Michelle Obama

What did she do? Spent vast amounts of money on their Whitehouse accommodation, and as a family, spent a lot of time travelling. She does nothing for me.

She could have become a clothes horse and vacuous fashion icon like some in the past.
And the future?

^ Making her into something she isn't.^
A lot, but perhaps without making a song and dance about it. One thing she fights for is education for girls around the world and I hope and anticipate that she will continue with this.
Plus many other initiatives for the good of the young people of America.
We just don't hear a lot about it over here.
letgirlslearn.gov/

She could, of course, just become a clothes horse and vacuous fashion icon.

Sadly I suspect that Obama's achievements (and there are many including "Obamacare") will be undone when Trump gets in. I only hope that the Republican's in Congress manage to restrain bhis worst excesses.
Apparently Michelle was the Pres's mentor when he joined the law firm...

As I've mentioned here before, our DS and family live in California and are now US citizens. I was thrilled that the first time they could vote, it was to vote "in" Barack Obama. I really felt then that the US had a chance of sorting out their healthcare. I feel so, so sad now that Trump is taking over - it's like a bad joke..... I cannot imagine that the new POTUS and FLOTUS will have anything remotely like the "gravitas" of Barack and Michelle Obama.

What did she do that was so inspirational? Making her into something she isn't.

So handmadedogsweaters you are happy to have yet another POTUS making the US a global laughing stock?
sarahellenwhitney I guess you are a US citizen.... might it not be advantageous for Republican presidential candidates to at least take a basic geography test? The last Republican POTUS had a severe problem in that area.
BTW handmadedogsweaters what 'nothing' did they actually do for the US? Obama didn't have a majority so the rednecks made sure nothing seen as vaguely socialist ( do Americans actually understand the difference between Communism and Socialism?) didn't get passed. New gun laws for a start.... and anything else that smacked of social equality.

They are both graceful, intelligent and articulate.

These are the qualities I look for in vain in the president-elect and his family.

I`m pleased they have gone, they did nothing for the USA at least give the Trumps a chance.

Such a lovely couple. Michelle has been a wonderful First Lady I wonder whats in store for us in a couple of weeks time!

Jane 10.
Ask that of the thousands of US citizens who have been living in diabolical conditions through out the last thirty years of Democratic rule.

The US wanted out and saw in Trump the lesser of the two evils. Time will tell.

IMHO they have both graced the White House with their dignity and intelligence, something that has been sorely lacking for the past 70 years in US history. IMHO(again) the last POTUS with a shred of dignity was Franklin D Roosevelt.

I agree Jane 10 and the First Lady is so lovely she will be missed. God knows how things will be with the Trumps dread to think.

Thank goodness for Radicalnan's views
Had thought I was completely on my own

I think the pair of them achieved nothing and her parting emotional speech, well anyone can make a speech, probably written for her anyway.

They had such a great chance and did nothing remarkable, OK they are cool..........he dances, she has toned arms.

I shall be glad to see the back of them. Remember he said we'd be back of the queue if we didn't do as he wanted regarding the EU.....they are just a couple of figure heads for something very nasty. Not sure what Trump will bring either, they are all dross.

Couldn't agree more NannyMargaret48!

I have loved this thread. Everyone in agreement!

I have been doing daily exercises to try and get arms like Michelle.

The Obamas were an absolute credit to America. Dignified and intelligent. I'd like to think they'll have some private time to just be a family for a while.
Michelle would certainly be a credible presidential candidate but it sounds such a horrible life that I hope she doesn't go for it.

I think the dignity and inspiration that the Obama's brought to the Presidency will be sorely missed, and she was a wonderful First Lady. There are those who think that he was not a very effective President, but he was a steady hand on the tiller and did nothing to soil the reputation of his country. America now has a loose cannon. I wish them well of him.

Unfortunately she had nade it very clear she does not intend to run for President .
But people do change their minds ......

I do wish she had run for president......

I echo Anya's comment!

Lovely couple, the Obamas. Dignified. Unlike some I can think
of ........

I think she was very restrained - as I think a lot of Americans are very apprehensive indeed.

Let's hope he is kept on a short leash.