Michelle at 50

Her physical presence transcends fashion and projects natural power. Her easy warmth and confidence seem unlimited, as is her ability to connect with ordinary people. As Michelle Obama turns 50, Suzanne Harrington pays tribute to the First Lady

SO AMERICA’S First Lady Michelle Obama turns 50 on Jan 17. You’d never think it: with her vitality and glow she looks years younger. She and her husband could be a gym advertisement; fit, attractive, clear eyed, the Obamas are the poster couple for physical and emotional health and well being. She is the most radiant and vital First Lady in decades.

Since her husband took office in 2009, American public health and wellbeing has been Michelle Obama’s primary public concern. Not Obamacare — this was her husband’s headache. The Obamas did not wish to repeat the mistakes of the Clintons when Bill disastrously gave the unelected Hillary the job of implementing healthcare reforms; this stepped on many toes and got the Clinton healthcare policy nowhere. In her role as FLOTUS Hillary was widely detested by conservatives for being a scary white feminist whom nobody had elected, yet who was perceived by many to be running the show; the Clintons massively miscalculated with their Buy One Get One Free idea of the presidency.