The XX Factor

Should Michelle Obama Visit Haiti?

I think attacking childhood obesity is a fine goal for Michelle Obama, Jess -but unlike Givhan, I also think there’s something to be said for the First Lady being many things to many people. Today, for instance, she’s reportedly cutting a public-service announcement asking Americans to donate to earthquake-devastated Haiti. Raising awareness about international issues and tragedies in particular is certainly something the First Lady ought to consider well within her bailiwick (think of Hillary Clinton’s tenure) and sometimes, in these instances, publicity can be almost as useful as policy, or at least help to drive it. But is a PSA enough? Should the First Lady stand up alongside her husband’s pledges for aid and board a plane to Haiti?