New York: Michelle Obama hit back at charges she is unpatriotic today on a television talk show popular with the women voters her husband will need to win the White House in November.
"Of course I love my country ... And nowhere but in America could my story be possible," Democratic contender Barack Obama's wife told Barbara Walters on "The View."
Walters had asked Obama, 44,about a statement she made on the campaign trail in February: "For the first time in my adult life I am really proud of my country because it feels like hope is finally making a comeback."
The comment became a lightning rod for angry denunciation by critics who questioned her patriotism.
It drew an unusual jab from her opposite number Cindy McCain, the generally discreet wife of presumptive Republican nominee John McCain. "I always have been and will always be extremely proud of my country," McCain shot back during a campaign appearance.
Michelle Obama today told "The View" she was touched when First Lady Laura Bush recently defended the comment.
"I think she probably meant I m more proud, you know, is what she really meant," Laura Bush told ABC television earlier this month.
"You have to be very careful in what you say. I mean, I know that, and that s one of the things you learn and that s one of the really difficult parts both of running for president and for being the spouse of the president, and that is, everything you say is looked at and in many cases misconstrued," the first lady said.
Michelle Obama reiterated earlier comments that she did not initially want her husband to run for president. "I said, Oh no! please!" Obama recalled, smiling.
Source :
PTI
