Michelle Obama Retools "I'm Proud" Remark

Wife Of Democratic Hopeful Says Remarks Referred To Political Process

(AP)  The wife of Democratic presidential contender Barack Obama sought Wednesday to clarify her comment that for the first time she's really proud of her country.

On Monday, Michelle Obama told an audience in Milwaukee that "For the first time in my adult life, I am really proud of my country. Not just because Barack is doing well, but I think people are hungry for change." Cindy McCain, wife of Republican presidential contender John McCain, later sought to capitalize on the remark, saying "I have, and always will be, proud of my country."

Asked by WJAR-TV if she would like to clarify her comment, Obama replied that she has been struck by the number of people going to rallies and watching debates, as well as record voter turnouts.

"What I was clearly talking about was that I'm proud in how Americans are engaging in the political process," she said.

"For the first time in my lifetime, I'm seeing people rolling up their sleeves in a way that I haven't seen and really trying to figure this out - and that's the source of pride that I was talking about," she added.

When asked if she had always been proud of her country, she replied "absolutely" and said she and her husband would not be where they are now if not for the opportunities of America.

Obama himself gave a similar explanation during an interview Tuesday with WOAI radio in San Antonio, Texas. Expressing frustration that his wife's remarks had been taken out of context and turned into political fodder, the Illinois senator said, "What she meant was, this is the first time that she's been proud of the politics of America, because she's pretty cynical about the political process, and with good reason, and she's not alone. But she has seen large numbers of people get involved in the process, and she's encouraged."

Michelle Obama was campaigning in Rhode Island two weeks before the state's March 4 primary. She planned a rally later with her brother, Craig Robinson, the coach of the Brown University men's basketball team.

[notopennshut]

Desperation is in the air when your opponents pick on every work to try and make a big deal of it. I hope that Obama campaign will remain positive and not veer towards the "gutter-level" that both the other candidates are resorting to. We are a better people and country and that is why we see and hope for a more positive and better future than to resort to the same old politics that has only benefitted those who have spent almost all their lives in Washington. And you know who those people are!

[hypnotoad72]

Given her remarks seemed condescending; "You are voting for my hubby so that''s why I feel proud" is one of very few interpretations of her original comment.

There''s plenty in the past to be proud of.

There''s plenty to be ashamed of.

If Obama is a phony, then it''s because he''s like every other politician - only a few years younger. Shock jocks who decried Ms. Obama conveniently forget what politicians, since the dawn of time, tend to say.

[fibonacci_]

Oh jeez. Republicans and their blind jingoism.

[hypnotoad72]

Given her remarks seemed condescending; "You are voting for my hubby so that''s why I feel proud" is one of very few interpretations of her original comment.

There''s plenty in the past to be proud of.

There''s plenty to be ashamed of.

If Obama is a phony, then it''s because he''s like every other politician - only a few years younger. Shock jocks who decried Ms. Obama conveniently forget what politicians, since the dawn of time, tend to say.

[bdrlnt4rl]

there was nothing wrong with her comment. it is taken out of context. she is excited and feels a different type of excitement and pride. this election year is full of firsts and she is part of it.

she should be proud of her country. before now, a black man, a woman and a mormon would have never been concidered for pres. something to be proud of, especially going this far in the elections.

it shows the prejudices are lessening, and i am sure feels pride because of it.

[hypnotoad72]

bdrlnt4rl - yours is the response that makes sense. Thank you.

Perhaps Mrs. Obama got caught up in the moment or misspoke. I''m not a big fan of Pres. Bush and the past 8 yrs either, but an Ivy League law school grad who''s husband is running for President should know better than to say she''s never been proud of her country before as an adult, at her age and with our country''s history. It also plays into a previous remark she made about her husband, being black, could be shot pumping gas, while he''s also a millionaire, Ivy Leage law school grad. So yes, maybe she didn''t think out her words clearly, or maybe she''s promoting racial divisiveness in an attempt to get more votes based on the fears of years ago of African-Americans along with any whites that feel guilt over their historically pathetic treatment of African-Americans. Hillary, or any other candidate for either party or their spouses would get taken to the cleaners for such a remark.

[sgtrds]

For John McCain to take her words out of their obvious context and meaning and to mock her for them is a cheap-shot of the lowest order. It does show that he is no longer an officer or a gentleman. Shame on you John.

[ccjenkins3]

Is this the kind of First Lady we really want? All that Princeton and Harvard education and no common sense!

[rowdytexan2]

Bull *****! She meant it exactly the same way she said it!!

Retool it all you want to, it comes out the same way!

You are not fit to serve in our White House as first lady.

[spinster2]

There is one very interesting aspect that we''''re starting to see since Maryland which is the more votes Obama picks up, the less votes the republican candidates get in proportion.

Even though Hillary got trounced in Maryland and again in Wisconson, she still got enough votes to defeat McCain and Huckabee combined.

This has only recently became the case and if I didn''''t know better, I would say that republicans are crossing over and voting against Clinton. It''''s certainly what the numvers would suggest.

[user168-2009]

The dramatically Increased youth turnout on Super Tuesday is an obvious sign - "for the first time" - many youths are proud to take part for change. These intelligent, passionate, and brave young adults are giving their very concern, love, and support to a true leader who will lead them to better serve their country and the world - "for the first time":


"Our chief want is someone who will inspire us to be what we know we could be."
_____________________________________________________

[poopusbuttus]

God...can you imagine this hymie being the first lady? HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA

[Syndicate]

Her remarks were offensive. You have to say what you mean. I think its odd that her remarks didn''t raise a red flag in her head as soon as she said them. I guess most people don''t think about what they are saying or don''t consider that thier remarks travel beyond the intended audience and often loose their context. I would agree with her. She has every rite to be proud of what they have done. It just sounded bad really bad. I hope she pays more attention to what she says in the future. She should abandon some of the anger she carries. And weren''t those black snipers shooting white people at the gas pump.So maybe she should loose the racist stereo types too.

[poopusbuttus]

People do not like the Clintons, so they are voting for a person with no experience all emotion.

It''''s amazing!


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Posted by easeltine


What''s going to be amazing is how bad McCain blasts Obama in the election (that''s assuming that Obama Bin Laden Osama HUSSEIN) is the nominee....

[samthetvcat]

Stop the presses - news is breaking that John McCain had an affair with a strategist/lobbyist on his private plane during the ''08 campaign and that she got favors in return.

[alburbooks]

This is a beautiful history about old politicians...
http://www.nytimes.com/2
008/02/21/us/politics/21mccain.html?page
wanted=4&hp

[bdrlnt4rl]

there was nothing wrong with her comment. it is taken out of context. she is excited and feels a different type of excitement and pride. this election year is full of firsts and she is part of it.

she should be proud of her country. before now, a black man, a woman and a mormon would have never been concidered for pres. something to be proud of, especially going this far in the elections.

it shows the prejudices are lessening, and i am sure feels pride because of it.

[samthetvcat]

oops - forgot to add a point to my last comment (lol)

My two-fold argument about why Republicans pursue the attacks against Michelle Obama''s patriotism at their peril:

1. It makes Repblicans look like the party of hypocrisy in light of his skeevy favors-for-*** affair, and

2. It brings up the issue of ''two-Americas'' - the brewery heiress versus the inner-city scrapper, the elitist military-industrial complex getting rich off the backs of the working man versus the the populist who triumphed over her circumstances and who is not going to rest until she''s given voice to everybody else that the elites have overlooked.

I feel really sorry for Mrs. McCain tonight though, which is why I don''t want to elaborate on #2 tonight. I also finally get why Huckabee has been staying in the race - the affair disclosure had to have come from his camp . . .

[d33pthroat1]

This is pathetic. People are picking up every word that comes out of the Obamas and using them against them.

First, Hillary accused him of plagiarizing. Now, Cindy McCain is somehow insinuating that Michelle Obama (MO) is anti-US. Just because MO used the phrase "For the first time in my life" when she said she is proud of her country?

Ridiculous! Come on folks, she was just trying to say she is really proud of this country like she has never been before. May be she mis-spoke a little.

To pick on phrases and twist them to excoriate the Obamas is mind-boggling!

Then there is the case of Clintons using ridiculous technicalities to stay in the race. First their campaign people voted to exclude delegates from Florida and Michigan. Now they want them back in!

I tells ya. I agree that Obama is mostly words but he is doing it without pulling down others. He is winning people fair and square.

And, if he can move people enough to join him (with or without emotions), shouldnt the people''s will prevail? Isn''t that what democracy is all about?
Let the guy do his thing.

And, to you I ask this question: "Would you hire an honest person or an experienced person?"

[nottellin1]

I hope that Obama campaign will remain positive and not veer towards the "gutter-level" that both the other candidates are resorting to.
Posted by notopennshut at 07:00 PM : Feb 20, 2008

Too late.
The backpedaling, explaining, and excuses have started from the Obamas and this is only the beginning. I don''t buy that the country hasn''t before been involved and patriotic in her lifetime, unless she is 12.

[taotxzen]

(cont)

Mr. McCain promised, for example, never to fly directly from Washington to Phoenix, his hometown, to avoid the impression of self-interest because he sponsored a law that opened the route nearly a decade ago. But like other lawmakers, he often flew on the corporate jets of business executives seeking his support, including the media moguls Rupert Murdoch, Michael R. Bloomberg and Lowell W. Paxson, Ms. Iseman%u2019s client. (Last year he voted to end the practice.)

Mr. McCain helped found a nonprofit group to promote his personal battle for tighter campaign finance rules. But he later resigned as its chairman after news reports disclosed that the group was tapping the same kinds of unlimited corporate contributions he opposed, including those from companies seeking his favor. He has criticized the cozy ties between lawmakers and lobbyists, but is relying on corporate lobbyists to donate their time running his presidential race and recently hired a lobbyist to run his Senate office.

New York Times

[urbaqua]

**For the first time in my adult lifetime, I am really proud of my country. And not just because Barack has done well, but because I think people are hungry for change." - Michelle Obama **

It is obvious the posters of the negative Michelle Obama comments are caucasian. I am an African -American female and I agree with her statement. I guess you are saying she should be grateful for the token benefits bestowed upon on her by white America and how dare she voice otherwise.

I guess as a proud American AND PROUD OF YOUR COUNTRY, you are proud of the way your ancestors stole the land from native Americans.

Proud of a country for building the life that you are so proud of on the backs of slaves.

Proud of OUR COUNTRY and the many years it practiced segregation.

Proud of OUR COUNTRY for the way the it has used Mexican immigrants for cheap labor and now you would like them all deported because they are the reason you can''t get a job that pays decent a wage.

I am REALLY proud that our country can vote for a female and an African-American because they are no longer driven by the voice of fear but the voice of change.

What about you?

[taotxzen]

(cont)

Mr. McCain, 71, and the lobbyist, Vicki Iseman, 40, both say they never had a romantic relationship. But to his advisers, even the appearance of a close bond with a lobbyist whose clients often had business before the Senate committee Mr. McCain led threatened the story of redemption and rectitude that defined his political identity.

It had been just a decade since an official favor for a friend with regulatory problems had nearly ended Mr. McCain%u2019s political career by ensnaring him in the Keating Five scandal. In the years that followed, he reinvented himself as the scourge of special interests, a crusader for stricter ethics and campaign finance rules, a man of honor chastened by a brush with shame.

But the concerns about Mr. McCain%u2019s relationship with Ms. Iseman underscored an enduring paradox of his post-Keating career. Even as he has vowed to hold himself to the highest ethical standards, his confidence in his own integrity has sometimes seemed to blind him to potentially embarrassing conflicts of interest.

(cont)

[taotxzen]

You want a scandal, here is a scandal:

For McCain, Self-Confidence on Ethics Poses Its Own Risk

By JIM RUTENBERG, MARILYN W. THOMPSON, DAVID D. KIRKPATRICK and STEPHEN LABATON

WASHINGTON %u2014 Early in Senator John McCain%u2019s first run for the White House eight years ago, waves of anxiety swept through his small circle of advisers.

A female lobbyist had been turning up with him at fund-raisers, visiting his offices and accompanying him on a client%u2019s corporate jet. Convinced the relationship had become romantic, some of his top advisers intervened to protect the candidate from himself %u2014 instructing staff members to block the woman%u2019s access, privately warning her away and repeatedly confronting him, several people involved in the campaign said on the condition of anonymity.

When news organizations reported that Mr. McCain had written letters to government regulators on behalf of the lobbyist%u2019s client, the former campaign associates said, some aides feared for a time that attention would fall on her involvement.

(cont)

[l8c6]

I find it amazing how "The Media" can take comments by Michelle Obama, and Cindy McCain and "Spin" them to make a story. ...or is it because they are so into Hillary and want to see Hillary start winning again that they are making this into a story?
Hey, anything to get publicity and suckers like myself to write about it.

Posted by easeltine

Nope you are blinded by your bias in favor of Obama. The right wing wanted Hillary out of the way and it looks like they are succeeding. An independent voter on here wrote that this is the order he would vote, Obama then McCain. If Hillary got the nomination the independent voter said he''d vote for McCain...hmmm, I think that independent voter will be voting for McCain regardless. The right is slick. When they called Clinton slick Willy...ha, ain''t no group slicker and trickier than the ruthless totalitarian right wing. The devil has been winning again. If they get the executive office this time around or not, the right will come out on top once again. The people have been duped again.

[ndjam]

VOTE CLINTON. The Obamas are fake, and they are great liars. Hillary for President. Vote for Hillary Clinton everyone!!!

[notbuynit]

She''s not the only one...Can''t say I know many people who are proud of America lately, and especially not the the last 7 years! America has been asleep for a long time. It''s about time we all woke up and realized what a world of *** we are in! Our system and the people that run it Suck! Up until 1990 or so I did not know what a democrat or republican was. When I figured it out, I was not happy. The first time I saw President GHWB in front of the congress I was amazed at what theatrical *** the whole thing was! It''s been nothing but garbage since then. I think its great that there is finally a candidate that can take on these morons, all of em. It''s great to see them all pissed off and scared to death of the guy that''s going to wipe the floor with them all.

Just wait till the veep is a republican.

[rfcrtl]

We CANNOT have Barack Obama leading the free world. He would NEVER beat McCain anyways!

http://youtube.com/watch?v=P
zFOOcEQtP0

http://youtube.com/watch?v
=NgXPVmlXKQI

http://youtube.com/watch
?v=RmLfE30-kZw

[l8c6]

What about you?


Posted by URBAQUA


Do you really want to know the answer that some might have? Some would say that many black people routinely practice a tremendous amount of racism and are grossly unaccountable for it always referring to the injustices you cite as the excuse for that which they refuse to acknowledge is clear racism.

That which they refuse to acknowledge? Well, the fact that not long ago the black community was abuzz with Bill Clinton being the first black president. A day and a night later, the Clinton''s are being viewed in the same light by the so called left in a manner the right wing has held to them which is contempt.

It''s indicative this country is in desperate need of maybe not just a third party but maybe a forth. It would appear the republican party needs to split and the democratic party needs to split. The pendulum is making the country terribly dysfunctional as it swings back and forth on these polarities compromising progress for everyday working people.

The system is not working for the majority of the citizens it was intended to represent. A wealthy affluent global elite are not concerned in the least. Their children and grandchildren may care a great deal as the social parasites really do need a functioning populace. The Saudi elite are maintained by a western world, not by their downtrodden masses.

[ndjam]

notbuynit, she said that THIS is the 1st time in her life that she was proud of the U.S. She didnt say that it was the first time in 7 years that she was proud of her country. What are you talking about? Are You kidding us here. VOTE CLINTON and stop kidding yourself.

[sgtrds]

Cindy McCain, wife of Republican presidential contender John McCain, later sought to capitalize on the remark, saying "I have, and always will be, proud of my country."

Cheap shot from an obvious bit*ch.

[erasmus6]

"there was nothing wrong with her comment. it is taken out of context. she is excited and feels a different type of excitement and pride. this election year is full of firsts and she is part of it." posted by bdrInt5rl

Yeah, yeah, yeah, whatever!

VOTE for HILLARY!

Note to Michelle:
Don''t worry about - there will always be those who go through their day seeking out a reason to take offense. The best example are those who live on the other side of the world and wear rags on their heads.
And never forget that "manners" were originally invented by Kings and Queens as a device to manipulate, control, and hang on to power with...

[pilgrimsway-2009]

If there was a secret radical Muslim in the white house as president what would He do? Would He make it easy for terrorists to get into this country to over through this country? Would He make the laws lax for any of His kind? Would He hang out with those who supported tyranny? Would He impose martial law? Could He start unjust wars for His hidden ideology? Could His decisions change the course for America? Believe me when I say there are no one with hidden agenda%u2019s in this world! If there was a secret radical Muslim in the white house as president what would He do?

[kesac4650]

She said the same thing again. She was never proud of America until she had a shot at filling Hillary''s shoes.

[jason101other]

I find it extremely disappointing that the Obamas think that they are so great that they represent the "change" that America needs. They are not saviours. It is very presumptuous and arrogant. The people of America make America great, not one person.

[skyk-2009]

I find it extremely disappointing that the Obamas think that they are so great that they represent the "change" that America needs. They are not saviours. It is very presumptuous and arrogant. The people of America make America great, not one person.


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Posted by jason101othe at 09:26 PM : Feb 20, 2008
+ report abuse

You sound like someone who is trying to find a wedge issue here? Now we KNOW the Republican''s can''t govern, they''ve proved that beyond a doubt and it now seems like Obama is going to be the man. Why trash up the area with this garbage?

[donbl1]

She whole heartedly meant what she said the first time.

Now, she is just being a politician.

[skyk-2009]

If there was a secret radical Muslim in the white house as president what would He do? Would He make it easy for terrorists to get into this country to over through this country? Would He make the laws lax for any of His kind? Would He hang out with those who supported tyranny? Would He impose martial law? Could He start unjust wars for His hidden ideology? Could His decisions change the course for America? Believe me when I say there are no one with hidden agenda%u2019s in this world! If there was a secret radical Muslim in the white house as president what would He do?


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Posted by pilgrimsway at 09:22 PM : Feb 20, 2008
+ report abuse

YOU are in serious need of help Sparky!! ROFLMAO

[mcvet]

She said the same thing again. She was never proud of America until she had a shot at filling Hillary''''s shoes.


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Posted by kesac4650 at 09:23 PM : Feb 20, 2008
+ report abuse

Heaven knows we want you Nazi''s to do your best in this election since it will probably be 30 - 40 years before you can again fool a generation of American''s to trust you. I really do think you need to find a little better than this though...concidering the complete and absolute failure of the Party and your fuhrer over the last 7 years. Hang in there though I''m sure you freaks will find some really ugly stuff to sling before it''s over! Sieg Heil Bush!!

[kstar42]

The slamming is just beginning! And I''m loving it! Go Hillary!

[mcvet]

SgtRDS, we know if a total di*ck like YOU doesn''''t like Cindy McCain, she has GOT to be great.
Thanks for showing us all again what a total moron and shi*t for brains you are.


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Posted by michaelt302 at 09:34 PM : Feb 20, 2008
+ report abuse

Whoa! Great endorsement from a Bootlicker of George Bush!! You know swastika breath ANYONE who has been a supporter of the ONLY American Fascist Leader has NO room to say things about any REAL American. Sieg Heil Y''all.

[tes312]

I''m a female amry veteran and I would be honored to have Barack and Michelle Obama as president and first lady. I find it funny that a few folks find her arrogant when I find her candor quite refreshing. She''s proud of America and I''m proud of her.

[sgtrds]

there was nothing wrong with her comment. it is taken out of context. she is excited and feels a different type of excitement and pride. this election year is full of firsts and she is part of it.

Posted by bdrlnt4rl at 08:15 PM : Feb 20, 2008

Absolutely 100% correct. This is the cheapest of cheap shots and much ado about not a da*mn thing. If this is the best the McCain folks have got then they''re beyond pathetic. As pathetic as anyone who intentionally mis-reads her remarks and tries to use it against her.

[sgtrds]

michaelt302

Shoo troll, shoo. Before your mommy finds out you''ve been surfing the porn sites with the family computer again. Shoo.

[kstar42]

She''s racist and she knows it. Every one should check out There church The Trinity with Jeremiah Wright. If we had a white American person running for the primaries and only wanted to help the white people we would have a racial war. This kind of church brings out the racial in me, and I''ve never ever been considered raciest. So all you white people and other cultures out there that plan on voting for Obama... take a look at his church to see if you really truly want this kind of person in the white house.

[l00ker]

This is about as desperate as the kindergarten stuff; however, all''s fair in politics for some, so the Obamas must be very careful with what they say, and how they say it.

[kenbomc]

When people take things out of context, you can sure see their true colors shine when they run with it without asking any questions. Michelle Obama we love you.

[d33pthroat1]

TheGateway is correct.

It is an old political strategy to twist words and put the candiate on the defensive. The Republicans did it beautifully with John Kerry. That ******* spent all his time apologizingand explaining his words and looked like a flip-flopper.

Barack and Michelle should stand their ground. If you remember, someone asked Barack in a debate (in an accusing tone) "Will people pay more taxes under your plan?" He said something like "yes, some wealthy people will pay more. I will pay more. And I am not shy about it." That answer shut everyone up.

This is the attitude the Obamas need to maintain. Not fall into the trap of apologizing and explaining every accusation laid on them.