For reasons which I will never understand.
The Cultish Appeal Of Michelle Obama — NPR
There are people who do not like Michelle Obama.
This is not a story for, or about, them. This is a story for, and about, people who like the first lady. And perhaps some of the reasons they like her.
In a recent poll by Pew Research Center, she is viewed favorably by 68 percent of all Americans. And more favorably than her husband, President Barack Obama. (The poll points out that conservative Republicans are not totally enamored of her, but even they like her better than her husband.)
Another just-released survey shows that the top-rated first ladies since World War II — among some 242 historians — are Jackie Kennedy and Michelle Obama. (Hillary Clinton was right behind Michelle Obama.) Reuters reports that “Current first lady Michelle Obama scored particularly high in the categories of ‘being her own woman’ and ‘value to the president.’ ”
When it comes to public opinion polls, observes USA Today, “the most consistent aspect of the Obama administration is first lady Michelle Obama.” And there are many Americans who just flat-out adore her.
Robin Givhan, a Pulitzer Prize-winning writer who covered the first lady for The Washington Post in 2009-2010, observes: “Michelle Obama is a cult figure.”
Yes, icon.
Pop CULTure
She is a commanding presence in contemporary American popular culture.
So far during her tenure in the White House, people have shopped with First Lady of Fabulous tote bags; purchased Michelle Obama action figures; tuned in to YouTube to learn to Dance Like Michelle Obama and watched her interact with the Muppets time and again.