Michelle Obama’s “Star Power” to the Rescue of the Democratic Party?
The White House, according to politico.com, is testing the possibility of using the first lady of the United States (FLOTUS) for the November elections. Her popularity would permit them to regain a little of the mood of the presidential campaign, if it is still possible. Will she decide to plunge in and play a major role in this difficult task?
The mid-term elections are coming up, and they will serve as a gauge of approval of the president’s actions (even if this is not their purpose), as well as those of his administration and his party. If he has already delivered the "goods" with respect to major issues such as reform of health care or of Wall Street, he must still face the reality of unfavorable polls that judge his popularity and his manner of conducting politics.
According to Gallup August 3 poll results, only 45 percent of Americans approve of President Obama’s handling of the country’s affairs. Does there remain a real asset in the November campaign for candidates of his party? Some do not want him to come support them. So much so that in early August, the president even offered Democratic lawmakers, who were invited to the White House, his non-interference in their campaigns, if they preferred. The mood.
Also the West Wing (the president's advisers and David Axelrod, in charge) of the White House seeks by all means to regain a bit of the enthusiasm of the 2008 campaign. "A reminder of what people liked about President Obama," said Julian Zelizer, a professor at Princeton.
And why not turn to Michelle, as had been done with Laura Bush in 2002, to use the "outside politics" image enjoyed by first ladies when they are involved in public service activities, often related to children and education. And Michelle Obama could be a considerable asset. The first lady, with her fight against childhood obesity, has established a very important sympathy factor throughout the country. Americans are also familiar with her work with military families involved in the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan ... She is very involved, comforting and builds her image as First Mum.
She has also demonstrated that she is a very effective fundraiser, raising $1 million in April with the women of the Democratic National Committee (DNC). Her natural style and her conviction touch Americans, even when it comes to politics.
When she supported Harry Reid, the Senate Democratic leader in trouble in Nevada, she said, "Harry is one of my favorite people in the world." She was real and convincing ... Another example: In Pennsylvania, where President Obama's approval rating has dropped more than 20 points, the Senate candidate John Sestak, who does not support the White House, made it clear that he preferred to see support come from FLOTUS ... Note that in this state, according to a Quinnipiac University Poll, 48 percent of voters believe that President Obama does not deserve to be re-elected. Michelle Obama is also highly anticipated in Missouri, Florida, Illinois, etc.
On paper, it seems obvious, but Michelle Obama may not be ready to jump into the arena. She was burned during the presidential campaign when she was marginalized by her husband’s team following statements that were a little too candid and a sentence that was deemed dangerous to the candidate. She had said that "for the first time in my adult life, I’m really proud of my country." Since January 2009, settling in the East Wing under the supervision of the president's men has been very difficult, and she has had to step up to the plate and confront them in order to be "in her own element” with her own strategy. By late August, we should know more. The West Wing announces its long-term plans during this time frame, otherwise known as the plan for the mid-term elections, and the role they will want Michelle Obama to play.
The mid-term elections are coming up, and they will serve as a gauge of approval of the president’s actions (even if this is not their purpose), as well as those of his administration and his party. If he has already delivered the "goods" with respect to major issues such as reform of health care or of Wall Street, he must still face the reality of unfavorable polls that judge his popularity and his manner of conducting politics.
According to Gallup August 3 poll results, only 45 percent of Americans approve of President Obama’s handling of the country’s affairs. Does there remain a real asset in the November campaign for candidates of his party? Some do not want him to come support them. So much so that in early August, the president even offered Democratic lawmakers, who were invited to the White House, his non-interference in their campaigns, if they preferred. The mood.
Also the West Wing (the president's advisers and David Axelrod, in charge) of the White House seeks by all means to regain a bit of the enthusiasm of the 2008 campaign. "A reminder of what people liked about President Obama," said Julian Zelizer, a professor at Princeton.
And why not turn to Michelle, as had been done with Laura Bush in 2002, to use the "outside politics" image enjoyed by first ladies when they are involved in public service activities, often related to children and education. And Michelle Obama could be a considerable asset. The first lady, with her fight against childhood obesity, has established a very important sympathy factor throughout the country. Americans are also familiar with her work with military families involved in the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan ... She is very involved, comforting and builds her image as First Mum.
She has also demonstrated that she is a very effective fundraiser, raising $1 million in April with the women of the Democratic National Committee (DNC). Her natural style and her conviction touch Americans, even when it comes to politics.
When she supported Harry Reid, the Senate Democratic leader in trouble in Nevada, she said, "Harry is one of my favorite people in the world." She was real and convincing ... Another example: In Pennsylvania, where President Obama's approval rating has dropped more than 20 points, the Senate candidate John Sestak, who does not support the White House, made it clear that he preferred to see support come from FLOTUS ... Note that in this state, according to a Quinnipiac University Poll, 48 percent of voters believe that President Obama does not deserve to be re-elected. Michelle Obama is also highly anticipated in Missouri, Florida, Illinois, etc.
On paper, it seems obvious, but Michelle Obama may not be ready to jump into the arena. She was burned during the presidential campaign when she was marginalized by her husband’s team following statements that were a little too candid and a sentence that was deemed dangerous to the candidate. She had said that "for the first time in my adult life, I’m really proud of my country." Since January 2009, settling in the East Wing under the supervision of the president's men has been very difficult, and she has had to step up to the plate and confront them in order to be "in her own element” with her own strategy. By late August, we should know more. The West Wing announces its long-term plans during this time frame, otherwise known as the plan for the mid-term elections, and the role they will want Michelle Obama to play.
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