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Michelle Obama's short shorts spark long talks

Posted: Tuesday, August 18, 2009 1:41 PM by Bobbie Thomas
Filed Under:

So here we are again. The biggest scandal to hit the White House: How much skin is really in?

Hours upon hours have been spent talking about what a first lady should or should not wear. First, it was whether or not she had the right to “bare arms,” and now, pictures of Michelle wearing “short” shorts while on holiday with her family during yesterday’s trip to the Grand Canyon are sparking a similar debate. While most women would agree that shorts (at any length) are often tough to pull off, I think we should line up with hands raised to offer her a high five. And since she is gifted with those long legs, I beg the question — wouldn't all shorts be "short" on her?
 
So to be “short” and to the point (pun intended), what do you think about Michelle dressing relaxed like the rest of us? Is it OK for her to be casual and comfortable with her body? Or do you feel she should be more conservative, offering a polished reserved example at all times?

Watch the video

First lady’s shorts draw some long, hard looks

Vote: Do you approve of the first lady's shorts?

Related slideshow: Michelle Obama's effortless style

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Comments

Just because Michelle Obama is the first lady doesn't mean she should stop being a woman, mom or human. She is held to a higher standard but underneath the "stigma" she's just like you an I.

Tracie, Port Charlotte FL (Sent Tuesday, August 18, 2009 2:09 PM)

Those shorts are not short at all! Michelle Obama is chic, accessible, and if you got it, flaunt it. (tastefully... and that's what the First Lady is doing!) LOVE HER!

vanessa, houston, texas (Sent Tuesday, August 18, 2009 2:12 PM)

OMG! I can't believe there's this much controversy about this topic. She's a woman on vacation with her family.  At least she looks decent, unlike the vast majority of moms I've seen on vacation trying to look and dress like they're still in high school, but with an extra 30 pounds!

Truth (Sent Tuesday, August 18, 2009 2:15 PM)

Good for the First Lady! I think she looks great in her shorts (which are not "short-shorts" by the way).
I think it's awesome that she is comfortable in her own skin and wears what she wants.  The First Lady is a human being just like the rest of us and has every right to be comfortable.  Besides, she looks great!
I appreciate the fact that she is telling all of us to be ourselves ...

Kathy Parker, St.Louis, MO (Sent Tuesday, August 18, 2009 2:16 PM)

Who cares! Why do people spend so much time debating over things like this?  If she wants to wear shorts let her wear them in peace.  They're not even that short.

Shay, Phila., PA (Sent Tuesday, August 18, 2009 2:17 PM)

First Lady Michelle Obama looks great in her shorts and it shouldn't even be a news worthy issue...Leave her alone.

Joann Begonja, N. Bellmore, NY (Sent Tuesday, August 18, 2009 2:17 PM)

Leave her alone--she looks great!!

Judy Reuter,Ledgewood, NJ (Sent Tuesday, August 18, 2009 2:17 PM)

You know, I really don't care that she's wearing shorts. It shows that she's an actual person and doesn't feel the need to hold herself to a higher standard than other Americans just because she's the President's wife. Plus, she's on vacation in Arizona where it's basically the desert, so let her relax and not be stifling hot in a pantsuit.  I do, however, think that Americans should be focusing more on the problems that our country is facing, rather than what the First Lady, or anyone else, is wearing.

Courtney, Chicago, IL (Sent Tuesday, August 18, 2009 2:18 PM)

Totally unbelievable!  She is sightseeing in the Grand Canyon with her family  Is she expected to wear a skirt and heels?  Come on people, she is wearing what any other normal person would wear on vacation.  

Emmie, Roanoke VA (Sent Tuesday, August 18, 2009 2:18 PM)

You guys really need a hobby.  Who has time to worry about Michelle Obama wearing shorts?  She looks fine and is entitled to wear whatever she wants without having to worry about the juvenile and judgmental views of people who don't have enough to do.

Tracye, Austin, TX (Sent Tuesday, August 18, 2009 2:19 PM)

are you kidding me... she was in the GRAND CANYON what is she suppose to wear in hella hot heat. be sensible...

rebecca (Sent Tuesday, August 18, 2009 2:21 PM)

She's a Mother, Wife and First Lady...I don't see anything wrong with her wearing shorts, while having family time.  People put too much into unimportant matters.  She's not hurting anyone dressed like that; if anything she's going outside the so called "norm" and having her own identity.

DUpson, Gaithersburg, MD (Sent Tuesday, August 18, 2009 2:22 PM)

she just like us

vela (Sent Tuesday, August 18, 2009 2:22 PM)


They are not even short on her [the middle of her thigh is NOT short]!

Why can't she wear them ~ she's not exposing anything she shouldn't!

M. Cameron, Marietta, OH (Sent Tuesday, August 18, 2009 2:23 PM)

Oh Please!  Those are NOT short!  Haven't you seen the shorts on the racks at stores these days!  The ones that are not much more material than a normal bikini bottom!  

Suzy (Sent Tuesday, August 18, 2009 2:23 PM)

give me a break!!! They were on vacation

Amber, Pittsburgh,PA (Sent Tuesday, August 18, 2009 2:24 PM)

Get a grip folks ---  these aren't "Daisy Duke" shorts.  Looks O.K. to me and I am NOT an Obama fan by any stretch of the imagination!

John Johnson, Dover, Ohio (Sent Tuesday, August 18, 2009 2:25 PM)

Michelle looks great in whatever she wears! Of course there will always be some critics who do not have anything else to do but to comment negatively on the First Lady's wardrobe. For those critics I say "get a life".

Letty, Columbia, MD (Sent Tuesday, August 18, 2009 2:25 PM)

When the first lady is out speaking and representing our country YES, she should be professional and conservative, BUT when its her day off and with family,  WHY SHOULD WE CARE, what she wears, if people are out there judging her for what she wears on her days off, then these people need to get a LIFE. Our first lady is human just like us, so why should she be any different on her days off. PEOPLE GET A LIFE and stop judging others.

Mary, Atwater, CA (Sent Tuesday, August 18, 2009 2:26 PM)

I think it's wonderfully refreshing to have a first lady who is her own person.  She can wear exactly whatever she wants . . . I think she is a breath of fresh air!  No stuffy pants suits or ladylike dresses for her . . . she is a lovely woman and I think she has been styled just right for any occasion.  I love her style . . .

Julie, Milwaukee WI (Sent Tuesday, August 18, 2009 2:27 PM)

I give her total credit for pulling of the shorts. She is on a family vacation in a very hot area and hiking around! Let her wear shorts! What is she supposed to wear, a pant suit? Really! There are so many other problems in the world that dwelling on whether the 1st Lady should wear shorts or not is not even on the radar!!! We really are a shallow nation if shorts is what we are most concerned about! And let's face it...she can really pull off those "short" shorts & I am quite happy to let her show off her legs (I mean unless she was wearing "Daisy Dukes," but I think she could pull those off as well)!!

Bonnie, Oceanside, California (Sent Tuesday, August 18, 2009 2:28 PM)

Let's get our men and women home safe from war before we start picking on our First Lady's vacation clothing!  Enough is enough!

Diane, NJ (Sent Tuesday, August 18, 2009 2:28 PM)

I think that anyone who criticizes the ist lady for wearing shorts should get a life!(or a gym membership!) Remember the old commercial tagline?: "Don't hate me because I'm beautiful." Most women over 40 and a whole lot in their 30's and even 20's can only wish for such toned legs. for heaven sakes this is an educated confident woman we are talking about. I'm pretty certain that she would never wear anything in public that would first degrade her, second, embarass her husband and third set a bad example for her daughters. I mean seriously, should she have worn a burka or a habit to Arizona in August?!? Lets be real people.

Terri Nwajagu Atlanta, GA (Sent Tuesday, August 18, 2009 2:28 PM)

My goodness. The Obama family is such a breath of fresh air - a family that is like my family, your family - just normal.  If Michelle was in pearls and heels to see the Grand Canyon? Well, that is just wrong and, I'll say it, un-American. I am glad she can kick down with some shorts and tank tops.  If we can do it, why can't she?  Mrs. Obama should be allowed to wear anything that makes her feel good. But enjoying the outdoors invites comfort - I am glad she embraces that.

Kristin W, Aurora, OR (Sent Tuesday, August 18, 2009 2:29 PM)

As long as the shorts aren't what they call "booty shorts"...what's the problem?  Mrs. Obama looks great and has the figure to pull this off.  Stop hatin as the kids say now.

Cyndi Ford, New Brunswick, NJ (Sent Tuesday, August 18, 2009 2:33 PM)

Mrs. Obama looks fine to me.  She is enjoying a family vacation in a very hot environment and therefore should be able to wear whatever she feels comfortable wearing.  We as a society should get over this crap and start focusing our energy on world peace, health care for all americans and serious issues that face our country.  Please, please, please.......stop and ask yourselves if this were a man wearing shorts would this even be a "news worthy" topic? It is time we get over this petty behavior and start worrying about subject matter that truly matters.  Mrs. Obama looks fine and she is a special woman who I admire and respect.

Deana Coleman Huntsville, Alabama (Sent Tuesday, August 18, 2009 2:35 PM)

I think this is a crazy topic to be talking about.  Who cares if Michelle Obama is wearing shorts. There are more important things that this country needs to be worried about!

Alexa K, Fairborn, OH (Sent Tuesday, August 18, 2009 2:39 PM)

you know, we are talking about Arizona where its FREAKING HOT. Leave her alone, she looks great

Diana, Arizona (Sent Tuesday, August 18, 2009 2:41 PM)

Fantastic!  I love Michelle Obama - she's confident, beautiful from within, dresses appropriately for her age, and NORMAL!  Go girl, you're a fine example for all the moms out there, and it shows in the poise and confidence of your daughters.  (and those are NOT short-shorts!)

Michele, Niles, MI (Sent Tuesday, August 18, 2009 2:42 PM)

Ms. Obama should be commended for sharing herself with us, she came to the White House giving hope to everyone, she dresses allowing everyone to embrace their own style, she nurture her children, set priorities for them, while education other mothers and daughters and sisters, and she dresses comfortably to allow her to enjoy her children and her time off. We should take the time we use to critique and visit a homeless shelter to help out, or visit a hospital to read if but one story to a child, or take the picture of this extraordinary woman and show to impoverished children who gave up and show them the hope that is there for all in this country.

Sheila Griffiths (Sent Tuesday, August 18, 2009 2:44 PM)

The only thing I ask is would Hilary Clinton or Barbara Bush be given the same treatment if they had been photographed wearing shorts.  I personally could care less there is a lot more things to be concerned with than what anybody wears unless it is your child or grandchild but I think we ought to treat everyone the same.

Jo Ashley Sumeral (Sent Tuesday, August 18, 2009 2:45 PM)

Of course she should wear shorts.  It's hot!!  

Joy Weiler Sudbury, MA (Sent Tuesday, August 18, 2009 2:47 PM)

Please give us a break! Michelle Obama is a beautiful vibrant woman who has caused the country to rave about her terrific wardrobe choices. She is on VACATION here. Don't we have real issues to concern ourselves with?

Michelle Burton, Grayson, Kentucky (Sent Tuesday, August 18, 2009 3:02 PM)

Her shorts aren't even that short. Not 'short' shorts at all!!! Also, it's not like she wore them to a museum. The grand canyon is hot!!! Would they rather she passed out from over-heating!?

Elle, Sterling, MA (Sent Tuesday, August 18, 2009 3:10 PM)

It is so nice to see all positive comments for once. critics, get a life, this is not earth shaking news, it's someone who's on vacation with her family and it's HOT!!  she looks lovely as always.
short shorts,  what is your definition of short shorts!!  these aren't even close!!

Karen Garvey, Omaha, Ne (Sent Tuesday, August 18, 2009 3:15 PM)

I thought we lived in a "free" country.  She has the right to wear whatever she wants, whenever she wants...GEE  she needs to be left alone...

Lilia Whitley, Houston, TX (Sent Tuesday, August 18, 2009 3:16 PM)

She's on vacation in Arizona in August for pity sake.  Is she supposed to wear a suit and pumps?  She's a mom on vacation with her girls.  Give the lady a break and find something else to do with your time that is more productive.l

Dawn, Charleston, SC (Sent Tuesday, August 18, 2009 3:26 PM)

I would only wish that other mothers on vacation would dress so nicely.  She looks fine.  

Renea Tutt, Odessa, TX (Sent Tuesday, August 18, 2009 3:30 PM)

The headline is'nt about the shorts its about us and our short commings.
How we treat each other,how we think,how we talk,how we behave.
Let's pull up our shorts and not fall short of being the best we can be.
And that is the long and short of it.

Jules Adams (Sent Tuesday, August 18, 2009 3:32 PM)

My question has nothing to do with the shorts  but the expense to fly the first family on vacation when the rest of the country is staying home this year due to the economy.   The White House wouldn't be such a bad place to spend your vacation

BBrant (Sent Tuesday, August 18, 2009 3:33 PM)

For God sakes! It summer and hot. Why shouldn't she wear shorts. Get a grip, people!

Ann Naylor, Albany, New York (Sent Tuesday, August 18, 2009 3:35 PM)

She' on vacation and why not??
And legs so nice should be insured!!!
You o Girl!!1

jo dorris blytheville ar (Sent Tuesday, August 18, 2009 3:39 PM)

Mrs. Obama is a ray of sunshine!  With that ray of sunshine brings change, she has and will continue to be a special part of much needed changes in our country.  Please Americans, concentrate on the war and fellow Americans who do not have a place to live or struggle each day to keep their electricity, water and basic utilities from being disconnected.

Cammie Holmes (Sent Tuesday, August 18, 2009 3:43 PM)

I wish I could rock those shorts.  I am proud that she is in shape and can wear them.  They look great on her! First Lady you are challenging me to get back in the gym...

AD, Birmingham, AL (Sent Tuesday, August 18, 2009 3:46 PM)

all i have to say is.....SHE'S ON VACATION.  a time for comfort, with family & friends

elva, los angeles, calif. (Sent Tuesday, August 18, 2009 3:54 PM)

To BBryant.  You may not realize this but if people stop taking vacations, including the Whitehouse, many people would be out of jobs and the country would be is a worse economic crisis.  We don’t want to encourage “no vacations” for people who have the means.

AD, Birmingham, AL (Sent Tuesday, August 18, 2009 3:57 PM)

GREAT LEGS, I'M A FEMALE AND I STRONGLY FEEL SHE LOOK'S WONDERFUL IN ANYTHING SHE PUTS ON. SHE IS A WOMAN FIRST AND VERY COMFORTABLE IN HER ON SKIN. PLUS SHE IS ON VACATION, LEAVE HER ALONE AND LET HER BE MICHELE OBAMA FIRST LADY.

ADCHAM (Sent Tuesday, August 18, 2009 3:57 PM)

Please - her shorts are NOT short. How many of those complaining about the length of First Lady's shorts are the ones letting their own daughters out of the house wearing significantly less clothing. Move on, get a life and worry about your own house.

Leslie, PHX, AZ (Sent Tuesday, August 18, 2009 3:59 PM)

Are you kidding me?  Mrs. Obama has more class than anybody we have had in the white house in ages.  If she wants to wear shorts on her vacation....God bless her!!

Betsy, Westfield, MA (Sent Tuesday, August 18, 2009 4:02 PM)

They're not what is usually called "short shorts."  They're mid-length.  She's a younger first lady.  The previous first ladies were older and not about to wear shorts in public...probably just in "their own back yard." What Michelle Obomba wears is of no consequence to me.  I didn't vote for her husband.

Eve, Boston, MA (Sent Tuesday, August 18, 2009 4:06 PM)



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