Ann Coulter Says Michelle's No Jackie O.

We have all heard the expressions: "Bound to be a New York Times bestseller!" or "A must read!"

When it comes to the newest releases at the book store, there is always some over-the-top set of critiques admiring the work of the author in an attempt to get us to buy a copy. Well, the flap cover kudos didn't inspire me to buy Ann Coulter's latest, "Guilty: Liberal "Victims and Their Assault on America." But as a card-carrying Republican, I figured that I could at least crack open the cover to see what was inside.

I don't buy that Mrs. Obama is trying to become this generation's Jackie O., but in her book, Ms. Coulter tries to make the case that he incoming First Lady is desperate to create a Camelot-esque image with her dress and style. ...

Michelle Obama: Her New Look

Future First Lady Michelle Obama has transformed before our eyes into the epitome of stately female elegance. Here we see her during the early days of her husband's presidential campaign, wearing the boxy business suit uniform of the professional working mother.

Stan Honda, AFP / Getty Images

Michelle and Barack Obama were married in 1992. The youthful couple, dressed elegant finery, share a style that is simple and sweet. The new Mrs. O's gown displayed her shapely shoulders, one of the many attractive features of her slim, tall build.

NYT

Michelle and Barack got glam to attend the 36th NAACP Image Awards in 2005. This soft, floral look was a departure for Michelle at the time. She was most-often photographed wearing very structured, dark professional attire. This look was a harbinger of changes to come.

Frederick M. Brown, Getty Images

For a casual look, Michelle Obama most often stuck to neutral tones, minimal make-up and simple hair swept back from her face. These style choices would soon give way to her new fashion approach from recent months.

Valerie Maccon, AFP / Getty Images

During the middle of 2008, we were introduced to the softer side of Michelle. The dark, masculine clothes that she wore as a lawyer and university administrator disappeared. Michelle's style evolved to include bright colors that showed off her feminine shape. At a May 2008 rally in Iowa, her olive green suit was a refreshing departure for her.

Kevin Sanders, AP

At a June 2008 campaign stop in Minnesota, Michelle wore a purple sheath dress by Chicago designer Maria Pinto. This dress was one of the first looks that stunned fashion lovers with her impeccable taste. Mrs. O perfected this simple look with pearls, a favorite staple.

Charles Ommanney, Getty Images

Michelle's second fashion hit occurred when she appeared on 'The View' in June of 2008. She wore this simple sun dress from White House/Black Market, which retails for $148. The dress quickly sold out. The pin on her shoulder was an embellishment of Michelle's own. Brooches, pins and pearls are all important aspects of Mrs. O's classic self-presentation.

Steve Fenn, AP

As First Lady, Michelle Obama has stated that one of her initiatives will be supporting military families.
While in town to meet with military families in August 2008, Michelle wore this sweater-based ensemble to cheer on local children. As you can see, ornamentation around the neckline is another hallmark of Michelle's style.

Rob Ostermaier, AP

For a Springfield, Illinois campaign stop, Michelle wore this very splashy print dress by Moschino. The full shirt of this belted dress is a silhouette reminiscent of the '50s, an era of the idealized homemaker. In addition to wearing more bold prints, Michelle's new look includes softer hair, often left loose, and bangs.

Alex Brandon, AP

Michelle addressed the Democratic National Convention on August 25, 2008 wearing another amazing design by Maria Pinto. Michelle is very often photographed wearing dresses by this designer, whose tailored, vibrant dresses help Michelle look polished, sophisticated and womanly.

Chip Somodevilla, Getty Images

Now, before I did that, I repeated to myself the mantra that I had to learn while listening to hard-leaning pundits on both sides of the media political aisle, inserting Ms. Coulter's name in the appropriate place of the saying:

"Ann Coulter is not one of the elected leaders of America. She is a political pundit with a goal of ruffling up some feathers. I can hear her opinion, but I must remember not to hate on the haters."

Now, never mind the constant attacks on liberalism – some of which, to be fair, are true. The tone of her commentary came across as venomous and baiting, as if we were talking about those that did not share the same American flag that we (conservatives) do. I didn't realize that being liberal was akin to be stupid anymore than being conservative was akin to be demonic.

Then, of course, there were the citations concerning President-elect Obama, including the hate-baiting "B. Hussein Obama" references.

Why must we continue the false allusions to Obama's Muslim past?

I was hoping that Ms. Coulter would give the future First Lady a little bit of credit for something... anything. I didn't find it, even if it's in there, somewhere.

I also don't buy that she gets a pass as a "strong independent woman" while other strong independent women are disrespected; (the Palin example, though compelling at times, doesn't stick to me, especially when Palin didn't do quite so well in the media eye and outwardly disagreed with the top of her ticket on several issues during the campaign.) If anything, Mrs. Obama understands she must be a trendsetter as the first Black First Lady, not a cow-towing apologist for a time long ago, especially considering the historic significance of her husband.

And the references back to the "...I am proud of my country..." statement from Mrs. Obama? Please! Let it go.

As a Spike Lee movie character might say, "It's a Black thing – you wouldn't understand."

So I guess what I am saying is, even if she's hatin' - believing that liberals, Obamas, and Democrats don't have much to say - grant her the American right to voice her opinion, even if you have to remember that reciprocating with hatin' isn't quite the way to go despite agreeing with some of the hater's points.

+ Michelle Obama Opens Up About Dating Barack
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Lenny McAllister is a Republican political commentator and guest co-host for Fox News - Charlotte's morning show "Fox News Rising," where his commentary can be heard every Monday. His website is lennymcallister.com