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Live-Blogging Michelle Obama on the View

I've never watched an entire episode of the View (or Oprah or Ellen or any day time talk show.) But, I'm going to give it a shot today to watch Michelle Obama. I'll post my reactions (not a live transcript) here.

If you're watching the show, feel free to live-blog in comments. Please keep your comments on topic, which is her guest-hosting of the show. (If you just want to express your general opinions of her for other reasons or discuss sexism or Hillary, please do it elsewhere.)

Noon ET: The show begins, updates below.

The New York Times live-blogged it here. (The New York Times article on today's rolling out of a new Michelle is here.)

Here comes Michelle, walking out arm in arm with Barbara Walters. She's wearing a pretty black and white print sleeveless summer dress and looks very pretty.

"I have to be greeted properly" and does a fist bump. She says she isn't that hip, she got it from the young staff, it's the new high-five.

Walters starts with the NYT article about the makeover and the Time Magazine article asking whether she will help or hurt her husband's campaign, and the "first time I'm proud of my country" remark.

She says she takes the attacks in stride. Of course she's proud of her country. She grew up on the south side of Chicago and her working class dad sent her and her brother to Princeton.

Explains her past comment as being about pride in the political process rather than the country.

The challenge she has, or the weakness, is that she wears her heart on her sleeve. She thinks who she is will come through. So she doesn't worry about it.

Whoopi points out her past comment said it was the first time she was "really proud" not just "proud."

She likes Laura Bush. There's a reason people like her, it's because she doesn't fuel the fire.

Asked if she will watch what she says now. She says in this media age, they all have to.

Is it time for diversity training? "You can't have diversity discussion with me being the only diversity." She reaches out and grabs conservative co-host's Elizabeth Hasselback's arm and praises her as being a great mom.

Asked about sexism against Hillary in the campaign. She says yes, there also were elements of racism. As Hillary said, she made 18 million cracks on the ceiling, she made them so that her girls won't face them.

Should Hillary be her husband's running mate? The one thing a nominee earns is the right to pick a running mate who reflects their vision of what's best for the country, "I'm just glad I'll have nothing to do with it."

Commercial. Discussion about how much time it takes to do hair and makeup. She has some high-end clothes, she works with a local designer in Chicago, she got the dress she is wearing today at a store that just sells black and white clothes.

Whoopi talks about how the media portrays black women as ugly, without teeth or with gold teeth or who can't string a sentence together. Michelle doesn't answer that one, none of them do.

Now they are talking about panty-hose. Barbra is wearing them, Michelle is not. She stopped wearing them a long time ago because they are painful, they rip, are inconvenient and she's 5'11".

Now on parenting. She's at home more than on the campaign trail. Children need a parent around. Tells a story about Malia, their 10 year old. When asked if she gets nervous, she said she knows people aren't there to see her. She can pick up the trash but she can't pass any laws. So she waves and smiles and then she's out of there.

Commerical. This is the most vapid show ever. I'm not sure I'll make it the whole hour.

On Obama's father day speech about black fathers. Whoopi is reading from the teleprompter.

Michelle: we have to talk about accountability. Barack has always been that kind of politician (adds she doesn't see him as a politician.) His comments are connected to his own experience. The greatest gift he can give is not to be like his own father. Kids need models in their lives. When that's missing, it's not good for the kids.

Talks about attending kids' recitals. Now they are on food schedules for their kids.

Did she want Obama to be President? No. She thought he was sweet and pathetic -- she mispoke, meant empathethic, big laughs. She says she was selfish, thinking about the sacrifices her and girls would have to make. When she stepped out of that, out of being Michelle and a mom, and thought about what is best for the country, she saw it differently.

Does Obama still take out the garbage? No.

Commercial. Matthew Broderick interview coming up. Michelle will be interviewing him.

Who watches these shows? Michelle rarely gets to finish an answer before one of the yakkers bursts in with a change of subject. They are going for stream of consciousness and spontaneity but nothing of interest comes out. They all seem like they have ADD.

Michelle Obama is definitely being restrained. It's not so much a quintet, with her becoming one of them, but the four of them with her. She's much more of a guest than a co-host. I don't know why they billed her as a co-host. She's not leading the discussion but answering their questions.

Broderick interview: Michelle asks why his son James Wilkie (age 5 or so) wants Obama to be President. It's a kid thing. Michelle says she thinks it's because they like to say his name.

Well, so much for Michelle leading the interview. Now Whoopie and Sheri (?) and Joy take over. Back to a discussion of food and James Wilkie. Sheri reads her question off a piece of paper. (It wasn't that complicated a question.)

Barbra Walters and Whoopie Goldberg should be embarassed to have their careers reduced to being on this silly show.

On gambling, which is a topic of Broderick's newest movie. Michelle comments that her mother won $17k at the slot machines.

Interview over. Fifteen minutes left, I'll finish, but this was a huge waste of time. The Bachelorette is more entertaining and until now, I thought that was the height of vapidity. I'd sit through a whole season of Bachelorettes before watching this show again.

I didn't get any sense of Michelle Obama from this show. They didn't give her enough time and she was very careful not to get too involved. Her personality did not come through. I hope she goes back to being herself. Her passion is one of her best features and at least on this show there was none.

Now they are discussing breakfast with a nutritionist. The nutritionist is like the energizer bunny, Michelle tries to get a word in with the other yakkers. Finally someone asks her what she eats for breakfast. She says she usually has fruit and toast and she gets her protein from bacon. "We're bacon people."

Commercial (last one I hope.) I'm trying to picture what Michelle will be thinking in the car as she leaves the studio. Probably a sigh of relief that it's over, that nothing went wrong and regretting that she spent so much time getting ready for it.

Closing: Michelle says "These are phenomenal ladies."

I think Michelle would be much better on Leno or Letterman instead of a coffee-klatch type show like this. She wasn't the star or even the center of attention. She wasn't able to elevate the discussion, but forced to respond at their banal level. She mostly just smiled and acted agreeable. A huge waste of time, for her and for us.

Signing off now.

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  • Display: Sort:
    Good Luck (5.00 / 1) (#1)
    by Slado on Wed Jun 18, 2008 at 10:56:47 AM EST
    I watched once and I promised never to again.

    It is simply (4) dimwits sitting around in a circle yapping.   Rosie was the only entertaining thing on that show and now that she's gone it's even more unwatchable.

    I doubt you or Jeralyn are part of their (5.00 / 1) (#4)
    by Joelarama on Wed Jun 18, 2008 at 11:05:18 AM EST
    target audience.

    Parent
    I have never been able to watch (none / 0) (#47)
    by kredwyn on Wed Jun 18, 2008 at 12:51:47 PM EST
    there's like this mental block that refuses to let me even consider it beyond a small voice shouting "la la la la lahhhhh!" in my head.

    Parent
    Elizabeth Hasselbeck, who didn't know if (none / 0) (#68)
    by MarkL on Wed Jun 18, 2008 at 01:36:23 PM EST
    the world is round or flat, is smart?
    You learn something every day!

    Parent
    Embarrassing Confession (5.00 / 1) (#71)
    by daring grace on Wed Jun 18, 2008 at 02:46:50 PM EST
    Okay, okay I watch sometimes...(Blush)

    Excuse: while visiting an aging mom and housebound ailing sister.

    It was Sheri Shepherd (sp.?) who said she didn't know if the earth was round or flat.

    Parent

    I don't think that was Hasselbeck (none / 0) (#70)
    by gyrfalcon on Wed Jun 18, 2008 at 02:43:23 PM EST
    I never could figure out who (none / 0) (#82)
    by Grace on Wed Jun 18, 2008 at 03:48:47 PM EST
    I liked least on the show:  Elizabeth or Barbara Walters (who has never appeared to have much personality on the show).  

    Joy has always been entertaining.  When Meredith Viera was on it, she always seemed like the "glue" that held it together.  Rosie and Starr Jones added something too.  I haven't watched it much since Whoopi was added so I don't really know what it's like now.

    Anyway, when Joy, Meredith and Starr were on it, there was always a lot of joking about the news and current events and it was a lively show.  Rosie was funny too.  Whoopi ought to be funny but I can't say because I haven't watched the show in a long time.

    I think the show needs to find another Meredith to make it interesting again.  Meredith was smart, easy-going, funny, and, of course, good enough to replace Katie Couric on the Today Show and actually make that show better.

    I missed the show today.  Thanks for the recap!          

    Parent

    thanks for watching the view (5.00 / 5) (#3)
    by Capt Howdy on Wed Jun 18, 2008 at 11:04:51 AM EST
    so we dont have to

    she looks nice (5.00 / 3) (#5)
    by Edgar08 on Wed Jun 18, 2008 at 11:05:42 AM EST
    and the set is well lit.

    lol...edgar (5.00 / 1) (#22)
    by PssttCmere08 on Wed Jun 18, 2008 at 12:05:45 PM EST
    because, (5.00 / 2) (#6)
    by cpinva on Wed Jun 18, 2008 at 11:07:13 AM EST
    Remember those late 1990's skits making fun of the View?  Those were classic.  

    they were dead on! lol

    try not to gag jeralyn. i could only stand to watch about 5 minutes, before i realized my brain was starting to melt. i thought maybe it was a female thing, so i just didn't "get it". turns out, it's an "intelligent person" thing, and i did get it!

    It already aired in Boston (5.00 / 0) (#7)
    by befuddledvoter on Wed Jun 18, 2008 at 11:16:44 AM EST
    By the time I saw this thread posted, it was over really. Only thing I saw was some woman talking about breakfast and Michelle was describing they were bacon people.  The real bacon, that is.  Nothing more and it was over.

    I hate the show.  I watched once when I saw a clip in which Barabara Walters and the rest were making light of the ethnic slurs by Rev. Wright against the Italians.  They thought it was funny, except for Hasselback (sp.?).  90-year old Italian mother was horrified.  I wrote an online comment on their treatment and never received a reply.  These hosts thought the anti-Italian slurs were funny.  They disgusted me.        

    The NYTimes live blogging "The View"? (5.00 / 2) (#8)
    by stefystef on Wed Jun 18, 2008 at 11:16:45 AM EST
    You can't be serious.

    I have never EVER watched that show in my life.  Perhaps because I have a FRIGGIN' JOB and I'm not home to listen to a bunch of broad yap it up like a bunch of vapid twits.

    Seriously, is this where this election is going?  I think it's time I check out of this nonsense.  I can't bear to give up anymore of my life to this crap.  Honest.  I'm so turned off, I can't believe it.

    The folks at TalkLeft are stronger than me, that's for sure.

    broads? thanks for the sexist slur (5.00 / 1) (#18)
    by angie on Wed Jun 18, 2008 at 11:51:05 AM EST
    Yeah, the show is moronic. Yeah, I can't believe anyone watches it. But to describe the women as "broads" is uncalled for, imo.

    Parent
    You don't have to watch (2.00 / 0) (#10)
    by MissBrainerd on Wed Jun 18, 2008 at 11:28:58 AM EST
    and no one says you do!  In every election the wives are expected to do all the morning shows, it is always like this and the candidates do all the late-night talk shows. It isn't any different than any other election,

    Parent
    It must feel awkward.... (5.00 / 2) (#9)
    by Maria Garcia on Wed Jun 18, 2008 at 11:27:25 AM EST
    ...to have to do stuff like this especially when the New York Times has proclaimed to the world that you are being "made over." Sounds like she's holding up okay though, I know I probably wouldn't.

    My mom (5.00 / 1) (#11)
    by lilburro on Wed Jun 18, 2008 at 11:31:32 AM EST
    is probably enjoying this.  The View can be okay.  Whoopi is great.  And if I may take a moment, I was watching an old Rosie clip from the show, back when she was battling with Hasselbeck over the Iraq War.  Rosie was so right.  I know her reputation, but kudos to her for handing it to Hasselbeck over and over again.  Argh...Hasselbeck.

    LOL! (5.00 / 1) (#15)
    by suki on Wed Jun 18, 2008 at 11:47:23 AM EST
    Jeralyn, you are cracking me up!
    I tried to watch this 'show' once to see what the deal was and I couldn't get through 10 minutes.
    The ADD line is priceless!

    Agreed. Jeraylyn's blogging makes (5.00 / 1) (#19)
    by angie on Wed Jun 18, 2008 at 11:52:53 AM EST
    the show seem much more interesting then it is.

    Parent
    agreed (5.00 / 1) (#61)
    by kempis on Wed Jun 18, 2008 at 01:15:17 PM EST
    Glad I read Jeralyn's Cliff Notes instead of watching.

    Parent
    The media is still in charge (5.00 / 1) (#16)
    by MissBrainerd on Wed Jun 18, 2008 at 11:48:43 AM EST
    so you can bring a different kind of view of the world but you still have to do The View!

    The Media is still "in the way" in this election. As you could see from the Russert marathon, it is all about them and if you don't play the game they will kill you. "Why won't Michelle do The View? What is she hiding?" THAT is what the media would do if you don't play along.

    Appearing on "The View" that important? (none / 0) (#24)
    by stefystef on Wed Jun 18, 2008 at 12:10:49 PM EST
    I would never question why any politician would not go on any daytime show.

    It's all about pandering.  I have a problem because Obama pretends to be above such things, but still does them.  So once again, the media is determining the government as it did in 2000 and 2004.

    Matthews' "tingling leg" is going to determine the next President?  These are the last days of American society....

    Parent

    The show is very popular (5.00 / 2) (#29)
    by befuddledvoter on Wed Jun 18, 2008 at 12:21:35 PM EST
    It has been on for 10 years.  The viewers all get to vote, just like you.

    Parent
    Enough (none / 0) (#25)
    by Jeralyn on Wed Jun 18, 2008 at 12:11:40 PM EST
    we get that you don't like the show. Move on to another thread please.

    Parent
    Ugh! Gag me. (5.00 / 3) (#17)
    by goldberry on Wed Jun 18, 2008 at 11:50:40 AM EST
    I don't think I could sit through the treacle.  I hate chick TV.
    Peaising Laura Bush?  And saying Hasselback is a great mom?  God, the whole thing was scripted by Axelrod.  


    Seems like a ploy to win over repub (5.00 / 1) (#23)
    by PssttCmere08 on Wed Jun 18, 2008 at 12:06:47 PM EST
    women...i.e. complimenting Hasselbeck

    Parent
    Maybe it's more than pandering to Repub women (5.00 / 5) (#35)
    by Newt on Wed Jun 18, 2008 at 12:32:59 PM EST
    I often work with anti-gay groups to try to alter their agenda.  I'm a lesbian and a mom.  When I meet with anti-gay religious groups, I try to establish connections in areas where we do not conflict, for instance, as parents.  It not only allows them to see me as human, but it also helps me to understand where my opponents are coming.  It gives me empathy and perspective.  And it allows me to separate their fears from their taught biases.  Bottom line is if Laura Bush does something good, it's worth pointing out.  This demonizing of our opponents is simply not useful.  Respectful acknowledgement of our differences and finding common ground will get us much farther.

    Parent
    Great approach (5.00 / 1) (#38)
    by Coral on Wed Jun 18, 2008 at 12:42:24 PM EST
    for use with many different attempts to bridge seemingly unbridgeable divides. Pro-choice / pro-life talks use this strategy as well.

    Parent
    Good For You (5.00 / 1) (#73)
    by daring grace on Wed Jun 18, 2008 at 02:50:34 PM EST
    And good for the rest of us, too.

    I love hearing about efforts like this.

    You may or may not change many votes but I'll bet you change some hearts and minds.

    Parent

    Demonizing people (none / 0) (#75)
    by gyrfalcon on Wed Jun 18, 2008 at 02:54:07 PM EST
    is bad.

    Sucking up is also bad.


    Parent

    I actually suck at sucking up (3.00 / 2) (#85)
    by Newt on Wed Jun 18, 2008 at 04:08:06 PM EST
    but when I get right down to it, I have a lot in common with those parents who want to protect their kids from the scary queers.  The difference is that I know it's not the queers who are scary.

    I talked to some parents who testified against gay civil unions in Hawaii last year and after they got to know me I snuck in a question about why they thought gays were going to attack their kids.  Their responses were just perfect for a segue that expanded their horizons and exposed them to the differences between male sexual violence and gay men.  

    The fact is, many people who are against equal rights for gays are parroting what they've heard from their religious communities, which have a vested political interest in oppressing homosexuals.  Once you meet on common ground, you break through their stereotypes and their basic good nature comes back.  For people who are just downright mean and deliberately racist/homophobic/misogynist, well I just have to give them a wide berth.  I'm really not the right person to try to work with them.


    Parent

    Barbara co-created The View (5.00 / 1) (#26)
    by Dadler on Wed Jun 18, 2008 at 12:13:00 PM EST
    And exec produces it still, I believe.  I think it says more about who she became a few decades ago -- the "serious" entertainment journalist.

    ::sigh:: (5.00 / 1) (#48)
    by kredwyn on Wed Jun 18, 2008 at 12:53:21 PM EST
    just ::sigh::

    Parent
    I Used To Feel Neutral About Walters (none / 0) (#77)
    by daring grace on Wed Jun 18, 2008 at 02:58:34 PM EST
    Her interview style and her usual subjects were not my thing. But she did come out of a serious news background and broke barriers for women in broadcasting.

    I started watching The View because it was on tv when I visited my sister who had a progressively paralyzing illness which reduced her to relying on tv as a major distraction. So I'd sit and watch it with her.

    Almost every episode that Barbara Walters appeared on (She's not on every day.) she found some way to insinuate her own role as a groundbreaker into the discussion. In my mind, I created a drinking game out of it. Also, tried to see the openings coming before she spoke.

    It kind of saddens me, even as I'm not her fan, because she can claim legitimately to have paved the way in broadcast news and in tv entertainment reporting and yet she seems so insecure about it, and about somebody remembering her relevance even so.

    Parent

    Ho (5.00 / 0) (#27)
    by oldpro on Wed Jun 18, 2008 at 12:14:19 PM EST
    hum.

    Thanks Jeralyn (5.00 / 2) (#30)
    by standingup on Wed Jun 18, 2008 at 12:23:34 PM EST
    I really didn't care to watch myself.  It appears the "make-over" is working well.  Another lost opportunity for women in the name of getting the man elected.  

    Whether or not - (5.00 / 1) (#32)
    by Veracitor on Wed Jun 18, 2008 at 12:27:22 PM EST
     - one likes the program, it's viewed by many women, and this appearance will help the Obama campaign.

    These are probably the same women who were (none / 0) (#97)
    by differnet on Thu Jun 19, 2008 at 07:43:50 AM EST
    either diametrically opposed to Obama (Hasselbeck) or already in his corner (Behar and Whoppie).  Women who were concerned about content wouldn't be watching this show.  Heck, most of us are off working for a living and some one here has to watch it and give commentary for us.

    Were you able to sit down and watch it?  Or were at work, like I was?

    Parent

    enough with the broad generalizations (none / 0) (#98)
    by txpublicdefender on Thu Jun 19, 2008 at 04:13:02 PM EST
    I am a single, professional working attorney.  I am actively involved in politics.  And I DVR "The View."  You are not the only one, but I'm pretty sick of all the broad comments here about how women who "don't matter" or are not "intelligent" or who "don't care about content" are the only ones who watch the show.  That's incredibly condescending.

    Parent
    consider the sexism (5.00 / 2) (#34)
    by Turkana on Wed Jun 18, 2008 at 12:28:59 PM EST
    had hillary won, would bill have been expected to waste a couple hours of his life on such vapidity? i've said it before: by the time this is all over, michelle obama will have a much greater appreciation for what hillary has had to put up with the past 16 years.

    Reagrding the sexism of the campaign (5.00 / 3) (#56)
    by echinopsia on Wed Jun 18, 2008 at 01:12:43 PM EST
    yes, there also were elements of racism.

    The oppression olympics will never die.

    WHY can no one EVER talk about the sexism without someone bringing up the racism? As if one explains or excuses or offsets the other?

    Talk about the sexism, Michelle. I am dying to know how you feel about it. Seriously.

    Parent

    A Husband would have to make the rounds (5.00 / 1) (#60)
    by DFLer on Wed Jun 18, 2008 at 01:15:08 PM EST
    I would think. However, Bill is a unique case, being an ex-president.

    Parent
    That doesn't explain the attacks on (none / 0) (#89)
    by JavaCityPal on Wed Jun 18, 2008 at 10:15:48 PM EST
    Chelsea

    Parent
    One could only hope (5.00 / 1) (#76)
    by fem voter on Wed Jun 18, 2008 at 02:57:00 PM EST
    because she sure hasn't, thus far, shown any appreciation for what HRC has gone through all these years.  IMO, anyway.

    Parent
    Oh my g*d, no, but Bill Clinton on The View (4.62 / 8) (#42)
    by Valhalla on Wed Jun 18, 2008 at 12:45:22 PM EST
    would even have me watching it.  It would be hilarious.

    Parent
    Well, he's an ex-president, so maybe not . . . (none / 0) (#99)
    by txpublicdefender on Thu Jun 19, 2008 at 04:18:17 PM EST
    . . . but even John McCain and Barack Obama did "Ellen."  I don't see how Michelle doing The View is much different.  It's a daytime talk show.  It's hardly the product of some sort of sexist expectation that Michelle is doing the show, IMO.

    Parent
    I love her. (5.00 / 2) (#40)
    by Marco21 on Wed Jun 18, 2008 at 12:44:25 PM EST
    She's just starting to deal with all the garbage Hillary had to deal during Bill's run. Good luck to her. God forbid, don't mention you don't bake cookies, Michelle. :)

    Because Hillary & (none / 0) (#52)
    by BackFromOhio on Wed Jun 18, 2008 at 01:01:13 PM EST
    others paved the way, Michelle probably won't have to answer such questions.

    Parent
    Thank goodness for that... (none / 0) (#66)
    by Marco21 on Wed Jun 18, 2008 at 01:34:47 PM EST
    and for them. I should hope she doesn't have to.

    Now if she decides to step out for her own political  career, stand back and watch the sexism fly.

    Parent

    No one will dare (none / 0) (#93)
    by MichaelGale on Wed Jun 18, 2008 at 10:50:15 PM EST
    use the vile language about Michelle as they did with Hillary.

    Clyburn would have them for lunch.

    Parent

    wow- it is so strange to read these comments (5.00 / 2) (#51)
    by tben on Wed Jun 18, 2008 at 01:00:48 PM EST
    I thought "elitism" was out of fashion 'round here. Suddenly its all cool to make fun of the low-information View? I thought those folks were the "real" Americans...

    I watch it after milking and while churning butter (5.00 / 2) (#63)
    by Ellie on Wed Jun 18, 2008 at 01:21:16 PM EST
    ... and then off I go to set my @ss down on Lucasian Chair at Cambridge, where I'm so down to earth I don't even use the matching ottoman that came with it.

    Parent
    Mission accomplished? (none / 0) (#54)
    by BackFromOhio on Wed Jun 18, 2008 at 01:03:41 PM EST
    Didn't Michelle seem just like everyone else who comes on the show?  

    Parent
    Barbara Walters, Whoopi Goldberg (none / 0) (#74)
    by gyrfalcon on Wed Jun 18, 2008 at 02:51:21 PM EST
    Elisabeth Hasselbeck, etc., are "the real Americans"?

    Parent
    Who Watches This Show? (5.00 / 2) (#78)
    by daring grace on Wed Jun 18, 2008 at 03:04:21 PM EST
    Not snark. I'm really curious. I suspect it might share a demographic with those who watch other daytime tv like soap operas.

    Are they 'real Americans'?

    Honestly, I don't know.

    I do know that a friend with a Ph.D who works in academia and my blue collar mom both watch it. Don't know what it says.

    Parent

    It says that Real Americans (5.00 / 1) (#87)
    by bridget on Wed Jun 18, 2008 at 04:55:16 PM EST
    come in all shapes and sizes

    Parent
    Because they like to say his name (5.00 / 0) (#53)
    by MKS on Wed Jun 18, 2008 at 01:03:16 PM EST
    Context is key.

    I thought they liked his positions on parenting (5.00 / 1) (#57)
    by Ellie on Wed Jun 18, 2008 at 01:13:21 PM EST
    ... and his leadership against the invasion and occupation of Iraq.

    Thanks for alleviating my confusion on that important point.

    Parent

    so, by appearing (5.00 / 2) (#55)
    by cpinva on Wed Jun 18, 2008 at 01:06:55 PM EST
    on "the view", ms. obama is attempting to win over the "bored, middle-class, white female housewife" demographic? because, as i understand it, they are the show's target audience.

    now if bill or hillary clinton showed up, i'd have to watch, that would be entertaining, and probably, in spite of the best efforts of the "hostesses", informative.

    Hillary Has Shown Up on the View (none / 0) (#79)
    by daring grace on Wed Jun 18, 2008 at 03:06:18 PM EST
    a couple of times, I think.

    Parent
    The people who come to this blog (5.00 / 2) (#58)
    by MKS on Wed Jun 18, 2008 at 01:13:28 PM EST
    are not the target audience for The View.

    Daytime T.V. is an interesting, non-intellectual phenomenon.   It is reassuring in an odd sort of way.   I watched daytime t.v. as a young, little kid (during the Summers when there was nothing else to do), so when I watch it now (when home sick for example), it takes me back to a more protected time.....Dark Shadows was the best.

    And, there are a lot of clandestine soap watchers, and watchers of Oprah and The View.  Educated, intelligent people who wouldn't be caught dead watching the stuff.  And the audience is probably much larger than any cable news show....

    Back in the day, (none / 0) (#62)
    by MKS on Wed Jun 18, 2008 at 01:18:02 PM EST
    there were only three channels to choose from--no one really watched PBS or the UHF independent channel.  So, if you turned on the t.v. during the day, you got soaps.....

    Parent
    Dark Shadows was the best. (none / 0) (#95)
    by Amiss on Thu Jun 19, 2008 at 01:30:23 AM EST
    "Barnabus"!!

    Parent
    Didn't watch (5.00 / 1) (#81)
    by CHDmom on Wed Jun 18, 2008 at 03:42:47 PM EST
    But I REALLY enjoyed your recap, especially the commentary, Thanks you made me laugh.

    Heh (4.80 / 5) (#49)
    by Steve M on Wed Jun 18, 2008 at 12:55:12 PM EST
    It's hard to believe a bunch of blog commentors are so utterly opposed to the concept of idle chit-chat!  Personally, I kinda enjoy the show.

    Whoopi made that up (1.00 / 0) (#90)
    by JavaCityPal on Wed Jun 18, 2008 at 10:16:52 PM EST
    Whoopi points out her past comment said it was the first time she was "really proud" not just "proud."

    She must have forgotten about YouTube. Michelle never said "really".

    They played the clip (none / 0) (#94)
    by Jeralyn on Wed Jun 18, 2008 at 11:02:05 PM EST
    Whoopi was right, she said "really proud."

    Parent
    Actually (none / 0) (#100)
    by Montague on Sat Jun 21, 2008 at 08:43:12 AM EST
    Michelle made that speech or comment more than once, and I've seen a clip where she said "the first time I've been really proud of my country" and another where she said "the first time I've been proud of my country."

    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EGjR81pFJI4


    Parent

    Sounds good to me (none / 0) (#2)
    by SoCalLiberal on Wed Jun 18, 2008 at 10:58:06 AM EST
    Remember those late 1990's skits making fun of the View?  Those were classic.  

    Huh. Hell has frozen over. (none / 0) (#14)
    by sarcastic unnamed one on Wed Jun 18, 2008 at 11:38:47 AM EST
    I actually have something to add to a thread about "The View."
    she got the dress she is wearing today at a store that just sells black and white clothes.
    Sounds like she shops at my wife's favorite store - White House/Black Market.

    Michelle is really no different from (none / 0) (#20)
    by Anne on Wed Jun 18, 2008 at 11:59:02 AM EST
    all the other big names who go on shows like this, and Oprah and Ellen and even the late-night shows: it's all about the new movie or the new book or the TV show, all packaged to feed the public's need to "know" the famous people.  Entertaiment Tonight, Inside Edition, TMZ - it's just mind-numbingly stupid.

    Nothing earth-shattering ever happens - and on The View, everyone's talking over everyone else to the point that it's just noise.

    Glad she looked nice, glad they like bacon (Rick Bayless, who has a cooking show, wears a t-shirt that says "Bacon is Meat Candy," which my husband thought was very clever - he likes bacon, too), I have no doubt she's a good mother and a hard worker.  Maybe in some other time or place, I could warm up to her, but I just don't feel it.

    She is what she is, and it's too bad that she isn't being allowed to be herself.

    This is all kind of a "whatever" for me.

    "I'm a girlie girl from the southside of (none / 0) (#28)
    by PssttCmere08 on Wed Jun 18, 2008 at 12:21:29 PM EST
    Chicago"  what does that mean?

    I have no idea?? (none / 0) (#31)
    by befuddledvoter on Wed Jun 18, 2008 at 12:23:35 PM EST
    I never thought of Michelle Obama in those terms if I am understanding the term.  I thought it meant like June Cleaver with "traditional" priorities like cooking and cleaning and child rearing and such.  I know she wears pearls but . . .

    Parent
    you are cracking me up.... (none / 0) (#43)
    by PssttCmere08 on Wed Jun 18, 2008 at 12:46:02 PM EST
    As a Chicagoan it has me (none / 0) (#91)
    by LatinoVoter on Wed Jun 18, 2008 at 10:27:28 PM EST
    scratching my head. On the south side our girls can wipe the floor with any male Cubs fan. I never thought we had "girlie girls" down here.

    Parent
    I would be suprised (none / 0) (#33)
    by flyerhawk on Wed Jun 18, 2008 at 12:28:38 PM EST
    if anyone who regularly reads or writes on a political blog would find ANY value from watching The View.

    There's a value. (5.00 / 1) (#46)
    by nycstray on Wed Jun 18, 2008 at 12:48:35 PM EST
    It's a window into what the masses are watching, thus a window into some very large chunks of people and what they see, hear and mostly agree with. Otherwise these shows would be put out to pasture. America is fed dumbed down and non-threatening info and it seems to work for many. I tuned into their hot topics on occasion during the primaries because I find it interesting how they regurgitate the news. Sort of a reality check beyond my little world, lol!~

    Parent
    Vapid is the goal of (none / 0) (#36)
    by ding7777 on Wed Jun 18, 2008 at 12:33:50 PM EST
    the show... remember, the View couldn't handle the backlash of rosie o'donnell stating her own opinions.

    Gaaahhh ... she takes off the Selfish Hat (none / 0) (#37)
    by Ellie on Wed Jun 18, 2008 at 12:36:53 PM EST
    Was concerned as a mom etc. about a life of politics but then took off That Selfish Hat and thought of the dire straights the country was in.

    Dang, I hoped she'd display the Selfish Hat the stylistas initially used with the makeover outfit.

    (Due to being under the protection of powerful guardian spirits, I just caught the last 10min.)

    Michelle has a mannerism in the way she (none / 0) (#44)
    by Newt on Wed Jun 18, 2008 at 12:46:40 PM EST
    holds her head.  Anyone else see that>  I'm trying to figure out what it's about.

    We all missed out. (none / 0) (#67)
    by digdugboy on Wed Jun 18, 2008 at 01:35:20 PM EST
    If Hillary were the nominee, Bill Clinton would be hosting the view instead of Michelle Obama.

    Ha ha ha! (5.00 / 1) (#84)
    by Grace on Wed Jun 18, 2008 at 04:02:19 PM EST
    I could just picture Bill talking with Joy and Whoopi!  That would have been funny.  (Naturally, Hasselbeck would have been pouting which she seems to do quite well and Barbara would just be hanging around personality-less.)

    Am I the only one who sees Andrea Mitchell as a Barbara Walters wannabe?  ;-)

    Parent

    I'll give her props... (none / 0) (#69)
    by Dawn Davenport on Wed Jun 18, 2008 at 02:16:48 PM EST
    ...for admitting she doesn't wear pantyhose, which I consider to be the devil's lingerie. Haven't worn  it myself since around the time white hose was fashionable.


    The View? (none / 0) (#72)
    by glennmcgahee on Wed Jun 18, 2008 at 02:49:50 PM EST
    THe problem here is that any of you watched at all. Its leading news items on every network and cable show. I expect it to be on the front page of the paper tommorrow. McClatchey has done a 4 part series on the captives of Guantanamo Bay. Yet, more people will learn about the View than anything covered in the investigation.

    in case you missed my post (none / 0) (#88)
    by Jeralyn on Wed Jun 18, 2008 at 06:47:49 PM EST
    about the McClatchy Guantanamo series, it's here.

    Parent
    Oh Dear ... I missed the View and Mrs. Obama (none / 0) (#80)
    by bridget on Wed Jun 18, 2008 at 03:15:44 PM EST
    forgot all about it right after I found out from Jeralyn that she was on that show yesterday ... and I really wanted to see what she was all about I really did ...

    well - I don't watch TV these days and never the View so it is not surprising I forgot.

    my first impression:
     I just watched the little clip and from the few seconds MO I heard I can only say one thing: Michelle Obama is hemming and hawing just like her husband. Lots of eh .. eh ... eh. Not good. That VP Qs has to be a nobrainer for her. Don't tell me she spoke like that thruout the whole show?

    I still have to read Jeralyn's live blogging and the opinions of others here. Find out all the good stuff I missed.

    But first a cup of Earl Grey ;-)

    Not again .... about the usual, Laura, pigs, etc. (5.00 / 1) (#83)
    by bridget on Wed Jun 18, 2008 at 03:52:25 PM EST
    " Asked about sexism against Hillary in the campaign. She says yes, there also were elements of racism."

    grrrr - Not Again.
    Why not say just Yes, there was. Unfortunately. The first pol who can admit this fact without the obligatory rest should receive an honesty award on the spot.

    Michelle Obama likes Laura Bush?
     Of course, she does. Something she has in common with Alexander Cockburn btw. who loves to bring his Laura Bush admiration up in article after article just to abuse Hillary. Ok so I am not impressed with that one. Too bad I wasn't on the View myself. Would have loved to point that out to MO about Cockburn.

    Good for Whoopi to come back after the none answer re "not proud of the US" problem MO most def. has in this election. Looks MO didn't respond to that tricky qs. She knows how this works in interviews thats for sure. So kudos for Whoopi here.

    Since I am all against animal farming and eating lovely animals esp. pigs the "We eat bacon" answer really was a huge turn-off for me. Yikes!

     Thanks Jeralyn for live-blogging.

    Parent

    I saw Hillary on Tyra Banks (none / 0) (#86)
    by ChrisO on Wed Jun 18, 2008 at 04:26:23 PM EST
    and it was one of her best appearances anywhere. I wished all of the primary voters could have seen it. I'm assuming it gets fairly low ratings.

    (Tyra did a decent job on the interview, BTW.)

    Proof that feminism is dead (none / 0) (#96)
    by differnet on Thu Jun 19, 2008 at 07:36:11 AM EST
    This is what passes for "feminine" thought these days. It's a completely useless endeavor.  We learn nothing, we say nothing.  I will say it again, feminism died under the weight of the self-absorption of the double-soy-macchiato driking women who came of age since 1990.

    As for Michelle Obama, she has become packaged as just another fluffy bunny.  Heck, the fact that she appreciates Laura Bush is just depressing. As a woman, I cannot think of a more vapid example of womanhood.