For the first time in my adult life...

The last chapter in me and my Pops discussion of Michelle Obama. In this one we discuss the differences in terms of being a black woman occupying that position. Weirdly, I tend to think the hardest part (the campaign) is over. I think it's clear I'm somewhat enchanted by this whole thing. But frankly, I really expect Michelle Obama to do well. I think the "angry black woman" bit is overstated amongst journalists looking for a narrative, right-wingers looking for a line of attack, and black people who (understandably) are just afraid.

I read a lot of Michelle Obama profiles, in the course of writing this piece, and one thing stuck out--folks were shocked about how much she ribbed her husband. There was a subtext that implied that she wasn't very lady-like. I kept wondering whether the reporters had met any women, ever, or whether they'd ever watched an episode of Alice.

How will race complicate things? Who can tell. There's nothing post-racial about me. But I've underestimated white people once. I'm trying not to do it again.