Michelle Obama, wife of presumptive Democratic Presidential candidate Senator Barack Obama, was in Norfolk, Virginia on August 6, 2008 meeting with military families.  She was also interviewed by ABC’s Robin Roberts for “A Day in the Life” feature that aired in two parts, on “Good Morning America” and on “Nightline” on August 7, 2008.

In the interview, Michelle Obama discussed a range of topics, including her concerns for issues military families face, the newly established “Blue Star Families for Obama.” Michelle Obama also addressed various controversies which have arisen in the Presidential campaign.

First lady hopeful Michelle Obama says that a recent John McCain campaign ad characterizing her husband as a self-involved celebrity on the order of Paris Hilton and Britney Spears has it all wrong.

“It’s funny to have anybody characterize Barack as an elitist,” Obama told “Good Morning America” co-anchor Robin Roberts during an exclusive interview.

“You know, this is the kid who was raised by a single mother, who didn’t have access to many resources, who, you know, has walked away his entire life from lucrative careers to work in the community,” she said of the presumptive Democratic presidential nominee. “This guy, you know… he personifies all of what, you know, we hope that our kids can be.”

Source: Michelle Obama: Barack Is No Elitist – Potential First Lady Weighs In on ‘Celebrity’ Campaign Ad



Michelle Obama GMA Interview video, August 7, 2008

Michelle Obama, wife of Democratic presidential candidate Barack Obama, on Wednesday outlined her husband’s platform to support military families through measures such as improved services for veterans and more predictable deployments.

“Few sacrifice more to serve their country than all of you,” Obama told a group of military spouses and supporters at Old Dominion University. “I know that, too often, it seems like you’re doing it all on your own.”

Her husband’s proposal also includes measures to enhance support groups for military families, bring troops’ salaries closer to the private sector and improve mental health treatment for service members.

Obama’s Norfolk visit was part of a series of conversations she’s conducted with military spouses, including campaign stops in Fort Bragg, N.C., and Hopkinsville, Ky. The mother of two daughters also has traveled to other states to hear about the challenges women face in balancing work and families.

“Mostly I’m here to listen and to do a lot of learning and then to transfer that information into the heart and mind of my husband,” Obama said.

She began her day in Norfolk reading to young children at ODU’s Lions Club Child Study Center, and she was to end the day at an evening fundraiser hosted by Gov. Timothy M. Kaine and Virginia first lady Anne Holton.

Earlier, students waited outside the Batten Arts and Letters Building, hoping to catch a glimpse of the woman named one of the world’s best-dressed by Vanity Fair magazine.

Karen V. Hayes wore a royal blue dress, newly hemmed by hand, to symbolize the Democratic party.

“I can’t eat. I can’t sleep. My pressure is up,” said Hayes, 62, the office manager for the Chesapeake Obama campaign headquarters.

Obama took the stage to a standing ovation from a crowd of supporters about 1:15 p.m., wearing a black dress, sweater and leggings. She joined retired Army Lt. Gen. Claudia Kennedy, decorated Vietnam War veteran Paul Bucha, state Del. Joe Bouchard and six military wives.

Source: Candidate’s wife pledges help for families of troops (The Virginian-Pilot)

Photo credit: Photos 1, 3-4 L. Todd Spencer/The Virginian-Pilot; Photo 2 Rob Ostermaier/Daily Press

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Video & Photos: Michelle Obama Meets Virginia Military Families + GMA Interview 8-7-08