First Lady Michelle Obama appears to have abandoned, at least for now,
her oft-criticized “Let’s Move” initiative to promote exercise and
healthy eating among the nation’s youth, halting public appearances and
statements related to the program.
Mrs. Obama does not appear to have done anything much to personally
publicize the initiative in more than four months – since she released a video (VIDEO EMBEDDED BELOW)
in early September welcoming children back to school and telling them
about the “healthy, delicious new choices” on school lunch menus. In
August she had a “Kids’ State Dinner” at the White House to showcase
healthy eating.
Michelle’s exit from the Let’s Move campaign coincided with growing reports and a widely circulated satirical video
alleging that the new food guidelines were leaving children hungry. The
bad publicity clashed with President Obama’s efforts to stir support
among young voters for his candidacy. Many of Obama’s campaign events
were held at high schools – presumably among students who might have
been attending rallies on relatively empty stomachs.
Let’s Move was also proving a juicy target for Republicans, who
alleged Michelle’s food strictures promoted a “Nanny State” that
intruded on free choice and personal responsibility.
But the Left also had unkind words for Mrs. Obama’s initiatives,
accusing her of focusing on exercise while failing to aggressively take
on the powerful food industry.
Political contributions may also have influenced Michelle’s decision to back off.
Read More: The White House Dossier
