It is not the first time Michelle Obama has made headlines with “controversial” statements.

Michelle Obama has been criticized in the past for being too frank, like when she divulged that her husband, Barack Obama, unchivalrously leaves his laundry on the floor and sports terrible morning breath.

But never have her words sparked such an outcry in the blogosphere and among commentators here on The Caucus. Needling her husband is one thing, but some folks are interpreting her remarks yesterday as a direct slam on America and calling them unpatriotic. They came back into the forefront today when Senator John McCain’s wife Cindy took an indirect swipe by saying she had always been proud of America.

Here is the video right here of Michelle Obama’s “proud of my country” remark.

As Michelle Malkin noted.

I believe it was Michael Kinsley who quipped that a gaffe is when a politician tells the truth. In this case, it’s what happens when a Democrat politician’s wife says what a significant portion of the party’s base really believes.

You’ll note the immediate applause after she delivers the line.

But, hey, DON’T QUESTION THEIR PATRIOTISM!

Now Michelle Obama, on the defensive, in this highly contentious political context, is attempting to explain the remark. According to the AP,

Michelle Obama says she’s always been proud of her country, but for the first time that includes its political process.

The wife of Democratic presidential candidate Barack Obama was in Rhode Island Wednesday, where she tried to clarify a controversial remark she made earlier this week.

On Monday, she told an audience in Milwaukee that “For the first time in my adult life, I am really proud of my country.”

In an interview with WJAR-TV on Wednesday, she said she was trying to say that she was proud of how Americans are engaging in the political process. She also told the station she’s proud of America and wouldn’t be where she is if it weren’t for its possibilities.

Nonetheless, it is difficult to “clarify” such a remark when people will forever and forever try to define what “really proud is” versus merely “proud.” Likewise they will continue to wonder what did Michelle Obama mean by “for the first time in my adult life.”

We think it is not a matter of words spoken but actions taken. The hardships of enduring a Presidential candidate, whether one is the candidate or the candidate’s wife would, to say the least, suggest pride in and commitment to the country.

In the sports world, we expect a strong and unswerving commitment of individuals and teams; similarly, we expect a potential First Lady to be proud of her country and committed to do her best to serve it. We have no reason to doubt that Michelle Obama will meet the challenge; she is already on the team, not on the sidelines. Or, as President John F. Kennedy said, and is often quoted, “And so, my fellow Americans: ask not what your country can do for you - ask what you can do for your country.” We would say Michelle Obama has taken those words to heart, even as pundits try to interpret and reinterpret one single sentence she uttered.

Here is the excerpt of his Inaugural Address with those famous words.

Michelle Obama Tries to Explain Her “Proud of My Country” Remark