Circling the wagons around Michelle Obama

Looks like Obama learned a thing or two in the last couple of decades because he’s apparently putting together a stable of people who’s job will be to respond to attacks on Michelle Obama:

Recognizing the extent to which Republicans view Michelle Obama’s strong views and personality as a potential liability for her husband, Mr. Obama’s aides said they were preparing to bring aboard senior operatives from previous Democratic presidential campaigns to work with her, a clear departure from the typical way the spouse of a candidate is staffed. Mrs. Obama’s operation would include senior aides devoted to responding to attacks and challenges to her, particularly if she continues to campaign as much as she has so far

I think this is an excellent idea as I fully expect the Republican smear machine to do it’s best to ‘hillary-ize” Michelle Obama. Michelle has a commanding presence of her own and I expect that they will try to paint her as the angry black woman whom is to be feared by all people, especially white men.

In short, I think it’s going to be “if you think Hillary was bad, just wait til Michelle moves into the White House”.

It’s going to get ugly and I’m pretty pleased that Obama is taking steps to deal with it before it officially begins. The one thing I hope he doesn’t do is keep Michelle from the public (unless, of course, it’s her decision to disengage).