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Michelle Obama has recharged power dressing, from contemporary off-the-rack American to European pop. Now the first family is updating the White House art collection. This is significant: Michelle exercising her right to bare arms says much less than W’s cowboy fancy.
(Picture: Flag by Jasper Johns)
The firmness of Obama’s speech surprised me. Obama’s a badass.
“Our economy is badly weakened, a consequence of greed and irresponsibility on the part of some, but also our collective failure to make hard choices and prepare the nation for a new age.”
John McWhorter suggests that some of its power comes from Obama’s use of ‘Black [American] English’.
Even more provocatively “what makes Obama’s linguistic repertory especially resonant as an American phenomenon is that he speaks Black English as a second language.”
Obama’s frontin’. Or rather, he has adopted elements of a resonant popular culture as part of his persona. In some sense, this is the opposite hip-hop’s crude appropriation of (or capitulation to) the suit.
Meanwhile, Biden’s been overlooked. He’s an eloquent speaker, an estimable character and a smart oke. And he looks good. Though I worry Jill Biden looks a little too red and too bronzed.
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(Picture: AP)
Debate is raging here in the newsroom is Michelle’s gold dress/ coat ensemble more Camilla Parker Bowles en-route to Ascot or regally presidential and apt?
One thing I am certain about is what in shodding’s sake are those horrid green court shoes all about? What’s wrong with a patent black Jackie O heel?
Now Obama on the other hand looks soberly delightful – whatever this man wears he’s got it!
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Let’s hope it gets better at the Ball – Fairy Godmothers Unite
See more and the Ball Gown here.
Those not lucky enough to secure tickets to the Obama inauguration can still revel in the mythology of the day, as the event will be broadcast locally. Is life ever more mythologised than when it’s on TV? (Yes, when it’s in a movie. But we might have to wait a few months for that.)
The New Yorker’s ill-fated Obama cover revealed the limits of irony. Instead, let us bask in The Nation’s vision of righteous power, “one witnessed not in flesh and blood, but in the bonds of justice and peace”.
Check out the full cover, with a key to the guests, to see who will be joining Ghandi, Biko and Lincoln.
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Obama’s White House.
Show who’s boss with the Run DC t-shirt.
(Picture: AFP)
In advance of your Friday Party Track, all hail the Kings:
I cannot describe the infinite pleasure I take in these shots – taken in the 80′s for Lisa Jack’s student portfolio whilst they where both students at Occidental College in Los Angeles, California.
Who can resist this man’s charms?
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Bradley you clever fellow you have done it again – produced the perfect T-shirt for the crise du jour. I am with you on this one -I say we all leave together. I will be too traumatised if Palin gets any closer to the White House. Either way I will be partying with Ms Minor Matters at the Troyeville Hotel for the Obama party ….
Click through to Love Jozi for more wit and T- shirts.
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