Since everyone else is already talking about this, I suppose I should too. First, here's what she said:
"For the first time in my adult lifetime, I'm really proud of my country -- not just because Barack has done well, but because I think people are hungry for change. I have been desperate to see our country moving in that direction and just not feeling so alone in my frustration and disappointment."
Cindy McCain decided to make this an issue, and the right-wing blogosphere and pundit class have been happy to play along. Even some of the kids over at TNR are breathlessly discussing the implications of this off-handed remark.
So... the "in my adult lifetime" was obviously over the top, and given the reaction, I suppose she should "clarify" these remarks. But let's be honest here: does anyone really think she meant this literally? That noting - not one single thing - in her lifetime has made her proud of her country? I mean, c'mon.....
Michelle Obama doesn't hate America. If she did, she wouldn't be doing what she was doing.
Yes, it was a silly thing to say, but no, it doesn't show that she secretly hates America.
Please stop the stupid. It hurts.
UPDATE: The more I think about this, the less sense it makes. I've been following Michelle's appearances for awhile now, and although the specific construction she used tonight is new, the line isn't. In the past she has talked frequently about how how its the first time in a long time that she's been really, really proud of the way the people in he country are engaging with each other and with their government. It gives her, she has said numerous times before, hope for the future of the country.
The wording might have changed, but I think its safe to assume that the underlying attitude did not.
But let's try this another way...
A few weeks ago, I noticed for the first time that people at Obama rallies were spontaneously breaking out into chants of "USA! USA!" It was really striking, and at first I couldn't figure out why. But then I realized - that sort of thing hasn't happened at Democratic Party political rallies in a long, long time.
That's what she's talking about. Everyone else can focus on the "in my adult lifetime" line, but that wasn't the key element.
Seriously, stop the stupid. It hurts my head.
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