To statists like the Obamas, politics absolutely must intrude on every facet of life. I’ve written frequently about the need to keep politics separate from other parts of life (see, for example, my column “Cherish the many things in life above politics“) in contrast with the political Left’s determination to enslave everything to the politics du jour.
By “everything,” I really do mean everything. Two recent examples both involve the First Lady. Here Peggy Noonan describes her bizarre appearance to award the Best Picture award at the Academy Awards:
While the president is bringing a partisan edge and soft-voiced pugilism to the drama, the first lady is becoming . . . let’s call it culturally dominant, and in a way that seems politically related, that seems fully networked and wired. Michele Obama is omnipresent—dancing with, Jimmy Fallon, chatting with Rachael Ray, on “Good Morning America” talking about the kids, and another show talking about the bangs. On ABC she accidentally said something factually incorrect, and they thoughtfully edited it out. Mrs. Obama’s presence reached its zenith, one hopes, Sunday night at the Academy Awards when she came on, goofily star-struck military personnel arrayed in dress uniforms behind her, to announce the Best Picture award. It was startling and, as she gave her benediction—the movies “lift our spirits, broaden our minds, transport us to places we can never imagine”—even in a way disquieting.
This would not be an accidental assertion of jolly partisan advantage. It seemed to me an expression of this White House’s lack of hesitation to insert itself into any cultural event anywhere. And this in a 50-50 nation, a divided nation that in its entertainments seeks safety from the encroachments of politics, and the political.
And this is from today, as if a confused nation was waiting desperately to hear the First Lady’s pronouncement upon the care and feeding of dogs:
During her Google Hangout today, First Lady Michelle Obama reminded the audience that dogs need a proper diet and exercise, just like children do. … “You want to make sure they are eating a balanced diet, and if they are not an active dog, make sure that their food is reflective of an inactive dog and then get them out there and throw that ball and get them running.”