Actually, I think americans are ready for a black president, but they are not ready for a black (and true black, not just mixed race) first lady. It would be too much a departure from the usual white-glove donning first ladies that Americans have grown used to.

Also- Barack Obama is not Jesse Jackson. There is a lot of novelty surrounding Barack Obama - his foreign upbringing/ his mixed race parentage/ mixed race and mixed religion extended family, etc. He is more of a foreigner living in our midst than a typical African American. However there is no such novelty surrounding Michelle Obama. She is just a regular black american woman, a 'known quantity", with all the stereotypes that come with that characterization. That's why I think Michelle Obama will be a handicap for Barack Obama.

Overlooking for a moment your unfortunate choice of words ("true black, not just mixed race"), I agree with both your novelty point and your pointing out how different Michelle Obama is--ethnically, nationally, and background-wise--from her husband.

I just don't know that voters will: (a) see her as inexorably linked to her husband's success, and, more importantly, (2) note the differences between them, in the first place. We are in America, after all, where one equatorial African ancestor at any point in the family tree=Black (unless you speak Spanish. Then you'll be Hispanic.)

Oh, and one more thing: the American public are experts on how "Blacks" (and "women" and "Mormons" and "gays") do everything in perfect tandem, as though with one great collective brain.

Oh knock it off marzipan. Your characterization of "The American Public" is as bad as icemilkcoffee's characterization of black people.

You're way off-base. The public adores Michelle Obama. She is an asset to Barack, not an impediment.

I cannot recall the last time I saw the first lady of the United States don white gloves...outside of a formal event where protocal demands it. I dont think Michelle Obama, if she becomes the First Lady, will have a problem wearing these gloves, and I don't think Americans will have a problem accepting her in them.

Why in the world would you think that as an African- American woman, as a wife, as a mother, as a graduate of Harvard University, would Michelle Obama be a handicap to her husband's bid to become the first Black ("true" or otherwise) President of the United States? It seems as if you're assuming that being a "known quantity" as a Black American Woman is so frought with negatives, that she will adversely impact her husbands chances of being elected President.

icemilk's comments about what the american public is "ready for" (always a stupid phrase in my opinion unless you're assuming the entire populace has the same mentality of the people from hundreds of years back) are more telling of his/her own issues with race.

true black? what is that exactly? and typical african american man? what does that mean? just because YOU don't identify with this couple for whatever reason- be it social, economic, religious or otherwise- doesn't mean that plenty of other people in this country don't. funny how most people acknowledge the melting pot/stew analogy of america while still assuming that everyone else does and/or should be and think just like them. egotism at its best.

Good points deduction..as you can see based on the poster's question, some people will have issues with a black First Lady. Then again, some people are going to have problems with ANY First Lady, let alone Michelle Obama. Racism in America is far from dead.

I think the question should read "Is White America Ready For A Black First Lady"?

And the answer to that is...... it doesn't really matter. African Americans are a part of a larger family of people of color, and we are ALL watching and excited about the possibilities. All of the minorities I know are supporting OBAMA!

I don't think the public "adores" Michell Obama. I don't think they care much one way or another for the most part. I disagree with icemilkcoffee's whole premise.

Hello,m What's wrong with your thinking. Isn't Rice a lady.. she has been first lady for quite a while now, as Bush cannot do without her..so what's your Beef?

This may be the most ridiculous comment I have read this month. Offensive on every level. Just throw your computer in the trash I don't think you're smart enough to own one.

I think americans are ready for "CHANGE!!" don't think they care what color the candidate is. It beatswhat we have now!!!!!!!

bj

Perhaps icemilkcoffee can further enlighten fraysters as to what exact stereotype and "known quantity" to which he refers.

I have to say some seem to be taking offense to icemilkcoffee's post more than is deserved. There are existing stereotypes and fears.

Fears and divide and conquer tactics has the majority of us at odds with our fellows.

I think what is most important is that Obama not make an issue of race beyond the basics.

I am white and I believe he will heal this nation.

I do however believe if people start making this into a race war he can't win. Tensions between races need to be healed by focusing on the common dreams shared and working on making them real.

Whites with all their held stereotypes still have souls and can be guided by them.

Black Americans have to transcend their stereotypes as do White Americans. If Barack and his wife speak to what is deeper than skin they can and should win.

Barack so far has shown great resonance in his oratory. What he says gives all impression of emanating from a deep understanding of the deeper desires of Americans and humankind in general. All in all, I think focusing on all this race issue mush is to a degree a bunch of garbage can banging that drowns out and distracts from the beauty of the song he sings.

He needs to be a President of All Americans. That includes white scared Republicans as well. We can figure out how to get along and make room for different ways of living and being. Having any segment of the population claiming Barack as "theirs" alienates the others. Make him OUR president. Peace within America and within the world means focusing on a higher level wisdom. He already is doing that on his own. Support his ability to stay on that path. If he is dragged away from it "We" won't win.