Guide Note

June 2008: Reports said Michelle Obama was looking to soften her public image in the wake of husband Barack Obama's presidential campaign.

Barack Obama's advisors said Michelle Obama's speeches were being "refined" to emphasize her "humble" Chicago roots.¹

Fast Facts

1. Michelle Obama's spokeswoman denies "image makeover"¹
2. Obama co-hosted The View on June 18, 2008
3. Discussed the fist bump during her husband's victory speech on June 3, 2008
4. Told The View hosts she wears her "heart on her sleeve"²
5. Wore a $148 dress from White House/Black Market³
6. Company reported increased sales of the sundress after Obama's View appearance³
7. Michelle and Barack Obama were featured on the cover of Us Weekly magazine in June 2008⁴
8. Headline read: "Michelle Obama: Why Barack Loves Her"⁴
9. Barack Obama called his wife an "extraordinary mother" and talked about her strong sense of family in the Us story⁴