Enough is enough already. People in the USA truly need to get over themselves and get a life so they can stop the obsession of spending day and night dissing anyone and everyone to whoever will listen! It's not all about you - Snore-Boring!

Gordon Gekko, New York , NYC

I apreciate the article about First Lady Michelle Obama-to all the haters out there stop hating, stop being judgmental. Mrs. Obama is a very classy lady and will grace the White House or any house with her presence. I am very proud of Michelle Obama and her family.

Surayyah, Atlanta, Togo

This woman inspires me. She is so real, and has serious style and class. She is really truly an american heroine, with brains and beauty and most importantly, a good heart that just shines so brightly! I can't wait to see what she does with her role as first lady of America, she is wonderful!

Vanessa Simonin, Stony Plain, Canada

hopefully, this is the real change... Congratulations Pres. Obama!

therese, Manila, PHILIPPINES

Obama has given history a page to remember.
Michelle is beautiful, very intelligent and a young mother of a young family, she had to be a working mother to maintain a balance of wealth within her family.
Obama has had to cut strings within his own purse previoulsy, he understands trying times.

Margaret Corrie, Katanning, Western Australia

We thought Cherie would be good for Tony, but she turned out to be just as dazzled by money and power as he was. Ditto Hillary and Bill. Great presidents never forget their office is about public service: Michelle will do a great job if she keeps Barack's feet firmly on the ground.

Nicholas, Dulverton, UK

How many face lifts, implants, botox shots, fake hair have the gods & goddesses of Hollywood, DC, and the media had? And people think they're successful & smart.I'm smart, and I haven't had any. I have a higher calling in life - 1. Wife 2. Mom. You can't beat the daily fringe benefits.

Lynn, Phoenix, AZ , United States

Carla's looks run laps around Michelle. If you put the two side by side, who do you think people would choose as better looking

Andre, Milwaukee, USA

I didn't vote for Obama, but I don't trash Michelle Obama. Laura Bush was, and is, the epitome of what it is to be a Lady. I'm ashamed that some here have trashed Laura Bush, but I know it's probably because of their hate for her husband, and no reflection on Mrs. Bush herself. Shame on you.

Bryant, Waycross, GA, USA

Begging your pardon, but having a female lawyer in the White House will NOT help me sleep better, as your article so ignorantly states. If someone stated that women would sleep better with an intelligent man in power, they would be labeled as bigots, male chauvenist, etc. Very stupid article!!!

M. Sheffield, South Carolina, USA

When I heard how McCain lacked concentration, refered to his supporters as his fellow prisoner. That Joe the Plumber, and his robo calls, and his association to that five who was charged for fraud, I knew McCain was never going to have a chance. Obama was the better candidate.

Daphne Kenward, Cambridge, UK

Michelle Obama will be the best First Lady ever to grace the White House. She is a role model for us all. It's going to be such fun watching the girls grow up. I've never been more proud of my country. What a beautiful family!

Linda, Kapaa, HI

Hi First Lady Obama,
I just want to say how very proud I am of you and President Obama. They say behind every stong man is a strong woman. Good Bless you and your family, you really are an inspiration to me. I've return to school to finish my degree in Psychology because of your inspiration.

TY

Veronica Johnson, Richmond, CA, USA

gherhardt: Silly man. That "glow" is dermabrasion. Available to all..men too.

Marcee, Lake Charles, LA, USA

The world saw the reaction to Obama´s election, a weeping Jesse Jackson personifying the feelings of black Americans. Can people understand what Michelle Obama had meant when she said that she was proud of her country for the first time? Her husband´s candidacy was a giant leap forward for America

Hya, Vienna,

We salute you,Mrs.Michelle Obama ;Our First Lady

Allison Forrest, pembroke pines,

Thank you for saying nice things about Mrs. Obama. The right in my country has been so mean to her. Even today they were spouting off a certain news channels message board writing the most horrible things. I find her to be a refreshing, bright and vibrant woman and an asset to her husband.

Rick, Niles, MI, United States of America

I know the right choice was made. Congrats, Mr. President Obama. This is the man who is going to make change happen, and got one heck of a First Lady to back him up. Barack is the type of man who will surround himself with the people he needs to make it happen.

Sandra Craine, Elkton, USA

I am as filled with joy and pride in our great country today as I was filled with sadness and shock and grief on 9/11. The events of that day set us on the path that nearly destroyed our nation, both here and abroad. Now we are healing.

Ellen, Great Barrington, MA, US

Michelle is truly a class act. Poised, graceful, intelligent.

I have but one quibble with your article - we are the Democratic Party. Not the Democrat Party.

Kelly Lincoln, NYC, USA

Nice essay, Sarah. You touched on everything that makes Michelle Obama such a terrific public figure.

Rick, Los Angeles, California

Michelle has Jackie's style with the shifts and pearls and some downtown style with the bright colors. I look forward to some great clothes watching. And her husband isnt too bad himself!

jen hutchin, phoenix, az, usa

I thought the dress was great on her, it was her. As to all those fussing about her clothes - look in the mirror-I hope you all look wonderful!. Tell me what does it matter?, she dresses well enough, does she have to inspire fashion as well, I did not know that was the job of the First Lady.

Dona, Edinburgh, UK

I cannot express enough the eagerness and relief that I an much of the American community feels today, November 4th, 2008. For the first time in over 8 years, there is light at the end of the tunnel. Michelle Obama is a beacon, and symbolic image of what a true first lady should be.

Nicholas H, Chicago, IL, USA

I voted for McCain but after hearing Obama's acceptance speech, I was impressed. I hope his leadership does not falter from his speech. His wife's dress was atrocious though!

Joe Carter, chattanooga, USA

As to style - the UK's Sarah Brown could use a Palin makeover.
BO 08/12

lyn, santa barbara, ca, usa

Michelle is smart, an anchor for her husband, a fabulous mother, and a professional lawyer. Having a competent woman for a First Lady is the icing on the cake.
I can't believe how much she was dogged for that comment. It seemed a very human and understandable response to me.

K. Miller, Orange County,CA, USA

She'll be a stylish and interesting First Lady. It's about time.

T, Kansas City, US

Because of a misstep, "For the first time in my life," the Obama campaign wisely kept Michelle Obama out of the limelight at the end of the campaign, but now I think we will see the full range of her talents...nothing wrong with a smart and strong woman supporting her man...and keeping him grounded

Trevor, Honolulu, USA

Some of you supposed Americans posting to this thread make me embarrassed to be from the same country. Michelle Obama will be a breath of fresh air. For those of you bad-mouthing her, you need to take a good long look in your own mirror to learn the true definition of ugly.

Karen, Aiken, SC, US,

As a 21 year old woman, Michelle is my role model. I am proud to call her this beautiful and brilliant woman my first lady.

Clara, New Hampshire, USA

On election day she wore an awkward red/black dress that leaves one uncomfortable and wondering. Bad taste.

ANTHONY, LITTLETON, CO, USA

Obviously it is sexist and stereotypical to talk about Michelle Obama's style. The reason why Barack and Michelle won is because even the Kennedy's were out of style with today's ipod upgrading, facebook, twittering women of today!

Women are more connected to more than just fashion or lifestyles.

Zulma Aguiar, Arlington, Arlington

Theresa in Charleston, with what you people did to Sarah Palin, you've have got to be kidding me.

Joe F, Seattle,

This is a day for rejoicing. You all sound so mean-spirited the way you are comparing our American First Ladies. I so admire Michelle Obama—she is smart, and beautiful inside and out--and yes, I have great respect for Laura Bush. I think it is so demeaning to compare either woman to Carla Bruni.

M White, Brooklyn, NY

I am shocked by the mean spirited comments here. I think she is a beautiful, stylish woman and a fantastic role model. Americans you can again be proud of your first lady and her husband. I have been thrilled for you all day and for the first time in eight years -God bless America, and thank you for voting.

chris, Bath, uk

I think Michelle Obama is a strong, beautiful woman who will make an excellent first lady.

However, another point in the article puzzles me. Why are women who "have their own careers, their own lives and their own minds" described as "ball-breaking"?

Elizabeth, Vancouver, Canada

This article is ridiculous! Why are you tearing down women who sacrifice their family life and their private lives to serve their country standing beside their husbands-which is, gasp, what a wife does? Give me a break. It always boils down to a discussion of their clothes. Is this Redbook?

Susie, Houston, USA

Laura Bush and Michelle Obama are two beautiful First Ladies.

James, NJ, USA

"she is a masterful educator for over 30 years in our beloved schoolsystems"

No offense, but I'm pretty sure Laura Bush taught and was a librarian for about five years total, thirty years ago.

Trudy, New York,

Truly ridiculous comparisons. First ladies should be judged by who they helped and what they accomplished - i.e. Laura Bush's National Book Festival, not whether they inspire double-page spreads in Vogue.

Lelu, Arlington, VA,

What draws us men to Michelle Obama is that glow that she radiates. And that glow comes from her inner strength and confidence that come from her intelligence and achievements (Harvard Law), from her outward beauty, and from the Love she has for her children and her husband. She's an awesome wife.

gherhardt, Los Angeles , U.S.A.

A silly article.

adrian powell, weymouth,

Michelle is going to make a fantastic first lady. She's extremely bright, motivated, caring, resourceful, inspiring, reflective & capable of not only advocating for what we need as Americans, but of actually sitting down & helping with detailed plans for those very goals. I can't wait for 1/20/08!

Kim K, Miami, USA

I predict it will take approximately a year and a half before America tires of these two. The policies that they espouse are based on greed and envy. America has elected a black president and that is truly historic. But reality will soon set in...

Mike, Ashland, OH, USA

Maybe Michelle will spread the wealth by donating those clothes to the homeless.

R. Smith, Atlanta, GA

I am a little confused. I share the admiration of Michelle's style and grace. Why was it all necessary to tear down other women to point out the new first lady's obvious charms? Why?

If this election was about change then let's start now. Please stop with all the hate-mongering - on BOTH sides!

Rob Johnson, Springfield, USA

Excuse me, who the heck is Carla Bruni?

Karen, Stockton, San Joaquin

I wonder how much the Obama's clothes cost last night?

Ann, West Palm Beach,

This is as shallow an article as I've read in a while. I'm full of admiration for both Barack and Michelle Obama (and John McCain, after last night's concession speech); but I'm actually capable of admiring a woman without feeling obliged to put down a man. Sarah Vine could try that.

Jerry, Rennes, France

I liked Michelle Obama, on first sight. Yes she is very attractive. Certainly, she is well educated and knows how to conduct herself properly. I like her sense of style, too. But the best is: Michelle Obama is obviously a very strong woman. Every female in this country take note.

Bo, Ripley, wv

I'm stunned anyone has the courage to use the absurd phrase "post-feminist woman" in a piece about the clothes of the First Lady Elect. Breaking the race barrier is historic, blathering about the First Lady's clothes should be history.

Kathe Douglas, Hillsborough, USA

@Keli - "Epitomy"? "exume" ? You might need to revisit your own "beloved schoolsystems". Michelle is the complete package and will be a fanatastic First Lady.

Kevin, Toyko, Japan

I am glad that Mcain DID NOT win ,he reminds me of George Bush.Its incredibaly racist to think that there can not be a Female president.For all of you other comentors how can you say that Michelle Obama is intelligent and all that you dont know her!I read all the politic stuff and I am only 9.

Lisa, Oulu, Finland

Carla, Laura & Michelle are very different types. They are all physically beautiful. But Michelle most represents what we working mothers admire. Her charism arises on the way she carries herself, not as an extension of a man but as a strong individual who choses to love and support others.

Amparo, Woodbridge, Canada

Thank you for your supportive article of Michelle Obama. I truly believe she will be a GREAT first lady. She will also be a terrific role model for young women wondering about whether they can have an important career and young children at the same time.
She is beautiful, gracious and smart!

Helen jackson, Cambridge, USA

Michelle Obama is a lady of the highest degree. Unlike Sarah palin, she is not superficial and although a beautiful woman, Michelle does not use her sex appeal , like sarah Palin , as a gimmic to get what she wants! I admire Michelle and wish her all the best as America's new First Lady !

kikiquela, Matapedia, Canada

As the phrase goes, "Actions Speak Louder Than Words" Congrats President Barack Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama!!

Sonia, North Carolina,

I see the neocons have come to this site with their claws sharpened. How sad that they feel they must tear down Michelle to make their party seem somehow superior. Here's hoping we can get beyond this pettiness and work together to solve the many problems facing the U.S.

Theresa, Charleston, USA

I am a Southern, white, independent voter and I think Michelle Obama is a fabulous role model for my two teenage girls. I am so proud of my country for electing Obama, and so pleased to have the beautiful Obama family taking up residence in the White House. Its a happy day here.

Laura, Memphis, USA

Wow, what a pack of haters. Michelle is elegant, graceful and lovely. There is more than one way to be beautiful. And Keli, it's spelled "epitome."

Nicole, Tallahassee, USA

Carla Bruni has absolutely NOTHING to worry about. Her place as the world's top First Lady is very safe.

Johan, New York, USA

Hey Kelli,

Even here in the Red States, we know how to spell 'epitome.' It will be wonderful to finally have a person of intellect and reason in the White House again.

Beth, Oklahoma, USA

The beauty of the Obama family radiates in their joy & vision of an active empowered world. Every human on earth can now choose to either sit back & be skeptical, or to actively step up & act in whatever small or large way to impact their own life & the lives of those around - to live by example!

Louise, Manchester, Vermont, USA

Wow. Three hateful comments. Michelle is intelligent, beautiful, stylish and funny. Neither Laura Bush nor Carla Bruni can hold a candle to her. I hope Michelle becomes the first female President of the USA in 2016.

Caro, Bristol, UK

Laura Bush "exumes sensibility, love, & grace" from the Republican's crypt of lost Christian values. If only her husband had done the same this country would not be in the desperate state it is in.

Andrea Janetos, Westport, CT, USA

Michelle is my hero! Thanks for the great article.

Susan, Newton, MA, USA

Lighten up, guys! This is a light hearted article about the brand new First Lady-elect. Dont be such wet blankets. Thanks to US voters (who obviously have a better sense of humuor than these commentators) for making change happen. The rest, including Michelle's wardrobe, is detail...

Paul, Abuja, Nigeria

Carla is beautiful, and seems a bit vapid. Laura is a nice lady who obviously plays along with things.
Michelle is a formidable, intelligent, sexy woman who is comfortable in her own skin, and not afraid of her husband.
That's the difference between L Bush, C Bruni and Michelle. Go Michelle!

McJEff, Sacramento, California, USA

Speaking as a white married father of three with a beautiful, highly educated, caring wife wife who is a successful high school English teacher, I find Michelle Obama awesome.

Rich, Lancaster, USA

I hope you are not comparing Michelle Obama to First Lady
Laura Bush. Laura Bush is the "epitomy" of a lady. Despite her
great sense of style and good looks, she is a masterful educator for over 30 years in our beloved schoolsystems. She exumes
sensibility, love, & grace like no other.

keli, miami, usa

what makes you think that her voice will be listened to in the White House.

If the supporters of Mr Obama think that he will change the distribution of wealth while conservative advisers and politicains are pulling the strings in the White House, then they are delusional.

Bambal Madgar, Bradford, England

There is a BIG difference between Carla and Michelle......Carla is BEAUTIFUL!!!

Heather, Minnesota, USA