FLOTUS Fever: Michelle Obama Makes Maxim's 'Hot 100' List of Women

I'm not sure what is more disturbing: that First Lady Michelle Obama made Maxim's "Hot 100" list of women in its June 2009 issue, or that she only made # 93.

With apologies made to Martha Washington, the men's magazine congratulated President Barack Obama for getting to come home to "the hottest First Lady in the history of these United States."

My misgivings aren't because I'm squeamish about the fact that the nation's first African American first couple is also thought of as its sexiest. Yes, blacks have faced a long history of sexual objectification in the popular media. However, I see the fascination with the Obamas as an extension of 21st century fascination with youth and glamour in its leaders. Just as the French are captivated by their once-photographed-in-the-nude ex-supermodel first lady, Carla Bruni-Sarkozy, Americans aren't afraid to admire the pulchritude of Michelle Obama (or to oggle a shirtless commander-in-chief).

Yes, Michelle Obama, 45, has awesomely toned arms, and an air of self-assurance that is the hallmark of a siren in the full bloom of womanhood. The question is: does she belong on the same list with the likes of sex tape icon Kim Kardashian (number 53) and ditzy reality show alumna Audrina Partridge (number 57)? I think not -- and certainly not ranked behind them.

Now, the luminaries of the Time 100 list of the world's most influential people -- that's the kind of company our accomplished FLOTUS deserves.

Michelle Obama Covers

Us Weekly: June 2008
Wondering "why Barack loves her?" Us sought to answer that relatively easy question last June.

Us Magazine

The New Yorker: July 2008
The magazine's editor claimed satire. However, no one but Obama's G.O.P. detractors found the depiction of Michelle as an armed militant and Barack as a terrorist particularly funny.

New Yorker/AP

Radar: September 2008
Using a doctored photo, Radar splashed an austere image on its cover and asked "What's So Scary About Michelle Obama?" The question was in response to anti-Michelle backlash.

Radar

Ladies Home Journal: September 2008
In a joint Q&A with her husband, Michelle told LHJ, "Finding balance has been the struggle of my life and my marriage, in being a woman, being a professional, being a mother."

Ebony: September 2008
Back when she was just a "first lady hopeful", Mrs. Obama spoke to Ebony about family and the future. As an added bonus, her mom Marian Robinson dished to the mag as well.

Ebony

Essence: September 2008
It seems like most magazine covers with one or more members of the Obama clan on them are deemed "Collector's Editions." This family-centric cover is no exception.

Essence

More: October 2008
As the presidential election neared, Michelle Obama started popping up on a wide range of magazine covers. Here she is on the cover of More, a magazine for women over 40.

More Magazine

Us Weekly: November 2008
In the days following Barack's historic election, the weekly tabloid turned political, spotlighting then-President-elect and Michelle's "Amazing Journey."

Us Magazine

OK! Weekly: November 2008
The editors at OK! claimed to know what Michelle is really like and offered a look into her private world, including "date nights with Barack."

OK! Magazine

Essence: January 2009
The famous black women's mag obviously was one of the first to put the new first lady on its cover. With a long-sleeved gown and a satisfied smile, Michelle looks like she's ready for her new role.

Essence

Do you think Maxim was right to put Michelle Obama on its "Hot 100" list? Share your views below in the comment area, or join the message board discussion.

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