"Michelle Mania" Takes Over Britain

British Love First Lady's Personality And Style

(CBS)  When Jacqueline Kennedy came to Europe in 1961, she enchanted even the most reserved world leaders, and she's remained a tough act to follow for every first lady since.

But Michelle Obama seems to be up to the task of impressing -- and delighting -- even the grandest of them, reports CBS News correspondent Elizabeth Palmer.

"I think Michelle Obama is going to be just Prince Philip's cup of tea," says Victoria Mather, social columnist for British newspaper The Telegraph. "She's a feisty, intelligent, beautiful woman. What's there not to like?"

It may be that Europeans were bound to like whomever followed President Bush, but French journalist Agnes Poirier agrees that Michelle and her husband have a certain je nais sais quoi.

"Barack Obama and Michelle Obama are a very alluring and very sophisticated couple and that plays well with the French," Poirier says. "They like seeing sophistication at the helm of power."

The Obamas touch down in London on Tuesday, and Angela Buttolph, a writer for the British magazine Grazia, observes that Britons are excited to see what the First Lady will be wearing.

"She is such a stylish lady," Buttolph told Early Show co-anchor Julie Chen in Los Angeles via satellite from London. "And the brilliant thing is that she loves fashion. You can absolutely tell that from all her outfits. She's not just trying to look smart and trying appropriate for a First Lady. You can tell that she loves clothes."

Buttolph says the British would be "completely enchanted" if she wore clothes by British designers, such as Alexander McQueen or Burberry, during her stay in the country. She also thinks the British are noticing Mrs. Obama's style because she's been choosing to wear items that represent current fashion trends.

"One of the things she's known for is wearing really bright colors, and that's going to be a huge trend for spring," she says, adding, "Yesterday, I was wearing a yellow dress with a huge necklace and I thought, 'This is such a Michelle Obama look." '

But it's not just about the clothes.

"She's the full package, isn't she?" Buttolph remarked. "And that makes it more appealing when she's wearing an amazing outfit, because you're thinking it's not just the surface. You can tell she's an incredibly cultured, powerful woman as well, and to also be able to dress yourself in an incredibly stylish way is just wonderful."

[what_is_right]

MIchelle Obama is an intellegent well educated womwn, affirmative action not withstanding. She is seemingly a good mother just ask. But Jackie Kennedy was an accomplished photogrqpher,an elegant lady and quite a classic beauty. She also was a serious horsewomen. The only connection between the two could be Michelle's teeth and ilia and those of Jackie's horse.

[2catnight]

"Michelle is not Jackie! Don't even go there!"

I'm sure Michelle O agrees with you 100%. Why would she want to be Jackie O?

[ulyssesmsu]

These gushing stories are (1) inaccurate and (2) disgusting.

Michelle Obama is not more sophisticated--or more beautiful--than Laura Bush, a truly classy person. What is unsophisticated and juvenile beyond belief is the way supposedly adult, supposedly professional news reporters are acting like teeny-bopper groupies, talking about what the wife of the president is wearing or what handbag she is carrying.

Who cares?

Is this CBS News or is it Tiger Beat magazine, for crying out loud?

[CLoverNYC1]

Granted, Mrs. Michelle Obama is a very large, very intelligent woman with healthy biceps.

However, comparing her K-Mart fashion sense to Jacqueline Kennedy is utter nonsense.

Check the photo of Michelle Obama in her tacky get-up standing next to Carla Bruni in Christian Dior.

I rest my case.

[heavynne]

as a german, I just can?t understand what kind of outright personal hatred some people on the us blogs, not just on cbs, are generating towards obama. they even include michelle obama now and on a very personal level. low level. very low level. Next they will discuss obamas kids. there is no real argument. it is just treading on people. when I try to figure out, why the argument is so deeply personal, I find only two possible solutions for me. one is, there are quite bad losers. And that, dear american friends, is just undemocratic and doesn?t give a lot for your country. I am sorry, but I am fed up with that childish whining and looking for some spots to complain about. the second reason would be even worse. I was in discussion with some german, english and irish friends just now ? I am married to a british irish ? and from some of those friends there was a suspicion, that some of you might have a problem that the obamas are not white anglosaxon protestants. whether you like it or not, obama has made a good figure on g20. That is the way we see it in germany and in britain. michelle obama has a good press as well, but that is so unimportant compared to the problems we are in. sorry to lecture, but act your age.


Very well said and straight to the point. They are very upset that a black man could do what no white man has ever been able to do. Obama just keeps making them look bad.
They will never admit any good that he's doing or trying to do. They are the party of no. Let them keep living in denial, it's going to hit them eventually because President Obama isn't going anywhere any time soon. LOL!!!!!

[lehnahund]

as a german, I just can?t understand what kind of outright personal hatred some people on the us blogs, not just on cbs, are generating towards obama. they even include michelle obama now and on a very personal level. low level. very low level. Next they will discuss obamas kids. there is no real argument. it is just treading on people. when I try to figure out, why the argument is so deeply personal, I find only two possible solutions for me. one is, there are quite bad losers. And that, dear american friends, is just undemocratic and doesn?t give a lot for your country. I am sorry, but I am fed up with that childish whining and looking for some spots to complain about. the second reason would be even worse. I was in discussion with some german, english and irish friends just now ? I am married to a british irish ? and from some of those friends there was a suspicion, that some of you might have a problem that the obamas are not white anglosaxon protestants. whether you like it or not, obama has made a good figure on g20. That is the way we see it in germany and in britain. michelle obama has a good press as well, but that is so unimportant compared to the problems we are in. sorry to lecture, but act your age.

[lehnahund]

as a german, I just can?t understand what kind of outright personal hatred some people on the us blogs, not just on cbs, are generating towards obama. they even include michelle obama now and on a very personal level. low level. very low level. Next they will discuss obamas kids. there is no real argument. it is just treading on people. when I try to figure out, why the argument is so deeply personal, I find only two possible solutions for me. one is, there are quite bad losers. And that, dear american friends, is just undemocratic and doesn?t give a lot for your country. I am sorry, but I am fed up with that childish whining and looking for some spots to complain about. the second reason would be even worse. I was in discussion with some german, english and irish friends just now ? I am married to a british irish ? and from some of those friends there was a suspicion, that some of you might have a problem that the obamas are not white anglosaxon protestants. whether you like it or not, obama has made a good figure on g20. That is the way we see it in germany and in britain. michelle obama has a good press as well, but that is so unimportant compared to the problems we are in. sorry to lecture, but act your age.

[fzy1hc]

Never compare Jackie Kennedy to any woman she was the BEST.

[fzy1hc]

The press always shows the small good stuff instead of the rest of England complaining.

Obama's need to look good for the great USA.

So they meet the Queen!! Everyone does when visting.

That's why Britons where breaking the banks windows in protest!!!!!!!!!!!!

[nolies74621]

Yeah, or as I call them "people who don't live in the deep southern United States".
Posted by daffy64 at 9:52 AM : Apr 1, 2009


See your another one of those people that assume before they know the facts. I am not from the South. I am not even in the continental US. You have to love it when people tie your thoughts to racism, which you seem to be doing. I guess the days of oh I am so opressed are'nt over. I guess it is easier now days for people to be brain washed simply by watching a guy on television and believing in Polls.

[rrozsa]

He's not a moron, he's just misguided. ............
Posted by rrozsa at 8:14 AM : Apr 1, 2009
-----------------------
So who would you say is guiding him? I thought America is a democracy, but if your elected leader is not free to make policy then you don't!
Posted by hower4 at 8:47 AM : Apr 1, 2009

====================

He's just listening to the wrong people. That's the same mistake GWB and the other Republicans have made in recent years. Don't you think presidents have advisers? And to answer your question, no this is not a Democracy. It is a Federal Republic.

[Rsk87]

I don't understand, these are just opinions of 3 people, how is this a representation of what entire Britain thinks?

[realnews12]

Only the Obama's would be vain enough to mistake that common courtesy for "Mania"!!!

Posted by aziridine at 8:34 PM : Mar 31, 2009

Huh? You seem to think that "the Obama's" wrote this CBS article ? Uh, they're busy right now. LOL Haven't got a clue, have you, aziridine?

[tomadams99]

I guess the good thing is she is not acting the way Hillary did as First Lady.

[briannorwood]

For the first time in 8 years, I am really proud of my country!

[daffy64]

and what the hell throw his two hussy daughters.

--

Ooooo. You're a brave, classy man.

[daffy64]

I am sure she will fit in nicely with the elite socialists.

--

Yeah, or as I call them "people who don't live in the deep southern United States".

[daffy64]

This is such a crock. I've spoken to several friends from across the pond. There is no great affection for Michelle Hussein Obama. This is just a piece of media garbage designed to hype the unhypable.
Posted by aziridine

=======================

I've spoken to 9 friends from England, France, and Irleand they LOVE Barack and Michelle Obama. They think Bush was an idiot............

---

Ditto, from Canada.

[nolies74621]

Looks like "nolies" is a Grumpy Grampy this morning. Did you not get your bagel for breakfast nolies? Is that why you are such a Grump??
Posted by raflin1 at 7:07 AM : Apr 1, 2009

Hey raflin1..Nope I had a bowl of cereal, but you are correct I am a grump in the morning. I am not usually ready to listen to drivel until 0900 hours. But those that speak truthfully and honestly always have my attention no matter the time. You seem to be honest.

[rrozsa]

He's not a moron, he's just misguided. And his wife isn't a tramp, she's just not exactly what I would call a great example of a proud American.