I especially agree with what Mary wrote, but understand Joan, Julia and Liz’s advice too. Here’s what I hope: She wears more of the brilliant jewel tone colors like that fabulous purple dress. Energetic and emblematic of the fresh start we need. Even Jackie Kennedy was bashed and made gaffes like her ‘sable underwear’ comment. She is going to be swift-boated and I think Michelle’s friend, Maria Shriver, is a tremendous role model of an outspoken, activist political wife who, as California’s First Lady, has recently started a new program- ‘We.’ http://www.firstlady.ca.gov/ [Note: the state emblem with Minerva—the Roman’s name for Athena—and the words Courage, Wisdom, Strength.] If she adopted a signature theme like “We” it would be timely, could deflect criticism, relates to anything she wants to say, and makes the message more memorable and hard to argue with. It’s mistake for her to focus on ‘fixing’ things. That should be left to her husband and to surrogate-warriors like Jim Webb. Her energy should always convey the vision, the dream. I wonder if they’ll have a campaign song? I’d vote for “Reach” http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tr2HEOQGZ8c As a couple they are so right for the times and the world. Shinning, effervescent and so alive. So exciting. And only 5 months to go.

My advice to Michelle: Stay out of the spotlight. There are about 4 million disgruntled Democrats and all Republicans who are waiting for you to misstep – misspeak. Your distaste for everything white will trip you up. Behind the scenes, be yourself: classy, funny, pretty and bright.

My advice for Michelle would be : get ready, the White House is waiting and remember that you can’t please the people all of the time no matter how you try.

Frankly, as we ourselves are sharp, go-getting women, we have to understand the dilemma Michelle Obama finds herself in. To be up front on this, this is a woman who is smarter than her husband and has her own separate future on the line. She is at an age where she must start moving to the top — and if you think ‘moving to the top’ is moving to the White HOuse, well - spare me. We have seen what have happened to other smart women who are making ceremonial appearances and that is about all. Watch her face at these functions - and notice how few she attends unless she has what is essentially a gun at her head. She has a good head on her shoulders — she is about to crash the glass ceiling in her own profession in Chicago at the right age to do it. She has 2 young children that she has already expressed should NOT be having a White House on display life. It will be a killer for them later on. What White House child - outside of Alice Longworth - have we ever seen again? Frankly, I would like to see her stay in Chicago after the election going back to her job, excelling, raising her children in the city’s best school, and he and she going back and forth for functions when needed or “wanted”. He has had only 10 days at home - and only because she has threatened him on that. What does this do to the children? His job in the White HOuse is going to be one like never before if he has a prayer of being a success — for he will have to prove that he is more than a charismatic speaker and has substance behind his words. In other words, he has to toe a line that has little time for lovey-dovey stuff or substance with the children. That is a fact. Do you know what this sharp wife must be thinking? She can be a long-term success and a good example for her children. Hopefully, long distance, he can also — but it is a quick rise and fall for politicians and the public abuse that will reign on his every wrong move will come down and affect the psyche of the two little kids who will mimic their parents and parrot the words to them. My advice: still have her own separate life with home values for the most important thing in life: the children. Show them a much better way to rise to the top — and have time to give them constant love and attention as her work is only blocks away from house and school. I see a division coming in the Obama family as Michelle is not going to be happy - and when Momma isn’t happy, nobody’s happy. Mark my words.