Besides the results of the Republican primary in New Hampshire and the hype leading up to the South Carolina Republican primary next week, the other headline to splash across the news today  is the release of Jodi Kantor’s book The Obamas.  What is creating a stir is the supposed clashes between Michelle Obama and White House aides.  Of course, she denies that those clashes happened and denies trying to directly influence public policy or political decisions.

Of course she has to deny it.
Like any First Lady, she has to walk that fine line between being approachable and yet aloof from the swirl of politics; of being poised and polite even when she is not feeling well or having a bad day.  If she were to let her guard down for even a moment we all know what would happen.  

But, let’s be honest.  
Which one of us doesn’t ever get angry?
I know I do.
I get angry over any number of things some important and some trivial.
I get angry when I hear a comment about my wife or my children or a friend that I think is unfair or hurtful.  Don’t you?
I understand that when one enters the political arena comments are going to be made and things are going to be said that are mean-spirited or hurtful or just not true.  And, if you are going to be in politics you have to learn to let those type of remarks flow past you.
At least as much as you can.

But there are moments, I am sure…
Because I am sure the President and the First Lady are human beings…
And, in that regard, not all that different from you and me;
When they get angry.
Angry at the comments;
Angry at perceived mistakes;
Angry at the posturing and politicking;
And angry at the subtle, and sometimes not so subtle racism, behind the comments that are made. 

Anger is not bad.
It just is.
And, sometimes anger is the appropriate response. 
In fact, I am glad to know that the First Lady is passionate about what is happening in our country and cares enough about her husband to want to offer what “protection” she can.  I am glad to know that the First Lady may get angry.
There are, after all, things worth being angry about.

An angry black woman…
Isn’t that, in and of itself, demeaning?
And, racist?
And, worth getting angry about?