Michelle Obama revealed that she was “touched” that first lady Laura Bush came to her defense after she was harshly criticized by Republicans for her February comment that for the first time in her adult life she was proud of the United States.
The wife of Democratic presidential candidate Barack Obama, who clarified her earlier statement, revealed that she had always been proud of her country and was particularly proud to see so many people involved in the political process.
In an interview last week with ABC, Laura Bush revealed, “I think she probably meant ‘I’m more proud,’ you know, is what she really meant.” She said comments in a campaign are closely watched and can be misconstrued.
Michelle Obama revealed that the women of ABC’s “The View” that she sent Bush a note for her remarks. She shared, “It took me a while to write it. It’s like, how do I address her? I said dear madam first lady.”
She did not elaborate the contents of the letter, she explained, “But I was touched by it. And that’s what I like about Laura Bush. You know, just calm, rational approach to these issues. And you know, I’m taking some cues. I mean, there’s a balance. There’s a reason why people like her. It’s because she doesn’t, sort of, you know, fuel the fire.”
During the campaign stop in February, Michelle Obama continued, “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.”
Michelle Obama, 44, and her husband, 46, also appear on the cover of “Us Weekly” magazine this week, under the headline, “Michelle Obama: Why Barack Loves Her.”
Barack Obama added, “When we started out on this campaign, we wanted to make sure that life for our girls would remain as normal as possible, and it’s because of Michelle that they are so grounded. Nothing is more important to Michelle than being a good mother, and she works every day to instill in our girls the same values we were raised with.”