AMERICAblog: Maureen Dowd hearts Michelle. David Brooks not so much.
Peter
· 8 months ago
Take a fashion tip from David Brooks:
Geek is chic.
Steve_in_CNJ
· 8 months ago
now that he's decided that limbaugh is tainted, brooks has nowhere to go for ideas. i wonder if he is trying to get the attention of TMZ in case he gets canned from the NYT.
01Jack
· 8 months ago
And the LORD God said, It is not good that the man should be alone; I will make him an help meet for him. Genesis 2:18, KJV.
The word comes from a misunderstanding of the phrase, taking it to be like "helpmate."
OleHippieChick
· 8 months ago
Heh, is that pronounced "an 'elp meet"? Is that the Cockney Bible?
tlsintx
· 8 months ago
ha! The Eliza Doolittle Version?
GoBlue
· 8 months ago
As you can might from the context, an old meaning of "meet" is "appropriate." In other words, the appropriate "help" for a human being is another human being.
Helen Rainier
· 8 months ago
Simply amazing -- with all the challenges we, as a country and its people face, that pundits and critics are concerned and carping about Michelle Obama's sleeveless attire and her toned arms. Screw all of them. It's about damned time we start discussing the serious issues we face and how we, collectively, are going to solve them.
CDS2
· 8 months ago
Right on ! And, let Rush continue to be the fool tht he is. and let's solve the Financial problems of this country and the world instead of the diversions.
nonsanaementis
· 8 months ago
I always though "Helpmeet" was bible-speak for nice, quiet wifey but then i looked it up; it actually was used in the Creation story of Genesis in the KJV, but not to describe Eve. It was used to describe the creation of the animals. Heh.
tlsintx
· 8 months ago
wow, catty indeed, David Brooks... mmmmrrow!
AdrianBrowne
· 8 months ago
The sleeve/sleeveless issue is about age. Sleeveless is age-appropriate for Michelle Obama. It’s very easy to look "matronly" when young-er women wear dressy or formal clothes with sleeves.
Isn't that "Frosted Coral" from the Doris Day Maybelline Collection David is wearing in his headshot:
I fully agree! The wobbles and foilbes of a middle class suburban druggie like Laura Plastique might the measure of the GOP, but there's nothing like having real people in the White House at last!
I thought it was L'Oreal "because you deserve the very best."
wearing out my F key
· 8 months ago
republicans: wrong on biceps, wrong for america. if the obama administration achieves only one thing, i hope it is to inspire every american to take personal responsibility for their arm fat.
OleHippieChick
· 8 months ago
OMG, MoDo actually DID use "flare" instead of "flair." Editors? Not so much.
Tony
· 8 months ago
Yes, Maureen Dowd is just one of us "real people." She understands us "real people."
I agree with what was written, but spare me that load of BS . . .
GrMtGirl3
· 8 months ago
After 8 years of "dead pan" obedient "Stepford" Laura, Michelle is a desperately needed breath of fresh air for this nation. She personafies what an American women should be all about and does not fear just being her normal self. "Catting" over what she wears is pure sign of jealousy and fear of her power and influence over people!
sherifffruitfly
· 8 months ago
And old term, the second part of which I believe it comes from a misunderstanding of an even older use of the word "meet", which once had the meaning "just right".
Joe Bourgeois
· 8 months ago
Perhaps if Dowd wasn't trolling for Biblical diction she could remember how to spell "flair".
Butch1
· 8 months ago
I think she is an obvious asset to the president and I'm glad she ignores the envious nags who want to bring her down. Where was Brooks on the frumpy dresses Laura Bush used to wear? Did he actually like them or do republicans somehow, get a pass on things like that? Some of Laura's dresses would have worked as replacements for Scarlet O'Hara's drape dress in "Gone with the Wind." He has nothing he can talk about so he is trying to make something out of nothing. I wish he would go away until he can become an objective journalist. His sniping is boring and puerile. Maureen hit it on the head to make it look more like envy for the person she is. Surely, he must have better things to do or cover.
An_American_Karol
· 8 months ago
There will always be a segment of society that will dislike or negatively critique this First Lady. She is confident, bright, attractive, and competent... What's there not to hate in the eyes of Republicans?
Gary SF
· 8 months ago
I agree that sleeveless was inappropriate, but at least it worked. Michele Obama, arguably the most beautiful first lady in my lifetime (and yes, more beautiful than Jackie O), needs some fashion advice. So far, most of what she has worn has been a disaster. While most thought that the 'black widow' stuff was racist, it was dead-on as criticism of that awful dress. Ditto for the inauguration - the design of the 'outfit' she wore looked like it was influenced by a lamp shade from a lamp in an old Italian granny lady's house filled over-the-top, faux-baroque furnishings, minus the protective plastic cover. Is there a greater demonstration that the world could collapse with out us gays? Regardless, I love the woman - and her husband too!
John Aravosis
· 8 months ago
I agree with you 100%. Never thought I'd be saying that :-) The sleeveless struck me as too sexy for a public event (though she was gorgeous), and overall I've said to friends several times that she needs fashion advice now that she's first lady. Some people don't like that idea, in principle, but it doesn't really matter - she's an uber- public figure now, and these things matter, whether we like it or not.
Gary SF
· 8 months ago
I was THAT specific public event. Sleeveless is probably appropriate for other public events, but not for Obama's address to Congress.
Lolis
· 8 months ago
please, are we some muslim country? since when are arms taboo?
Gary SF
· 8 months ago
Since forever. I challenge you to find another first lady who wore anything sleeveless to a presidential address to Congress. IT IS INAPPROPRIATE. But then you probably wear crocs or flip-flops everywhere, so my argument is lost on you.
JoyceH
· 8 months ago
"I challenge you to find another first lady who wore anything sleeveless to a presidential address to Congress. "
Jackie Kennedy, State of the Union Address, 1963.
Google is your friend.
Lolis
· 8 months ago
not sure why you need to resort to personal attacks on my footwear ... lol .. somebody already proved your historical assumptions WRONG.
Gary SF
· 8 months ago
I stand corrected. I'm sure your footwear will recover from my rant.
But we Americans are the worst-dressed people. Everytime I am in Europe, it is easy to spot the American: Shorts, crocs and/or flip-flops, and a crappy tee-shirt - all so wrinkled that one wonders if they have ever seen an iron.
Frankly, our obsession with youth makes for some funny looking middle-aged and old people. And why anyone with a belly thinks that they can wear midriff is beyond me. But then, humility went out with Karaoke.
lynchie
· 8 months ago
I say bullcrap. Are we now fashion police. Whose standards is she violating? What does being first lady have to do with dressing in a classy, refreshing and youthful way. And what does dressing have to to with being a public figure? I don't see the connection. Let's recognize that Obama and his family for once exhibit the youthful exuberance for life and living. Not some dowdy, pant suit wearing 60 something. I like her fine, she isn't flashing nipples, she isn't showing her Brazilian, she is dressing in a very fashionable hip way.
Rob Mule
· 8 months ago
Exactly...How would a sleeze like David Brooks know about fashion, an open "W" on the stall floor of the toilet in which he was kneeling??? Would a peep have been uttered had Michelle worn a lime green pant suit to the joint address???
Gary SF
· 8 months ago
OK, sometimes its not easy being you. Or me either! What most here do not understand is decorum. I hate and almost never wear a tie, but I know when I need to. She is the first lady. She will be meeting other heads of state. There are international protocols that, when not followed, can actually be seen as a sign of disrespect. But that is lost on the 'shorts and crocs are appropriate everywhere' crowd.
Rob Mule
· 8 months ago
Remember how decorous Wolfowitz was at that Turkish mosque? I don't recall winger outrage over sock holes and dress pant smudge...
Gary SF
· 8 months ago
Lack of outcry doesn't make it right. Personally, between that and the auto-fellatio of his comb, it was incredibly gross.
Rob Mule
· 8 months ago
"Outcry", also, doesn't make anything wrong...
middle girl
· 8 months ago
John, get a grip, man. This look was good enough for the first lady (see below) from the LAST CENTURY, I think our modern sensibilities can handle the shock.
Jackie K at her husbands SOTU looking pretty sexy to me:
The MoDo and Rich columns highlight the increasingly looney hyperbole from the 'drown in a bathtub' crowd of Wall Street universe masters and their political and corporate media stooges. It is a shame these 'usual suspects' still have voices in the public arena. I particularly liked this line of Rich's:
The level of taste flaunted by America’s upper caste at the bubble’s height had less in common with the Medicis than, say, Uday and Qusay Hussein.
The illusive qualities of taste and tastelessness require a level of well-read sophistication almost unknown among today's crusty upper classless MBA's and unreal estate tycoons raised in America's consumer-crazed late 20th century. It is an unrecognized irony, indeed, that the early 20th century titans of public endowments (art, education, whatever) were, unlike their modern counterparts, self-made and largely self-educated men of vastly broader vision both for their employees, companies and the nation (world) going forward in time. The power America of recent, sad memory profited by and from ignorance, from cheating the intellectually threadbare of thread. Better angels are better served with broad uplift and not the damnable narrow intellectual focus that created the artless and bankrupt zombie pop culture that hisses over Michelle's cute, innocent arms.
RevDrBillyBob
· 8 months ago
So Dowd (a Botox and baggy-arms queen) thinks that by writing this column she can be "one of the 'girls,' too" ? Good luck with that one, Oh Dowdy One. And we can't wait for yet another column slamming the male gender.
Deacon_Blues
· 8 months ago
Nope, John; you're wrong. Sorry, but you're wrong. This is a nation that loves (take your pick) Christina Aguilera, Faith Hill, Kate Winslet, and on and on and on. Sexy is fine with this country. She's sexy. Jackie Kennedy was sexy. Sexy is ok. And smart. Smart is ok. And capable. Capable is ok. It's a non-issue.
Rob Mule
· 8 months ago
I should say I didn't like the red and black dress Michelle wore Election night, I wasn't in love with her Inaugural gown or the 'layers' wore to Arlington Cemetary last week but most of her 'look' is fantastic, including her ocassional sleevelessness. After 19 years of Bar, Hillary and Pickles' hideous pastel pantsuits this criticism of Mrs. Obama seems a tad over the top. Additionally, Washington, DC the hideous home of the most hideously dressed women in America (white nylons and navy skirts I'm looking at you) has some total nerve crabbing at any female over fashion. Give Michelle some time to settle and for new catalogs to follow to her new address...after all, Jackie wasn't built in a day and Saint Laurent is dead.
Chris
· 8 months ago
Mrs. Obama is too sexy because she wears a sleveless dress? WTF. If it was backless, then maybe. But that was a classy dress, not overtly sexy.
Msinformed
· 8 months ago
People are looking for the word "elegant" and light on "sexy" instead. Dumb.
caphillprof
· 8 months ago
For decades, style in DC was left to black women and gay men. Well, now we have a black woman in the White House, so I guess we'll all have to just get used to it.
RobertSanDimas
· 8 months ago
John, someone (on TV - can't cite nor remember who, sorry) found a photo of Jackie Kennedy wearing a sleeveless dress at her husband's State of the Union speech. :)
Rob Mule
· 8 months ago
Just imagine Bar Bush in a sleeveless dress (shudder!!!!)....
Older_Wiser
· 8 months ago
I love the way Michelle O looks! She has the arms and can wear the sleeveless things (wish I did and could). Jackie Kennedy wore sleeveless all the time and didn't rate this kind of criticism, even though she was just young and skinny, and that was 45 years ago, not the 21st century. I mean, it's not like Michelle is wearing low cut jeans and belly shirts, for chrissakes.
Since when is the apparel of a youthful First Lady supposed to be the conventional, coverup dress or suit all the time? All First Ladies since Jackie O have been older than she is (maybe except Hillary) and dressed age appropriate. Michelle's not dowdy, she's not button down, she's Michelle Obama, young mother, professional, intelligent and busy First Lady. A real role model for women these days, not a fashion plate.
sherifffruitfly
· 8 months ago
I'll be damned. John really IS as stupid as the other Villagers.
Rob Mule
· 8 months ago
Ooh...A sleeveless noise in the woods...(yawn!!!) I can't wait for M. Night Shyamalan's "DC: Damned Couture'.
Jennifer
· 8 months ago
You know, they're both sexy. That's just the way it is. Michelle Obama's arms are just that, ARMS. They're not boobs, or butts or whatever. They are arms. She's 45, not 65, a'ight? Americans need to just chill and understand that, for once, they have a pair of humans in the White House that look friggin' fabulous and not like someone's memaw and pepaw, off to Church. They're good looking people that care for their bodies. That's inspirational, especially in a time when so many Americans flirt with obesity. Too sexy my arse.
Rob Mule
· 8 months ago
memaw and pepaw
ROTFLMAO!!
Shonnie
· 8 months ago
I find it interesting that Mrs. Obama's arms are threatening to some people. I guess some prefer Cindy McCain's highly expensive, too youthful tight ensembles, Laura Bush's suburban Texas dowager style, or Hillary Clinton's god-awful pantsuits.
I was way more offended by Cindy's grandma cleavage than I am by Michelle's beautiful arms.
lillieannerose
· 8 months ago
I disagree with you on this one. Michelle is a warrior woman and has yet to meet the color she's afraid of. I always had problems with these professional women who felt that they had to deconstruct their female in order to be taken seriously as a professional woman.
True equality gives women the fashion right to be who they are!
Michelle is awesome leave her arms alone!
onion
· 8 months ago
Women show skin to appear attractive in a formal setting, men don't. Even in informal settings, women are always one step ahead of men in terms of bare skin acreage. I am a woman, and I don't approve of women showing so much skin in such formal settings. Why? Think again about why showing skin is so uniquely "feminine." The roots of this tradition lies in sex. The suggestion of sexuality. Sure, it is beautiful, it is gorgeous, but why isn't it as gorgeous and AS ACCEPTED for men? Because in a way that no one seems to want to admit, the "femininity" that is bare skin is a suggestion that we need to see her entire body in detail to deem her beautiful. There are a million other ways for a woman to appear feminine and beautiful. And why don't men need to bare skin to appear masculine? Get a load at how they look masculine - they cover nearly every inch of skin up in a form-obscuring, thick, opaque in every way SUIT.
lillieannerose
· 8 months ago
Get over it.
How can women ever be equal when they have to male themselves?
Shonnie
· 8 months ago
Most Americans do not care about the first lady's arms. We're too busy worrying about savings, investments, mortgages, unemployment, education, and health care to be focused on something so trivial.
Republicans are stuck on stupid and mired in the past. This focus on Michelle Obama's beautiful, brown, well-toned arms says more about the out of touch pundits, and idiot bloggers than it says about Mrs. Obama.
Jim
· 8 months ago
My sister pointed out that, even though he doesn't have biceps, Rush has bigger boobs than Michelle. Or Dolly Parton, for that matter. Shouldn't that count?
cowboyneok
· 8 months ago
There is no short supply of man boobs and anal cysts in the "Republic" Party. Its why they are "catty bitches" when it comes to progressive Democrats who have brains, class and brawn. They think they can get away with attacking our First Lady's physique? Ha! Good luck with that, man boobs!
Rob Mule
· 8 months ago
I wonder if Rush has a golden bra?
cowboyneok
· 8 months ago
or a golden "Preparation H" applicator for his anal cysts and hemorrhoids.
NorthCalGal
· 8 months ago
I liked her dress. I didn't even focus on the sleeveless aspect of the dress until people started harping on it. I wouldn't call it sexy. I would've been taken aback if she had inches of cleavage showing, or too low in the back, or too short, but the dress was tasteful and respectful. Are we going back to the day when ankle-showing was considered provocative? Arms! Oh Nos! She's being sexy! Holy Cow. I think she looks great. Leave Michelle alone to claim her own First Lady style. Why do we always consider something different as something that shouldn't be done? Maybe that's why we are in such a progress-rut. The "new" is toooooo scary boo.
ChrisS
· 8 months ago
I really disagree. I understand the point you're making, and thanks for separating yourself from David Brooks' cattiness on this.
Maybe it's just because I'm a gay guy and so the bare arms don't make my brain shut off, and they don't overwhelm my perception of her eloquence, or make me forget the Ivy League degrees or the professional accomplishments. I've just been watching the pretty much flawless way she's taken on the role of First Lady. She's managed to combine impeccable style with truly meaningful substance, and done it in a way that doesn't distract from her husband's agenda.
Honestly, I was an early Hilary Clinton supporter. I was really skeptical of Obama's experience. Maybe it's just the zeal of the converted, but I think both of Obamas are representing our country with intelligence, class and style.
I'd hate to seem them change something that, in my opinion, is working terrifically for all of us.
Vickif
· 8 months ago
There was nothing inappropriate about Michelle's sleeveless dress. She looks absolutely amazing in anyting I've seen her in so far. And since I am part of the American people-as are everyone else here-she looks beautiful.
van
· 8 months ago
Brooks is making sense on the economy, and is labeling Republican calls for a spending freeze as "insane." Maybe this explains the timing of Dowd's attack on Brooks.
NMRon
· 8 months ago
Oh, for Christ's sake. What an immature, sexually frustrated bunch we Americans are. Too sensuous . . . because she wore a sleeveless dress, a sleeveless dress. I'll bet she was even showing a 'well-turned' ankle, the harlot.
mirth
· 8 months ago
We're Americans! None of that sensual First Lady stuff for us!
Actually, I'm more upset about her cinched belts. She's entirely too curvy for them.
And the colors she wears!
Fuchsia?
Shonnie
· 8 months ago
Too curvy? Are we now supposed to flee in terror from women who have hips and a butt? Seriously?
mirth
· 8 months ago
Yes, seriously!
Plus the hussy colors.
Shonnie
· 8 months ago
OKaaaaaaay, I finally get it!
mirth
· 8 months ago
:)
foolme1ns
· 8 months ago
Jesus Christ on a cracker. I can't believe that we are still so puritanical that even the gay guys are upset that our first lady has the temerity to show her arms. When will we ever grow up. Michelle Obama would be sexy if she wore sack cloth and ashes. What makes her sexy ain't the clothes. It is the sheer amount of confidence and self assuredness that says she doesn't need anyones permission or approval to be herself. She is the best dressed first lady since Jackie Kennedy. Sleeves wouldn't cover what makes Michelle both sexy and worse, scary. Michelle is a total woman and confident in everything that entails. Deal with it boys.
gymnjim
· 8 months ago
Thank You!
Rob Mule
· 8 months ago
Oh God...Bloomers or panties or au naturel like Pickles???
Brooks is pathetic. As I was saying to my husband, we haven't had such a young first lady in a long time and your pic proves it.
And as Joe says: And, you know Michelle has better biceps than David Brooks and most of the other cranky conservatives. Rush probably doesn't even have biceps.
That line nails the catty comment's origin. Pathetic and flabby.
jeffg166
· 8 months ago
Who's David Brooks?
moja31
· 8 months ago
While I understand john's point to a degree, I think a lot of people who make similar points are projecting their own prejudices onto Mrs. Obama. Was it "too sexy" when Jackie Kennedy wore a sleeveless dress to her husband's state of the union? Was it "too sexy" when she too wore sleeveless in her official portrait? Or on hundreds of other occasions? Wearing sleeveless outfits is nothing new in a formal and professional setting, women do it all the time; so I can't help but wonder if the whole "too sexy" objection doesn't have more to do with people's stereotypes about black women and sensuality, than it does with the actual sleeveless look being too sensual?
Not only a brazen display of shoulders, but shiny lips as well!
Arachnae
· 8 months ago
ARMS are now too erotic to be displayed? When did we all become Amish and why did nobody tell me?
JenD
· 8 months ago
Oh Good Grief John. Sensuous? I guess that's in the eye of the beholder. Sexy? No. She just looked great. Arms are not a sexual organs. They are just arms. Her arms look great. It's a dress. A pretty dress. She wore a freakin' pretty dress. People need to get over that.
Lord have mercy, are Mrs. Obama's arms and choice of fashion so important we have to discuss it? Let's give this crap a rest. Let the woman pick her clothes and wear whatever she wants.
onion
· 8 months ago
if arms are not sexual organs, then why don't men also bare arms in similar situations?
Msinformed
· 8 months ago
I thought the 2nd amendment gave us a right to bare arms!
Rob Mule
· 8 months ago
Bravo!!!
AdmNaismith
· 8 months ago
Do you really want to see Joseph Lieberman's flabby arms? No. But if you do got'em, I say flaunt'em.
Jennifer
· 8 months ago
Had to come back and add: will Michelle get a ripping for not wearing a mantilla to the Vatican, should the occasion ever arise? After all, Condi wore one at the Pope's funeral, like the giant suck she is.
I can't even believe this discussion. It's mentally deficient.
onion
· 8 months ago
Folks - I think Michelle looked great, love her clothes, I'm a woman making my way in a traditionally male-dominated career field and am for equal rights etc etc. BUT just think for a second, why it is absolutely acceptable for women to bare skin (arms, chest, legs and more) in just about any situation, even a formal one, but NOT FOR MEN. Why don't we ever get the chance to debate a male politician's choice of sleeveless dress shirt? Ah, you say because baring skin is "feminine." But why is baring skin not also "masculine?" Heck, I'd love to see some male bicep at the inaugural ball, or some well-cut calves hanging out there next to the podium. Bare skin for women but not for men has its roots in a truly sexist take on how sexuality is important for our perception of a woman's worth. In the meantime, we judge men not so much by how they look, but by what they've got upstairs. All you cheerleaders for the sleeveless attire during winter...if you don't think it's also ok for the men to show a little pec at formal events, then maybe you should reexamine why you think it is ok for women.
Arachnae
· 8 months ago
Oh come on. Why do men wear TIES? If you can come up with a cogent explanation for that, then you can arbitrate female fashion.
Rob Mule
· 8 months ago
Maybe the President would look good at a 'naked from the waist up' state dinner but most, I think, wouldn't... "Pardon me, Speaker Gingrich, but your man boob is in the cocktail sauce."
MNUSA
· 8 months ago
Please! Bare arms aren't nakedness. That's one advantage women have, we can be more flexible and creative with our clothing. Besides, I'm guessing most women would be showing a lot of skin at official state dinners. Check out women's formal wear sometime - that's just the style. Do you want women to have to suffer in a tuxedo like men do? Just leave it alone.
Rob Mule
· 8 months ago
I don't need to be preached to by someone who hasn't understood this thread. Please! Leave typing alone until you understand the positions of people you imagine yourself opposing.
MNUSA
· 8 months ago
I apologize. I jumped to conclusions. I'm just so used to everyone attacking Michelle Obama. I'll try to be more careful, but won't guarantee it. Certain things set me off like a bottle rocket. I just landed on you this time. Again, sorry.
Rob Mule
· 8 months ago
NP...It takes a big person to say "sorry" especially here online. I try to keep sarcasm in check here on the internets where is is so frequently misintrepreted but sometimes I cannot help my self. I write so often here I sometimes think my support for the the President and First Lady is a given.
american person
· 8 months ago
As a queer person, my experience of America is one of a place where many people are uncomfortable with sensuality, let alone sexuality. I'm just one, but I am one of the "American People", and my life is deeply affected by what my brethren/fellow citizens think: of what I do sexually, of what my relationships look like, and what kind of rights I'm allowed to have. So I say hats off to Michelle Obama for showing herself as the powerful woman she is and not hiding her sensuality, and not presenting herself as staid to feed America's discomfort with the body. I want real people in the White House, not some buttoned down CEO who pretends to be something he or she is not.
MNUSA
· 8 months ago
Good point. Let's face it - Michelle Obama would look gorgeous in a gunny sack.
middle girl
· 8 months ago
Hello David, and John, the Amish called and they want their dress code back.Jackie Kennedy, a woman from the previous century was celebrated for this look. A google search will provide countless examples of this. I cannot believe that this is an issue, is it jealously, is it subtle racism, is it fear of the powerful feminine?
I have read countless blog comments talking about how Michelle is inspiring a nation of fat people to take nutrition and exercise seriously. If some men and jealous women are discomfited by the site of her toned, beautiful and powerful arms, I think that it's their discomfort is what we should be discussing.
Arachnae
· 8 months ago
Middle Girl - I can't help but feel that if Michelle's arms weren't so... well, so BROWN, many people wouldn't have noticed at all.
AdmNaismith
· 8 months ago
'I cannot believe that this is an issue, is it jealously, is it subtle racism, is it fear of the powerful feminine?'
Both.
momodo
· 8 months ago
I bet Brooks never offers to split a cabfare with Dowd again. He comes off looking like a total pig.
Admittedly, I am not the typical American that I think John was talking about, but I don't think most people would even thing to be offended by her dress unless they were told repeatedly by the media how inapproprate and offensive they found it. I just thought she looked nice.
HarpoSnarx
· 8 months ago
Also I DON'T approve of all the ankles being flaunted promiscuously during these hedonistic though economically dire days.
That said, teevee tells me that Michelle gives BAD gifts too.
PS I doubt David Brooks has a black woman on his good list other than Pearl Bailey and Aunt Jemima.
Perhaps Brooks should stop acting like a fucking kracker and stop disgracing the race.
Peter
· 8 months ago
John, as one Greek to another, let me say that I don't want the first lady to dress like Yaya.
frank
· 8 months ago
Wow! People are really creepy over a sexy, daunting black woman. I'm still complaining over Hillary's hair and that snarky librarian that never learned that some Americans just don't like accents
not
· 8 months ago
While everyone is getting the vapors about something happening in 2009- where were the "David Brook hacks" in 1963? Was everyone clucking when Jackie Kennedy wore this outfit to the State of the Union? http://tiny.cc/VSb8k It's really pathetic because Mrs. Obama didn't do anything groundbreaking. She didn't show nipple or thong. So what is this really about? Mrs. Kennedy- sleeveless in her official White House portrait- check. Mrs. Kennedy- sleeveless at the State of the Union- check. Yet, since Mrs. Obama has now done EXACTLY THE SAME THING but FORTY-SIX years later, everyone's grabbing for the smelling salts and presto it's SLEEVE-GATE. It shows that people on the right like Brooks aided by the MSM will go to any length to spread their poison of du jour. Slowly but surely everyone gets sprayed by their toxic scent and next thing you know, sensible people are wondering why this black woman is disrespecting our country at the State of the Union address. Shouldn't she know any better and know her place? Can't have her looking to glamorous. Hide your children! Hide your GOP pundits!
I guess it's okay if your white. IOIYW.
middle girl
· 8 months ago
John, this is an example of you allowing the media to manipulate you into what the "public" is thinking. It turns out the USA Today acutally did a poll about Michelle's look at Obama's big speech. Turns out that 40% approved, only 11% didn't approve and guess what?, a whopping 49% said "who cares -it's her decision." As usual in the Obama era, what the media is pushing, is not what the public is thinking. So, John, you are usually good at not buying the latest meme.
tlsintx
· 8 months ago
"sexy" and "sensuous" are in the eye of the beholder. unfortunately, America has the sexual maturity of a nine-year-old boy.
lord. can we grow up now?
lillieannerose
· 8 months ago
Uh folks blaming John on this one, the by-line says it's Joe. (???)
Abelard
· 8 months ago
There is a "Note from John" at the end of the post. That's what people are responding to.
MNUSA
· 8 months ago
I'm so amused at the attention given to Michelle Obama's arms. As a woman who has a few years on Mrs. Obama, one of my goals in life is not to develop those flabby wings that so many women get. So I admire a woman with firm arms. What's so amazing is that Jackie Kennedy wore a sleeveless sheath often - even Caroline Kennedy is partial to the sleeveless sheath. Yet Mrs. Kennedy was always considered tasteful and the height of fashion. What should Michelle Obama do people? Show up in a burka? Geez. Get over it!
Steve
· 8 months ago
Two words: Trivial Crap.
colleen
· 8 months ago
"I'm just not sure Americans want their First Lady looking too sexy."
At the risk of sounding a bit like bitchy David Brooks (who knew?) I would say, rather, that Americans are unused to a beautiful and sexy First Lady and predict the public will adjust rapidly to this new state of affairs. That said, I'm betting right now that Mrs Obama will be the best First Lady since Eleanor Roosevelt and not because of her considerable physical beauty.
ToddPlacid
· 8 months ago
methinks the sow doth protest too much
percol8r
· 8 months ago
Note to Joe Sudbay: When your "editor" adds his remarks to your posts to undermine the point you were attempting to make and your own call on an issue -- it's time to look for a new situation.
Seriously, check back and look at how many of us have checked out on John and only revisit americablog because of what you post. Just wanted to give you a shot of confidence: When you're ready to do your own thing, we'll all be happy to follow you to your new site.
middle girl
· 8 months ago
this is true for me.
Mia
· 8 months ago
Appropriateness for the venue/setting/occasion is really what the whole "sleeveless" brouhaha is about.
For example: I'm a woman and while I will wear pant suits to a job interview, I would never dream of going without a suit jacket. I would never dream of wearing short sleeves. I would never, ever wear flashy jewelry to such an occasion.
While the First Lady did look lovely, sleeveless dresses at a formal Congressional occasion don't quite seem to fit. Especially one being held, basically, because the economy is in a tailspin and the country's freaking out. That's all. She would have done better to simply wear a jacket with the dress, even a simple one with 3/4 length sleeves or something. She did not have to wear a "power suit".
A lady doesn't wear jackets merely because it's cold. Sometimes, we wear them because it's respectful of the occasion, the people, and the place.
JoyceH
· 8 months ago
"While the First Lady did look lovely, sleeveless dresses at a formal Congressional occasion don't quite seem to fit."
It 'fit' in 1963. And it 'fits' in 2009.
Know why? Because the First Lady gets to decide what 'fits'. She doesn't have to follow fashion. If she wants to (and she's the first one who's wanted to in almost half a century), she gets to lead it.
I thought she looked great, did not seem inappropriate in the least. And seeing those pics of Jackie Kennedy going sleeveless....well this should simply be a non-issue.
ghosh
· 8 months ago
I've been watching sotu speeches since 1956 and I didn't have a thought about Michelle's dress being inappropriate. And I'm gay and always have an eye for what the first ladies wear. All I could think was "Wow, Nice." We really must get over the fear that Nancy Reagan might sniff at Michelle and her clothes and her look and what she does and how she does it. Nancy Reagan was a B-list Hollywood actress with a anti- intellectual streak and a snob's attitude. Fuck her and Barbara Bush and Pat Nixon and Mamie Eisenhower. This is new and real and fine and John, stop being such a scardy-cat.
Gary SF
· 8 months ago
Nancy Reagan went sleeveless - and she looked anorexic.
I don't understand what all the yelling is about Michelle wearing sleeveless dresses. Believe me I never thought anything about her dress. I don't know what the big deal is.
Jill
· 8 months ago
And yet it was perfectly OK for Rich Lowry to get "starbursts" from watching Sarah Palin and for Republicans to be quite open about wanting a MILF to have the nuclear launch codes. Michelle Obama is gorgeous. She isn't sexy because her arms are bare, she's sexy because she's fit and confident. You could put her in one of those Texas polygamy cult prairie dresses and she'd be sexy. So what would you do, put her in a burqa for four years?
munjoyfan
· 8 months ago
Helpmeet is a biblical term, Joe. You shoulda paid more attention during the Gospel. I find the discussion of Michelle's sleevelessness interesting. I too reacted strongly, but because i would be COLD at this time of year in a sleeveless dress. I assumed she was going sleeveless because her interior furnace was running on high. Which, for those of you who are not menopausal women, is NOT a sexy condition. Michelle is just an attractive and strong women, and she is making the scene. She loves color, and she loves dresses, and I'm with her all the way. When she had those community college students down to tour the White House kitchen I thought this is my kinda woman. You go girl!
eclare
· 8 months ago
Heh...I had the exact same reaction. But, I also figured that it probably gets pretty hot up there on the mezzanine of the joint chamber.
Donna in Rome
· 8 months ago
Most Republican First Ladies are either too anorexic or too matronly-looking to be able to wear a sleeveless dress and get away with it. But that hasn't stopped them...
Michelle Obama is an young attractive sexy First Lady, although women aren't my particular attaction, I can appreciate when a woman has sex appeal. While she is young, she should dress exactly as she chooses, there'll be plenty of time for long sleeves and scarves covering crepey necks latter in her life. BTW regardless of sleeves or not, Michelle wears clothes beautifully, and with panache, so covering her arms won't change her.
Ace
· 8 months ago
I used to read Brooks' column until one day I noticed he had his facts all wrong on some Op-Ed piece about 2 years ago. I'm not so up on the facts so by me knowing and him not, it was quite galring. I also thing he came upon a very dumb conclusion (sorry I don't remember what piece it was) and since then, he's been a ding-dong in my book. He just spews what the right often believes and that usu. means ignoring facts ...
drunken hausfrau
· 8 months ago
Look at photos... Jackie Kennedy was often sleeveless -- but wearing gloves (as was the fashion then). Just saying, there is nothing inelegant in a sleeveless outfit -- I think the fear of "sensuality" is much more a subtle racist perspective -- the black woman showing her arms is SEXY, the white woman... no one really ever commented. Since Jackie, we have had considerably older and fatter white women as First Lady, so, unfortunately, there aren't any other comparisons.
pluky
· 8 months ago
In olden days a glimpse of stocking was looked on as something shocking and now God knows anything goes.
LuZenMyMnd
· 8 months ago
We are not back in the '60's. Michelle's look is refreshing at a time when everything around us is going to hell in a handbasket.
This is a professional woman with more book smarts than the average bear; and definetly as much as the average congressman who's been sheltered on capital hill.
It amazes me with everything that's on the front burner and near collapse and President Obama has only been in office less than 2 months, and David Brooks is being so petty as to comment on a dress of all things!
He's an insult to transvestites Everywhere!!!! (Most transvestites would admire her just for her sheer courage.) If he's THAT jealous of her (arms) body in that dress he should seek counseling. What a freakin idiot. Just because Michelle doesn't come out the gate looking like his mother. People thought Jackie O was quite controversial in her day as well. Get over it Brooks!
Punkster
· 8 months ago
Michelle Obama is strong and sexy and would be strong and sexy in a burlap bag. THAT is what is terrifying all of these naysayers. If she had a jacket over the sheath she would have been just as fabulous (I'm a straight 51 year old woman and sitting home alone, watching, I said "Holy crap" when she walked out because she just sucked all of the air out of the room. Jackie was elegant but not sexy.
And may I just say that if I had Michelle Obama's arms I would burn every jacket, coat, and long sleeved anything I own.
Ruthless Gravity
· 8 months ago
Brooksie sounds intimidated by athletic women.
(They probably picked on him in high school.)
sophie
· 8 months ago
"As I said, I'm sure some of our readers will go ballistic over this analysis, but as I always try to point out, it's not always relevant what "you" think - what's relevant is what the American people think."
WTF?? Aren't the people commenting on this blog Americans? What's NOT relevant is stupid chatter about Michelle's arms--"to bare arms, or not to bare arms," gee, now there is a story. Freaking out over Michelle's choice of clothing is about as important as Obama's decision to go shirtless in Hawaii, which also created more gasping and sputtering.
Brooks, and all the other "concerned" pundits, (including John's comment) simply have nothing left to talk about.
truebluecoondog
· 8 months ago
Okay, here's my opinion. And I AM BTW, one of the American People.
Sleeveless is not a big deal. It reveals ones ARMS. Did you hear me? ARMS. WTF? I think that the first lady should present herself in public in a dignified manner. No plunging necklines (unless it's a formal evening event where one would wear something like that), no hooker clothes. If she goes for a jog on a hot day, I would expect her to wear jogging shorts and sneakers, not daisy dukes and a tube top.
It's like that picture of Barack at the beach with no shirt on. What do YOU wear at the beach? Common' people, get over yourselves.
All Comments
Geek is chic.
The word comes from a misunderstanding of the phrase, taking it to be like "helpmate."
Isn't that "Frosted Coral" from the Doris Day Maybelline Collection David is wearing in his headshot:
http://creativeclass.typepad.com/thecreativitye...
I thought it was L'Oreal "because you deserve the very best."
I agree with what was written, but spare me that load of BS . . .
"Catting" over what she wears is pure sign of jealousy and fear of her power and influence over people!
She is confident, bright, attractive, and competent...
What's there not to hate in the eyes of Republicans?
Jackie Kennedy, State of the Union Address, 1963.
Google is your friend.
But we Americans are the worst-dressed people. Everytime I am in Europe, it is easy to spot the American: Shorts, crocs and/or flip-flops, and a crappy tee-shirt - all so wrinkled that one wonders if they have ever seen an iron.
Frankly, our obsession with youth makes for some funny looking middle-aged and old people. And why anyone with a belly thinks that they can wear midriff is beyond me. But then, humility went out with Karaoke.
Let's recognize that Obama and his family for once exhibit the youthful exuberance for life and living. Not some dowdy, pant suit wearing 60 something.
I like her fine, she isn't flashing nipples, she isn't showing her Brazilian, she is dressing in a very fashionable hip way.
Would a peep have been uttered had Michelle worn a lime green pant suit to the joint address???
I don't recall winger outrage over sock holes and dress pant smudge...
Jackie K at her husbands SOTU looking pretty sexy to me:
http://pro.corbis.com/search/Enlargement.aspx?C...
It is a shame these 'usual suspects' still have voices in the public arena.
I particularly liked this line of Rich's:
The level of taste flaunted by America’s upper caste at the bubble’s height had less in common with the Medicis than, say, Uday and Qusay Hussein.
The illusive qualities of taste and tastelessness require a level of well-read sophistication almost unknown among today's crusty upper classless MBA's and unreal estate tycoons raised in America's consumer-crazed late 20th century.
It is an unrecognized irony, indeed, that the early 20th century titans of public endowments (art, education, whatever) were, unlike their modern counterparts, self-made and largely self-educated men of vastly broader vision both for their employees, companies and the nation (world) going forward in time.
The power America of recent, sad memory profited by and from ignorance, from cheating the intellectually threadbare of thread.
Better angels are better served with broad uplift and not the damnable narrow intellectual focus that created the artless and bankrupt zombie pop culture that hisses over Michelle's cute, innocent arms.
After 19 years of Bar, Hillary and Pickles' hideous pastel pantsuits this criticism of Mrs. Obama seems a tad over the top.
Additionally, Washington, DC the hideous home of the most hideously dressed women in America (white nylons and navy skirts I'm looking at you) has some total nerve crabbing at any female over fashion.
Give Michelle some time to settle and for new catalogs to follow to her new address...after all, Jackie wasn't built in a day and Saint Laurent is dead.
Since when is the apparel of a youthful First Lady supposed to be the conventional, coverup dress or suit all the time? All First Ladies since Jackie O have been older than she is (maybe except Hillary) and dressed age appropriate. Michelle's not dowdy, she's not button down, she's Michelle Obama, young mother, professional, intelligent and busy First Lady. A real role model for women these days, not a fashion plate.
I can't wait for M. Night Shyamalan's "DC: Damned Couture'.
ROTFLMAO!!
I was way more offended by Cindy's grandma cleavage than I am by Michelle's beautiful arms.
True equality gives women the fashion right to be who they are!
Michelle is awesome leave her arms alone!
I am a woman, and I don't approve of women showing so much skin in such formal settings. Why? Think again about why showing skin is so uniquely "feminine." The roots of this tradition lies in sex. The suggestion of sexuality.
Sure, it is beautiful, it is gorgeous, but why isn't it as gorgeous and AS ACCEPTED for men? Because in a way that no one seems to want to admit, the "femininity" that is bare skin is a suggestion that we need to see her entire body in detail to deem her beautiful.
There are a million other ways for a woman to appear feminine and beautiful.
And why don't men need to bare skin to appear masculine? Get a load at how they look masculine - they cover nearly every inch of skin up in a form-obscuring, thick, opaque in every way SUIT.
How can women ever be equal when they have to male themselves?
Republicans are stuck on stupid and mired in the past. This focus on Michelle Obama's beautiful, brown, well-toned arms says more about the out of touch pundits, and idiot bloggers than it says about Mrs. Obama.
Maybe it's just because I'm a gay guy and so the bare arms don't make my brain shut off, and they don't overwhelm my perception of her eloquence, or make me forget the Ivy League degrees or the professional accomplishments. I've just been watching the pretty much flawless way she's taken on the role of First Lady. She's managed to combine impeccable style with truly meaningful substance, and done it in a way that doesn't distract from her husband's agenda.
Honestly, I was an early Hilary Clinton supporter. I was really skeptical of Obama's experience. Maybe it's just the zeal of the converted, but I think both of Obamas are representing our country with intelligence, class and style.
I'd hate to seem them change something that, in my opinion, is working terrifically for all of us.
Actually, I'm more upset about her cinched belts. She's entirely too curvy for them.
And the colors she wears!
Fuchsia?
Plus the hussy colors.
She is the best dressed first lady since Jackie Kennedy. Sleeves wouldn't cover what makes Michelle both sexy and worse, scary. Michelle is a total woman and confident in everything that entails. Deal with it boys.
Brooks is pathetic. As I was saying to my husband, we haven't had such a young first lady in a long time and your pic proves it.
And as Joe says: And, you know Michelle has better biceps than David Brooks and most of the other cranky conservatives. Rush probably doesn't even have biceps.
That line nails the catty comment's origin. Pathetic and flabby.
Not only a brazen display of shoulders, but shiny lips as well!
Lord have mercy, are Mrs. Obama's arms and choice of fashion so important we have to discuss it? Let's give this crap a rest. Let the woman pick her clothes and wear whatever she wants.
I can't even believe this discussion. It's mentally deficient.
BUT just think for a second, why it is absolutely acceptable for women to bare skin (arms, chest, legs and more) in just about any situation, even a formal one, but NOT FOR MEN. Why don't we ever get the chance to debate a male politician's choice of sleeveless dress shirt?
Ah, you say because baring skin is "feminine." But why is baring skin not also "masculine?" Heck, I'd love to see some male bicep at the inaugural ball, or some well-cut calves hanging out there next to the podium.
Bare skin for women but not for men has its roots in a truly sexist take on how sexuality is important for our perception of a woman's worth. In the meantime, we judge men not so much by how they look, but by what they've got upstairs.
All you cheerleaders for the sleeveless attire during winter...if you don't think it's also ok for the men to show a little pec at formal events, then maybe you should reexamine why you think it is ok for women.
"Pardon me, Speaker Gingrich, but your man boob is in the cocktail sauce."
Please!
Leave typing alone until you understand the positions of people you imagine yourself opposing.
I write so often here I sometimes think my support for the the President and First Lady is a given.
I have read countless blog comments talking about how Michelle is inspiring a nation of fat people to take nutrition and exercise seriously. If some men and jealous women are discomfited by the site of her toned, beautiful and powerful arms, I think that it's their discomfort is what we should be discussing.
Both.
I did do a mashup with Michelle Obama as Rosie The Riveter:
http://dowdreport.blogspot.com/2009/03/right-to...
That said, teevee tells me that Michelle gives BAD gifts too.
PS I doubt David Brooks has a black woman on his good list other than Pearl Bailey and Aunt Jemima.
Perhaps Brooks should stop acting like a fucking kracker and stop disgracing the race.
I guess it's okay if your white. IOIYW.
unfortunately, America has the sexual maturity of a nine-year-old boy.
lord. can we grow up now?
At the risk of sounding a bit like bitchy David Brooks (who knew?) I would say, rather, that Americans are unused to a beautiful and sexy First Lady and predict the public will adjust rapidly to this new state of affairs.
That said, I'm betting right now that Mrs Obama will be the best First Lady since Eleanor Roosevelt and not because of her considerable physical beauty.
Seriously, check back and look at how many of us have checked out on John and only revisit americablog because of what you post. Just wanted to give you a shot of confidence: When you're ready to do your own thing, we'll all be happy to follow you to your new site.
For example: I'm a woman and while I will wear pant suits to a job interview, I would never dream of going without a suit jacket. I would never dream of wearing short sleeves. I would never, ever wear flashy jewelry to such an occasion.
While the First Lady did look lovely, sleeveless dresses at a formal Congressional occasion don't quite seem to fit. Especially one being held, basically, because the economy is in a tailspin and the country's freaking out. That's all. She would have done better to simply wear a jacket with the dress, even a simple one with 3/4 length sleeves or something. She did not have to wear a "power suit".
A lady doesn't wear jackets merely because it's cold. Sometimes, we wear them because it's respectful of the occasion, the people, and the place.
It 'fit' in 1963. And it 'fits' in 2009.
Know why? Because the First Lady gets to decide what 'fits'. She doesn't have to follow fashion. If she wants to (and she's the first one who's wanted to in almost half a century), she gets to lead it.
http://images.google.com/images?hl=en&q=formal+...
Are you sure you know what you're talking about?
Nancy Reagan was a B-list Hollywood actress with a anti- intellectual streak and a snob's attitude. Fuck her and Barbara Bush and Pat Nixon and Mamie Eisenhower. This is new and real and fine and John, stop being such a scardy-cat.
See for yourself - and try not to lose your lunch:
http://www.foxnews.com/photoessay/photoessay_63...
ewwww
I find the discussion of Michelle's sleevelessness interesting. I too reacted strongly, but because i would be COLD at this time of year in a sleeveless dress. I assumed she was going sleeveless because her interior furnace was running on high. Which, for those of you who are not menopausal women, is NOT a sexy condition.
Michelle is just an attractive and strong women, and she is making the scene. She loves color, and she loves dresses, and I'm with her all the way. When she had those community college students down to tour the White House kitchen I thought this is my kinda woman. You go girl!
Nancy Reagan:
http://z.about.com/d/marriage/1/0/m/K/c268-1.jpg
Mamie Eisenhower:
(Her Inauguration gown) http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_lft4-Vo2qbM/Sad2EKAuD...
(A younger portrait, with shoulders totally bared) http://retrorenovation.com/wp-content/uploads/2...
And as for Dems, apart from Jackie Kennedy who wore sleeveless dresses numerous times, there was that wanton hussy Eleanor Roosevelt: http://www.raabcollection.com/_images/inventory...
While she is young, she should dress exactly as she chooses, there'll be plenty of time for long sleeves and scarves covering crepey necks latter in her life. BTW regardless of sleeves or not, Michelle wears clothes beautifully, and with panache, so covering her arms won't change her.
was looked on as something shocking
and now God knows
anything goes.
This is a professional woman with more book smarts than the average bear; and definetly as much as the average congressman who's been sheltered on capital hill.
It amazes me with everything that's on the front burner and near collapse and President Obama has only been in office less than 2 months, and David Brooks is being so petty as to comment on a dress of all things!
He's an insult to transvestites Everywhere!!!! (Most transvestites would admire her just for her sheer courage.) If he's THAT jealous of her (arms) body in that dress he should seek counseling. What a freakin idiot. Just because Michelle doesn't come out the gate looking like his mother. People thought Jackie O was quite controversial in her day as well. Get over it Brooks!
And may I just say that if I had Michelle Obama's arms I would burn every jacket, coat, and long sleeved anything I own.
(They probably picked on him in high school.)
WTF?? Aren't the people commenting on this blog Americans? What's NOT relevant is stupid chatter about Michelle's arms--"to bare arms, or not to bare arms," gee, now there is a story. Freaking out over Michelle's choice of clothing is about as important as Obama's decision to go shirtless in Hawaii, which also created more gasping and sputtering.
Brooks, and all the other "concerned" pundits, (including John's comment) simply have nothing left to talk about.
Sleeveless is not a big deal. It reveals ones ARMS. Did you hear me? ARMS. WTF? I think that the first lady should present herself in public in a dignified manner. No plunging necklines (unless it's a formal evening event where one would wear something like that), no hooker clothes. If she goes for a jog on a hot day, I would expect her to wear jogging shorts and sneakers, not daisy dukes and a tube top.
It's like that picture of Barack at the beach with no shirt on. What do YOU wear at the beach? Common' people, get over yourselves.