| Michelle Obama and “you know” phrase | Hot Conversation |
I just watched Michelle Obama on Fox News being interviewed on child obesity. She said the phrase “you know” at least 100 times. It’s shameful, I thought she had a law degree! It was annoying to the point that I had to stop listening.
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Michelle Obama DOES have a law degree. I’ve recently seen her talking about her new quest and think it’s extremely admirable.
Many children in this country have a shorter expected life span than their parents, I think for the first time. I applaud Michelle Obama and would listen closely to her important message-it would never enter my mind to count phrases when someone is speaking about the health of millions of children.
Being on TV is not easy, no matter how intelligent one is. I give a lot of credit to those that are on TV day in and day out and make it seem so easy. You have to be able to enlace one sentence after another very fast since TV time is very expensive. I too commend her on her endeavor. I have worked with many people that have law, economic, business degrees that cannot even spell, but are brilliant in their own nitch. So let’s give the lady a break.
Just a case of jittery nerves. You are right Lynnette, unless you’re trained in acting or in on-camera journalism, facing down the camera can be unsettling. She’s neither Oprah nor Diane Sawyer, nor does she profess to possess their skills. Mrs. Obama is making a heroic effort to address an illness that is a death sentence for our nation’s children.
P.S. I reside in the state of Paranoia, but it’s curious that we haven’t been seeing/hearing much of Malia and Sasha lately. I pray every night for our First Family.
I can understand why they want them to be low profile. Michelle is Mom first they say and that alone has my vote.
You’re right, moongoddess; that makes sense. Thanks.
IN the public eye, you don’t get a break. Public and mass media will crucified you! And they did.
I caught some of it and I really don’t remember too many of the “you knows” I think I overlook them to “hear” what she had to say. The general consensus is that she was awesome. She had to be nervous being there with what some could be considered to be unfriendly territory. It is admirable. What a mission she has taken on. First Lady’s have always taken on a strong mission where our children are concerned. This one is also very important. Kudos for Michelle. “next time it’s shirt off for you”. Loved it.
I didn’t watch it Elise, but I understand what you are saying. While I find Mrs. O’s endeavor highly commendable, sometimes a person’s grammar or speech habits can distract from their message. I remember that when Robert Gibbs first started as press secretary, his every other word was ahhh. I found it highly distracting from his message and I couldn’t believe he was press secretary–they are usually highly articulate folks. Thank goodness he has improved!
As for people that say give Mrs. O a break, she was nervous: I’m sorry, this is a trained, experienced lawyer, former hospital administrator and someone who was on camera and in front of thousands of people at a time giving speeches and interviews during the campaign. I’m not persuaded that she was nervous.
I totally agree. To me it was embarrassing. I had to walk away (and I like her). I can even understand a “sport star” doing it, but an attorney. And what’s with her toned arms. I am 66 and have toned arms by exercising and lifting weights. And as to her message “bad eating habits due to lack of grocery and fresh produce stores in poor communities” – no bad eating habits are a result of lack of food knowledge, processed foods, too many sweets and sugary drinks. I can go on and on, but I’ll stop here.
http://answers.yahoo.com/question/index?qid=20100221051015AAfo0Op
See for yourself, I wasn’t the only one listening.
I heard the First Lady and flashed back on my mother and how she corrected me of that bad habit. She could be counted on to respond “No, I don’t know. Why don’t you explain it to me.” I don’t remember exactly when that happened but I know I was well into my career; I stopped and am thankful every day for this and the many other lessons from my mother.
I didn’t see it so I can’t comment. I do support the childhood obesity effort to the hilt however. I will say this: SOme of her speech patterns have annoyed me in the past (as have some of her speeches! haha)
My very first exposure to her left a very negative impression with me. It was the night he was elected senator. I was watching the election news, and the lead-in was something to the effect of “…..a bright new star on the political horizon in Illinois” and the newscast cut to his about to be delivered acceptance speech.
She was on stage introducing her husband, and she referred to him as “my baby daddy” and all I could think was “oh gross, is she serious with that?” Yuk. Very crass and undignified and disappointing for a woman of her age, intelligence, education, professional standing etc.
First impressions make a difference, and that was my first impression of her. I’ve never forgotten it. I’ve been impressed with her in some venues; she’s irritiated and galled me in others, but I will always remember that first one.
First impressions are lasting ones. I have always thought, with no verification, that she was the main reason that Hillary wasn’t chosen to be VP which would have been a better choice for his running mate. Then, when McCain announced SP (do I dare say it out loud?), would not have been so riveting. I overlooked the “you knows” because I was really interested in what she had to say about obesity. Almost everyone, especially the young, are plagued with “you knows” so I’ve had to learn to get past it here in my world or I would have to turn my back on almost everyone at work. Just for the record, it is annoying!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Especially to those of us who are perfect ;^)
I do not feel that I am perfect. As a matter of fact, I feel “illiterate” when compared to many women in VN. I have trouble expressing myself, because words do not come easily to me, but I do not say “you know” every other word.
Michelle Obama isn’t an elected official, may not have really wanted this position, but has it.
She could choose to insulate herself in the Whitehouse and not be subject to criticism regarding her speaking style or she can blow off all the critics and do what she thinks is right for America.
Her husband has been highly criticized for his arrogant, elitist attitude. Sometimes you just can’t win.
Right on, Michelle, you go girl, YOU KNOW.
Yes, in today’s world many folks fall into the can’t win category.
So True! :)
I’m sorry Elisa, I didn’t mean that you thought that. I like that you posted the first post and it is annoying. Please don’t think that I was singling you out on this. Illiteracy is something we don’t expect from people who are in the highest positions. What message is she sending? It’s ok to say that over and over? It’s not ok. She needs to watch what she says and how she says it. I just train myself to look past it. You are right, she should be careful and bring her speaking to a higher level. Thanks. My last comment was tongue in cheek. BTW, I don’t think you have any trouble expressing yourself ;^)
I was not insulted at all. As a matter of fact, even if someone does insult me, I can take them on. No apology necessary. To be honest, I did not know how to start my reply to you, so I went with it.
http://www.weaselzippers.net/blog/2010/02/gag-me-with-a-spoon-huckabee-asks-michelle-obama-how-she-got-her-arms-so-tan.html?cid=6a00e008c6b4e5883401310f2712be970c
Additional comments.
Some additional comments
Nancy Stock at 9:03PM on Feb 20th 2010
I have never sit down to write a letter about any interview or comment on any show before in my life. What a disaster to sit and try to watch this interview. I had to turn to another channel after watching part of your interview with Michelle Obama. The worse interview you have ever had on your show. I stopped counting her “you know” after 40 times. Then I turned to another channel. This woman has an education?? She needs to go to Dale Carnegie before she attempts another interview. She should have just remained in the background like she has been doing for the past year. This is a disgrace for our country and the White House to have this woman as first lady. I really am VERY disappointed that you would have her on your show. I was beginning to have a different outlook on you, but after seeing you sit there and being so gracious and smiling; my feelings have changed. It makes me think you are just as phony as the rest of the politicians.
Reply to this comment Neutral M at 9:46PM on Feb 20th 2010
Well, excuse me!! It was THE BEST show that has ever been on Huckabee. He was nice and polite to the First Lady. It doesn’t matter how many times she say “you know” Is that all you Republicans can find wrong with the Obamas?
Jo at 3:39PM on Feb 21st 2010
It’s obvious, she has an affirmative action education. Huckabeehas lost credibility with this “you know” interview. The question about her “toned arms” was the last straw. BTW, was that a racial comment? LOL
NO! It’s the improper use of English speakings! She’s setting an example for children. So, why not say and use proper ENGLISH! Rather then, you knows, whatsoever, and that, yeahs, na’s, and so forth.
Geezer…Democrats.
Governor, there is something which haunts me about Michelle representing our children in any way. She and the President seem obsessed in getting into the lives of our children.
Not being mean, just the facts: She and Obama subjected their children from babies to his presidency to Rev. Wright, a far worse then radical, but insane ranter of hate for whites, military, USA, AND Lord knows what else. Their little minds are now formed and not to my ideal, but to theirs.
I’m with you and Mrs. Obama on eliminating the childhood obesity problem. I was impressed with the interview with two minor exceptions:
- She made a comment that “all kids get most of their calories at school”. Could you ask the Fox Brain Room to validate this claim since it seems well beyond far fetched to me.
- My “um” and “you know” counters broke about halfway through the interview. Can’t we find a Toastmasters group in Washington that would help her solve her serious problem with public speaking? They helped me and a lot of folks I know.
Your interview with Michelle Obama was the most boring, the most irritating, and the most sickening interview that I have ever heard in my life. She used the phrase ‘you know’ hundreds of times and it got tiresome.
you know (spoken)
Usage notes: usually used to be sure someone is listening carefully and agrees with what you are saying: It didn’t have to happen that way, you know?
I would have to say that you were listening intensely and was overly agreeing. That was the most sickening part of the whole thing.
I enjoyed your interview with the “First Lady” but was surprised by her use of the words YOU KNOW. As I watched her reply to your questions, the use of YOU KNOW was abused and not warranted in her answers. I was surprised she did not respond with other wording since she is, or was an attorney. If you review the clip you will see what I am talking about. I am not sending this to criticize, since none of us are perfect. Plus, I also had the same habit with YOU KNOW when I was younger and had to overcome this speech habit. Sometimes it takes someone to tell the individual they have the problem. Would you please do this for all that had noticed.
Thanks
Mark
who is mark?
I think that was just the person who signed the letter that Elisa cut and pasted above.
Agreed!!!mclaire12
I’ve noticed that! So glad someone did. It drives me nuts! I feel like I’m listening to my teenage daughters. What’s worse…this woman is educated!! Law Degree? She must have forgotten to take English classes during her school years.
I’m surprised no one has mentioned to Michelle Obama about her over using the phrase “you know”. Seriously!!
When you are in public eye and a leader, you need to have that charisma of good speaker. I felt many times embarrassed when our previews President spoke and the whole world noticed lack of intelligence. It is not easy to be in high public position.
I once was lucky enough to hear her speak in a public forum. I’ve never seen anyone, anywhere, with more poise, confidence, self-assurance, or speaking skill. She’s an amazing and strong and poised woman who seems to honestly and deeply care. She was surrounded by Secret Service agents who were trying very hard to blend into the scenery, but her life is clearly unlike anything we can imagine. Keeping her daughters safe must be extremely difficult. The routine threats against her husband must be the stuff of nightmares.
She not only has a law degree, she was Barack Obama’s boss. I’d vote for her any time, even if she took to saying “you know” a lot.
I totally agreed with you about Michelle Obama. Given a choice, when listening to a person with jargon of “you knows”, “whatever”, etc. or a person with proper usages of the English language. Who would you find most pleasant to listen to?
Princess Diana was aware of her speech errors and took public speech lessons to corrected it. Michelle Obama can do the same and learned to omitted, “you knows” in her public speeching. Especially since SHE IS A PUBLIC FIGURE and needs to be aware of it.
I like her and respect her, but honestly if she looks back at that tape, she will want to hide.
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2010/02/20/michelle-obama-huckabee-i_n_470433.html
After listening to it again. I’m embarrassed for her. Too many “you knows”. She needs to be aware of it. You know?
i have my days… today i walked into a meeting when all of the sudden all eyes are on me. I was told that it was my turn to introduce myself blah blah blah. It was funny because yesterday the same thing happened. They go around the table and twice i walked in when the person next to me was talking. Today i spoke immediately, w/o any problems and as a true salesperson. Yesterday was another story…. So, it happens and it is annoying but we are human beings and not perfect. I am sure Mrs. Obama is viewing this tape and crinching. But i consider her effort on obesity the main event, not her speech.
True. I’m sure Mrs. Obama is cringing if she saw herself in that interview. Hopefully it has been brought to her attention. I’ll be curious to see her in the next several interviews. Hopefully less of “you knows”. Wait and see.
She is a public figure. She needs to bring herself in a better light in order to present her causes without backfire. Here she is trying bring our attention on children obesity in American. Instead, we are focusing on her of overuse of “you knows”. Mrs. Obama efforts went unnoticed by many who are wanting to point fingers at Obamas for anything!
I agree that Mrs. Obama has probably watched the interview and is cringing. I would be surprised if she doesn’t try to correct her speaking patterns. You’re right, too much attention has been paid to this aspect of the interview instead of the meat of the matter. Sort of reminds me of what’s been termed:
“Palin Bashing”.
))) said with L.O.V.E.!
You’re funny ;^)
Thanks for your reply-I thought I might get the onslaught and start another war-certainly not my intention!
Who is that gorgeous baby????? Lucky you!
Why thank you. She’s my youngest Granddaughter. There she’s 10mos. Now 14. I don’t get to see them enough ;^(
…..or, the shoe on the other foot? lol
It is sad that you missed the meaning of the interview by counting the, you knows.
I did not miss the meaning of the interview. Besides her message was not that revealing.
Firstly, kids eat junk food because parents allow it due to lack of food nutritional knowledge or laziness (not willing to cook). Also our food industry is to blame for all the junk food (processed foods) they place in our supermarkets. When I go food shopping, I buy only fresh produce, pasta, rice, bread, beans, and meat. The only canned item I buy is tuna fish.
No wonder I’m exhausted after food shopping!
!
I Agree about lack of knowledge or interest from parents to provide their kids with the right foods.
Amazing how many solutions to problems come back to taking personal responsibility to do the right thing.
Amen.
I didn’t missed the meaning of the interview. But, too bad it was overridden by too many “you knows” which created this blog.
Mrs. Obama is in the public eye, and representing our cultures, our country. She needs to present herself in better format. Like Princess Diana, she wanted to present her causes to her subjects. Diana was fully aware of her poor speaking skills. She took necessary steps to correct it. In a interview once, she explained why and how she did not looking forward to practices speaking daily while raising her two sons. But, she knew it had to be done if she wanted her messages to get out with any backfire like Obama’s “you knows”.
Princess Diana is most admired and beloved by people all over the global with her grace and beauty. Not for her causes, but for her skills in speaking….her messages was heard and well received.:-)