, so you didn't get my joke, right. Essentially what I'm trying to say to folks is, we can't deify our leaders. They're humans. They're people."

"After hearing your remarks, Maureen Down wrote in The New York Times that some people were worried that your chiding was emasculating, casting your husband, she said, as 'an undisciplined child.'"

"Well, you know, she doesn't know me. She doesn't know Barack. I can't even give that any attention," Michelle said. "She doesn't know what she's talking about when it comes to what's going on in our household.

"Look, Barack Obama is someone who can laugh at himself. And he's also somebody who can hear criticism, not just from me but the other people around him. He's the kind of leader who will actually listen to what people say. He doesn't hold onto points because he has to be 'right.' I mean, we're in a war because of that kind of leadership. What I'm trying to say to you is, Barack is human."

"And the notion that has followed you for years, and something that you've had to deal with is, 'Is Obama black enough?'"

"Oh, yeah …"

"How frustrating is that for you?" Storm asked.

"You know, it's not frustrating for us personally, but as I said before, it's a distraction. I want to get to the point where we can talk about the black community and our struggles and our challenges and how do we ensure that all our children, whether they're black or brown or green enough or red enough, how are we ensuring that they're going to grow up and be successful and have opportunities?"

In order to give more attention to the campaign and her girls, Michelle has cut back her workload with the University of Chicago Medical Center to 20 percent. Her mother, recently retired, is also helping to take care of the kids.

Michelle clearly understands what is at stake running for president, but her daughters have a simpler perspective.

"The big payoff, I understand, for your daughters, is they're going to hold your feet to the fire when this is all over: They're going to get a dog," Storm said.

"Oh gosh, we talk about a dog every day. Every day, every opportunity. They're looking forward to this being over no matter what. In fact, they might be OK with a loss because it means, now, we can get the dog! OK, dad, get over it and let's go to the pound!"


For Part 1 of this interview click here.

[m7201957]

It''s time to shut-up! And listen to what Michelle,is really saying. Because this particular lady,will one day be our First-Lady. Now with all jokes aside. Don''t you now!... Want to hear what Michelle is saying to everyone!... (Please visit this website:http://www.mypowermall.com/biz/home/608!...)

[jjbrock2]

She is a very smart and beautiful woman.

[blkgrl-2009]

I always find it interesting when Black women do not make white women (people) comfortable there''s this notion that Black women need "relax" and "stop taking themselves so seriously." Funny. Michelle Obama doesn''t need to relax, she''s being herself and is not performing for white people. White people often times have a hard time with Black women who don''t care about them and what they think because you are often so accustomed to Black women caring. Michelle is smart, beautiful and has a lot on the ball. And, why do you have to resort to petty insults, about her aesthetics--her dress, pearls, or looking like Condi. So very silly, please grow up and stop hating on Michelle cause you ain''t her!!!

[iceman_1960]

Is screen_name_ still around ?

screen_name_ has been shutting down Comments sections by posting one inane pro-war message hundreds of times in succession. This is Internet Vandalism, a felony punishable under law.

I''ll give CBS the benefit of the doubt until next week.

If the Nazi tactics of screen_name_ are allowed to persist into next week, then I''ll will be outa here.

I would be willing to do the work, pro bono, of altering the software here to detect and stop repetitive posting like that.

I would do that for free.

[ramos937]

Although I am for Gov. Richardson, I say this about Mrs. Obama. She is pretty, very smart, takes nothing bad from anybody (Rush be careful here) and would be a wonderful credit to the Office of First Lady should her husband be elected. She is an tremendous asset to her husband. I miss her little jokes about him however.

[Misterdemanian]

I am so sick of reading about Obama''s wife that I can puke. Enough of this woman!!! She is not running, her "magic negro" husband is.

[tylenol6]

Hey people......Start writing your idiots in congress
and senators again. Looks like the idiots in congress are attempting to add provisions of a failed immigration
mixed in with other peices of legislation. Ms. Diane
(ISRAEL FIRST) Feinstein is also expected to attach an
amnesty bill to the defense bill......SO START EMAILING
AND CALLING YOUR COMPLETE IDIOTS IN CONGRESS....