First Lady Michelle Obama admits she may have strong opinions, but she refuses to be pegged as a stereotypical “angry black woman” as illustrated during her interview with CBS anchor Gayle King where she discussed New York Times reporter Jodi Kantor’s new book, ‘The Obamas’.
Mrs. Obama admitted that although she had never read the book, she has previously encountered instances where individuals attempted to portray her image as one of conflict.
“I never read these books. I’ve just gotten in the habit of not reading other people’s impressions of people.” Michelle stated as Gayle King prodded the first lady for further insight.
Adding; “I guess it’s more interesting to imagine this conflicted situation here and a strong woman. But that’s been an image that people have tried to paint of me since the day Barack announced. That I’m some angry black woman.”
Michelle Obama was particularly dismayed by the notion that she was embroiled in disagreements with White House former chief of staff Rahm Emanuel and press secretary Robert Gibbs.
“Rahm and I have never had a cross word. He’s a funny guy.”
Adding; “I don’t have conversations with my husband’s staff. I don’t go to the meetings. Our staffs work together really well. If there’s communication that needs to happen, it happens between staffs… I can count the number of times I go over to the West Wing, period.”
Mrs. Obama continued the interview by stating that she was completely unaware of an alleged 2010 incident where then secretary Robert Gibbs had allegedly had some choice words for the first lady after one of their encounters.
“Robert Gibbs is a trusted adviser. He’s been a good friend and remains so. I’m sure that we could go day-to-day and find things people wish they didn’t say to each other or said. People stumble. People make mistakes.”
What do you think of the book’s portrayal of Michelle Obama?
