by Mark Silva, of Salon de Swamp
Now, this may be no pillbox hat.
But it's a bob.
And if the fashion trend-setting "Jackie O" -- then "Jackie K" -- could get a hat thing going with women in her time with a little haberdashing help from Oleg Cassini, perhaps the fashion-conscious "Michelle O" can get a bob thing going, too.
The first lady made a debut with her newly trimmed and arranged locks at the evening performance of country western singers staged at the White House last night.
The East Room fete, another in a series of the first lady's efforts at bringing arts to the White House, featured Charley Pride, Brad Paisley, Alison Krauss and Union Station seated on little "bar-stool mountains" on a low-stage..
"Now, I know folks think I'm a 'city boy,''' the self-proclaimed "frumpy'' President Barack Obama said at the event, "but I do appreciate listening to country music because, like all Americans, I appreciate the broad and indelible impact that country has had on our nation...
"Harlan Howard proclaimed country music'"three chords and the truth,'' the president said to laughter in the room. "Garth Brooks said it's 'honesty, sincerity, and real life to the hilt.'' And Dierks Bentley called it 'the best shrink that 15 bucks can buy.'
No comment from the president, however, on the first lady's new 'do.
A mullet may have been more in order for this occasion, but the all-purpose bob should serve Michelle Obama better through the hot Washington summer.
(Photo of the first lady, above, and President Obama, in the East Room last night by Matthew Cavanaugh / pool / Getty Images)
Comments
Terrific article, Mark! Michelle's "bob" is MUCH more important than any number of subjects you haven't written about, for example, Obama's startling admission that he "wasn't familiar" with the details of the Healthcare Bill he's touting.
Keep up the good work!
Posted by: Bruce | July 22, 2009 12:48 PM
With all of his items on Sarah Palin and the alleged style of Michelle Obama, one would think Mark Silva is either bucking for a job at the National Enquirer or possibly Women's Wear Weekly.
Posted by: John D | July 22, 2009 1:32 PM
The First Lady is a hottie!! I know it is a violation of the Ten Commandments, to "covet thy neighbor's wife," but, guilty as charged. God, please forgive me.
Posted by: Ron | July 22, 2009 2:25 PM
Bruce, you might want to study the workings of Congress. They are working on a number of bills; Obama is not touting any particular one of those bills. And you might notice that there are other articles about health care on the site. Hope you're having a good hair day, baldy.
Posted by: gord | July 22, 2009 2:26 PM
What is the Swamp these days, Huffington Post? This is beyond inconsequential. If you're going to tout Michelle's new look, perhaps you can tout how much having a personal hair stylist and makeup artist on her personal staff costs?
In the meantime, here are more important things to concentrate on: Obama's dwindling poll numbers, the rising numbers AGAINST Obamacare, the costs of Obama care, his strongarming the head of teh CBO (calling someone who's supposed to be independent to the bully pulpit of the WH), his telling a Democrat that the Dems, by not passing Obamacare quickly and ramming it down our throats will "destroy my presidency."
We could concentrate as well on Obama's oft-repeated lie that we'll have a choice, once this horrible, costly plan is approved.
Or we could talk about Michelle Obama's hair.
Posted by: Liz | July 22, 2009 2:34 PM
Michelle is BEAUTIFUL!
Posted by: Drunk, Stupid and Republican is no way to go through life, Liz | July 22, 2009 2:57 PM
We could concentrate as well on Obama's oft-repeated lie that we'll have a choice, once this horrible, costly plan is approved. Or we could talk about Michelle Obama's hair.
Posted by: Liz | July 22, 2009 2:34 PM
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With the Republican smear-the-public-option campaign (see "Liz" above)---designed by Wingnut mouth-breather Frank Luntz---in full swing, here's a handy, crystal-clear rebuttal you can print out and leave on windshields and utility poles (and even in emergency rooms!) across America:
5 THINGS YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT PRESIDENT OBAMA'S PUBLIC HEALTH INSURANCE OPTION
1. Choice, choice, choice. If the public health insurance option passes, Americans will be able to choose between their current insurance and a high-quality, government-run plan similar to Medicare. If you like your current care, you can keep it. If you don't—or don't have any—you can get the public insurance plan.
2. It will be high-quality coverage with a choice of doctors. Government-run plans have a track record of innovating to improve quality, because they're not just focused on short-term profits. And if you choose the public plan, you'll still get to choose your doctor and hospital.
3. We'll all save a bunch of money. The public health insurance option won't have to spend money on things like CEO bonuses, shareholder dividends, or excessive advertising, so it'll cost a lot less. Plus, the private plans will have to lower their rates and provide better value to compete, so people who keep their current insurance will save, too.
4. It will always be there for you and your family. A for-profit insurer can close, move out of the area, or just kick you off their insurance rolls. The public health insurance option will always be available to provide you with the health security you need.
5. And it's a key part of universal health care. No longer will sick people or folks in rural communities, or low-income Americans be forced to go without coverage. The public health insurance plan will be available and accessible to everyone. And for those struggling to make ends meet, the premiums will be subsidized by the government.
It might not hurt to give your senators a jingle and ask 'em which they embrace more: campaign contributions from the big insurance lobby and Frank Luntz's Republican propaganda, or historic legislation that will enhance their legacy and make them heroes among their constituents for improving the health and well-being of all Americans. Be patient---sadly, it could take some of 'em a while to decide.
Posted by: Teresa | July 22, 2009 3:20 PM
Great article !! President Obama is sure, one lucky guy !! Thanks for the post, Mark. It's great to see the little fellows and gals, throw hissy-fits, just because they can't tell any lies about Mrs. Obama's hairstyle !! Give them a few hours and they will try to find some distortions, with which to smear the First Lady !! They should all be admitted, for a mind-makeover !! I wonder if that would even work !!?
They seem to be too far gone !!
SUPPORT OUR TROOPS, BRING THEM HOME, ALIVE AND WHOLE. NOW.
Posted by: Don Fitzgerald, IL | July 22, 2009 3:25 PM
Like the new 'do.
To Teresa: I have decided no matter the facts there are people will only believe what they want even though the truth is in front of them in black and white. They must think the proposals are some sort of a trick to socialize medical care so the government can get all up in their business doncha' know. They do not want to acknowledge the fact that their healthcare is already controlled by the insurance CEOs who are beholden to shareholders and making sure they get their multimillion dollar bonuses at year end. And they do not want to acknowledge that many Senators are beholden to the insurance companies that stuff dollars in their pockets for favorable legislation.
Posted by: lochnesssmonster | July 22, 2009 5:19 PM
What happens when you play a country music song backwards?
You get your wife back, you get your dog back, you get your pickup truck back . . .
Yes, it's an old joke, but I'm an old guy.
Posted by: DaveB | July 22, 2009 5:27 PM
Teresa, dear, Barack Obumbles doesn't have a health care plan. He hasn't presentdd one nor has he developed one. The differing plans are in Congress, with most of the attention on Democrapic bills that Obumbles favors but doesn't know much of what is in them.
Anyway, in the main Senate bill, there aren't choice of doctors, they will be chosen for you. Also, if you can't prove you have some sort of health insurance, then the IRS will fine you and the government will put you in a plan of their choosing.
Anyway, nice cutting and pasting, though. Obamabots will believe anything their annointed one and his cadre of brainwashers present to them! What losers.
Posted by: John D | July 22, 2009 5:28 PM
Teresa, dear, Barack Obumbles doesn't have a health care plan. He hasn't presentdd one nor has he developed one. The differing plans are in Congress
Posted by: John D | July 22, 2009 5:28 PM
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Aren't you supposed to be manning the Mickey D's drive thru window today, Lil' Johnny FruitLoops?
Either RNC Comedian Michael Steele has "firsthand experience" at spending $20,000 a year to provide health insurance for his family as a small business owner, or he was telling his kids not to break any bones because they couldn't afford to have them fixed.
Which is it? Did Steele pay $20,000 for insurance while self-employed, or did he go without insurace for three years, only to have his (and his family's ) ass saved by a government insurance plan?
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZLFiCxLaDOQ
Posted by: janet | July 22, 2009 6:17 PM
I almost feel sorry for Michael Steele--he's a GOP token, a mouthpiece, a liar, and a fraud. If circumstances were different, he would be Clarence Thomas.
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http://www.jackandjillpolitics.com/2009/07/michael-steele-lies-on-healthcare-doesnt-know-his-own-insurance-carrier/
Posted by: electrical supply products | July 22, 2009 6:30 PM
I see Dumb Dumb Janet, er the shackled and basemented John E., who also is portraying himself as electrical supply products: Do your doctors and parents know of your multi-identity disorder?
Posted by: John D | July 22, 2009 8:54 PM
It's a nice do; but where is her birth certificate?
Posted by: zinky | July 22, 2009 11:19 PM
It's a great hair do. It's a bit softer than her previous style. It should be a hit!
Posted by: LAB | July 23, 2009 8:29 AM
If this is a bob, then what the heck do you call what she was wearing before? Um...a bob.
Posted by: Kathy | July 23, 2009 10:48 AM
That was good Teresa,Liz sounds like another uneducated idot. People need to do their research before they spout off things the don't understand. Stop watching Fox Liz.
Posted by: Gina | July 23, 2009 11:10 AM
Good work Mark, it's always entertaining and well-worth the price of admission when you write something that antagonizes the wingnutters.
Posted by: Quippy | July 23, 2009 1:08 PM
Gotta admit, I'm not such a fan of the new 'do... liked the old one much better. Don't think the look matches her very well (or, admittedly, I could just be a fan of long hair and not so into the "bob" look, which I don't find the least bit attractive).
And yes everybody, of course there is more important news out there, which is covered in other articles regarding those issues. This is just a separate article talking about a fashion trend... if you don't care then don't read the article you silly blowhards.
Posted by: A different Bruce | July 23, 2009 1:20 PM
It looks like a wig, dopes.
Why don't you investigate Michelle's patient dumping scheme or the Rezko deal on the house.
Posted by: Former Democrat | July 23, 2009 2:14 PM