Most people don't talk about it that much, but the Obama family is the most telegenic potentially presidential family in recent memory. And this is true no matter how you feel about them. The press never seems to tire of taking pictures of the quartet and nearly all pictures of Barack take an iconic tone, bordering on idolatry. Pictures of the whole Obama unit are postcards of familial bliss. Even Chris Matthews of "Hardball" is frequently amazed at the beauty of the Obama clan, routinely remarking on it whenever they're together at an event.
If Obama makes it to the White House no matter how turbulent things may get the camera will continue to be his friend. Barack and Michelle's daughters are incredibly adorable and Malia is especially striking as she has the best of both her parents features. So rather than focus solely on Michelle's fashion sense, I thought I'd share some recent photos I found of Barack, Michelle and their daughters via the Associated Press from a recent trip to Indiana that became a family photo-op affair.
Michelle warming up the crowd in Durham, North Carolina Friday...
On first glance I wasn't too wild about this shirt, but only because it reminded me of something Mama Snob would have bought at Coats and Things back in the early 1990s before they went out of business. (I'm almost positive she has a version of this in fall colors). It's a cute blouse but a bit of a throwback I'd say.
Arriving in Indiana ...
At a picnic later ...
In that third shot of Barack and Michelle, while adorable, at times I go, "I know they have to get sick at mugging for the camera." As much as I enjoy these pictures I know the Obama campaign knows I enjoy these pictures hence while I don't doubt the Obamas' love for one another but my parents have been "crazy in love" since the 1970s and I've never even seen them hold hands.
So that has to be exhausting, to have been married for more than a decade, produced two children and have moved from the "everything you do is magic" phase to the "stop smoking in the house and why can't you put your socks in the dirty hamper?" phase.
I'm not saying Michelle isn't the lovey-dovey type, but I also think she believes in her husband, wants him to be our next president and therefore is willing to take on all the suffering of a political wife, which includes pretending like this is the first time you've heard this speech, being amazingly polite to a fault and engaging in acceptable PDA, including hand holding and affectionate gestures, but should NOT involve that lip lock Al put on Tipper Gore back in 2000.
I'm still having nightmares about that one.
At a roller skating rink in Indiana
Once again. The Obama campaign knows just how to melt a Snob's cold, cynical heart. He's hugging his daughters! They're all roller skating! I remember when my parents taught me to roller skate! These pictures make me feel all warm and fuzzy! Black love is so beautiful! Why can't I vote them into the White House RIGHT NOW!
But that's based on pure emotion as I was raised by two married black people who loved me unconditionally and displayed affection towards me. Once again, I look at my own family and see it in the Obamas as I only have sisters and my father was a giant who I adored (and continue to adore). So, um ... these photos completely undercut any rational logic I have.
And later at a rally ...
Arriving at South Bend, Ind.
Arriving in Indianapolis
Love the handbag, Michelle. And yet again, another sighting of her favorite black belt.
Looking very uber cool in Indianapolis
Did I mention that Barack Obama is also freakishly telegenic? Seriously. Save the satellite dish ears, he's a handsome man. And with the Secret Service detail he looks especially presidential.
Speaking to supporters in Indy ...
Even if you don't like them, you've got to admit. They pimp photos like none other. I think the only political family that could have rivaled them on pretty points this cycle were the Romneys with the own central casting good looks and their strapping, handsome but goofy adult sons. So we'd be in full-on potentially good looking first family trench warfare if McCain hadn't bounced them out.
But because they're not there, the only person the Obamas are doing battle with is Chelsea Clinton who survived her awkward teen years and grew into a very lovely woman. Sadly for Hillary, the camera hasn't liked her since never. It's not that she's unattractive, she just takes really bad photos and has consistently made horrendous clothing choices. Pantsuits were the best thing to ever happen to her. Bill Clinton is often photo ready in spite of himself, as most of his looks are based on his communication skills and charm, which you can't quite take a picture of.
And John McCain takes a horrible picture. Some of it's not his fault. He has some scars from skin cancer. Plus he's really, really old and I hear that can really hurt you in the looks department unless you're Sophia Lauren, Lena Horne or Harry Belafonte. Something about melanin and olive oil. It really helps with the whole "aging gracefully" thing.
*Cross-posted from The Black Snob.