I totally disagree. Michele Obama is intelligent and has opinions, that is to celebrated and not used as a cosh to beat her with.

Cherie Blair, also an intelligent woman with strong opinions, was lambasted by the British media. Why?

Is it a British thing or a world thing?

kim, london,

it seems like a pwerful woman alone is ok, but a poweful woman is not allowed to have a powerful husband....what if thats just the way they are, who they are? that thing callled personality? would that be too much power in a relationship? I do agree that all they say will be used against them though

Madeline, Nottinghm,

I agree with Simon of London. She should be quiet. How difficult is it to understand that everything she says will be used in evidence against her and her spouse? We only need to remember how the press pillioried Cheryl Blair to realise that's how the game is played these days.

Nidgy, BIRMINGAM, england

I don't even know who the new PM of Britain is, so for the brits to worry about who the next First Lady will be is radical, man!

Justin Laveux, Baton Rouge, Louisiana, USA

And nor do you, John from Rockville, nor do you. That's the problem...you just believe you do.

Andrew Cardwell, Douglas, Isle of Man

Cindy McCain graduated from USC, not too shabby of a college if you ask me. She was a special education teacher for years, when her father past away, she quit teaching and began working at the brewery. Yes, she inherited the business, and since she did, it is thriving. She is an exceptional woman.

Kristen, TX, USA

Regarding Mrs Reagan, I've always thought she revelled in being First Lady. In American Society it's the highest level a spouse can achieve. She was able to push her husband to do what they considered great things and, regardless of her politics, was a gracious ambassador for the USA.

David Cunard, Los Angeles, United States

Every being brings something to the table. Michelle is bright intelligent etc...she also whines blames and is very angry, maybe for good reason. Cindy came from priveledge, but has given back in non asuming ways, and has put up with a vacuous "me first spouse" come to think of it...they both have!

KP, Phoenix, USA

From Newsweek: "She remembers many of their fellow black students worrying that white classmates viewed them as charity cases. But she suggests Michelle was not among them. 'She recognized that she had been privileged by affirmative action and she was very comfortable with that.'"

Nice try, Finn.

AAB, Springfield, MO, US

John, Rockville, United States say this is a domectic 'thing' but sorry John, we all love a horror show.

Bernard , London, England

Barbie Dolls both, except the white one doesn't complain about how much the country owes her, even though she makes 500k a year.

I'll take the white one please.

Robert Moon, Houston Texas , USA

When did the choice of American President and First Lady become a decision in which the rest of the world seems to think themselves involved? The author asked "What, after all, do we require in a First Lady?" followed by comments from all over the globe. Sorry, folks, you don't count.

John, Rockville, United States

There is a fine line between being an intelligent speaker, and a condescending "I'm better than you and somethings wrong with you." speaker. Guess which M obama is?
She curses the nation which paid for her to grow and thrive with the luxurys she has today, which we need less of not more of.

billy, washington,

Why are people so snowed by Michelle's law degree that they need to present Cindy as vapid? She has a masters from a fine uni in special ed and she spent years teaching handicapped kids in a Phoenix high school. And she is very well spoken. And who is the "we" in "what we require in a first lady?"

bobbiewick, new york,

If M. Obama had blnd hair and blu eyes the world would rejoice, and her praises would be sung 24/7 by Dems and Repugs alike. Alas that is not so... yet, perhaps Hollywood could step in and give her a makeover...dye her hair, bleach her skin, give her blue contacts. The world would bow at her feet.

D Long, Sacramento, USA

I'm sure Michelle Obama won;t lose any sleep over it and she's probably not too keen on you either!

Stuart Murray, Amsterdam, Netherlands

M. Obama is an anti-American, anti-Capitalist who wants to see our freedoms and liberties transform into income distribution and useless beurocrocy.

smithncustom, illiopolis,

It's about their husbands...

Jose Costa, Luanda, Angola

Everyone relax! This is a tongue & cheek article. My apologies for stating the obvious but given the past comments I feel I must. Ms Long is not suggesting that we vote for a First Lady, she is simply trying to remind us of the fact that a First Lady is not the VP no matter how much Hillary tried

K, London,

Vic Marriott

"the idea that the first lady should be merely "happy to take an elegant back seat" is totally inappropriate in this day and age"

No it is absolutely appropriate. She is going to be the 'First Lady' not the Vice president. She will be unelected, just like Bill Clinton would have been.

Richard, Ireland,

Well let's hope that the American people vote for a President and not a President's wife then, just as it should be. Whether this piece is tongue-in-cheek or not, far too much attention is being paid to this (non)issue. .How ridiculously showbiz can elections get over there? Grow up!

Mike, Bristol,

Just about explains how superficial and shallow Anglo-Saxon politics and commentators are. Michelle despite the chip on her shoulder, and her husband , are about to provide the world with very badly needed direction and you are more concerned about hairstyle and nail varnish. How Sad.

LAKSHMAN PARDHANANI, GOA, INDIA

Anyway I like Michelle Obama, Even Hillary Clinton. I like powerful woman who can put her will into reallity by themselves. They do not have much more or enough support. So they have no other choice to be strong.

Guo Fudan, Beijin,

I agree with Rob Davis. And made even more tragically stupid by the number of people whotake it seriously enough to reply. Ooops!

Paul, Bedford,

I'll note this article the next time someone admonishes me for not giving a damn about what Europeans think about our country.

thorn, Cincinnati,

A tragically stupid article for The Times!

Rob Davis, San Miguel de Allende, Mexico

I think a lot of people, especially women don't understand what makes a "strong" women. Whether women like it or not, being a strong women does not mean acting tough and angry like a man. It's a different type of strong... Michelle is not a strong women. Demanding respect won't cut it... you earn it

BobM, CT, USA

The U.S. has massive problems could we devote brain, time, intererst to solving those? We would all be better off, our conversations and popular culture would benefit, let's try?

A Strong Wife/Mom/Grandma/Expert in Business - We Can All Thrive -

Joyce Scott, Austin, Texas, USA

Tete from Buenos Aires: I totally agree! My former job as an airline captain was a piece of cake compared to raising (3) children.

Hanita, El Bolsón, Argentina

Mrs.Obama has and is acting like the Future President of the Country-Barak told You Folk that He listens to His Wife.so WHO Will be the President,just in case the Voters become Brain Dead.

Adam, Vancouver,

Mrs Obama is angry yes. Any black person who grew up in the west is angry, Angry at the way they're treated in the grocery store, angry at the way they're treated in the bank. I saw a great T shirt recently, it read "I'm tired, I've been black all day"

raul, philly, usa

I think it's ridiculous to put down a hard working, intelligent and accomplished woman while exalting an air head whose biggest 'talent "is shopping. I don't particularly like Michelle Obama, either, but her strength and achievements are worthy of recognition. She's head and shoulders above Cindy.

Carol, New York, USA

At least two people here referenced "affirmative action" regarding Michelle Obama, lacking any sort of proof. And when you do that, it's called being "racist".

One needs to be a little more specific when trying to bring someone's achievements down to one's own level.

Finn, Phoenix, USA

If this had been written by a man he would (rightly) have been pilloried for chauvinism. What a pathetic view does this article present of what makes a woman attractive.

charles, edinburgh, scotland

Rick of Canberra. I'm a racist? My dad's a black man and my mother was the most progressive woman I know and for that I adored her (so I have nothing against strong, progressice women). Your call.

Simon, London, UK

It goes beyond "like" for me. (How much can one like someone one has never met?) Michelle is someone I do not trust. She was provided opportunities due to Affirmative Action. Rather than saying thank you & being gracious, she is angry. She seems a very conflicted person to me & not a good one for FL

Katherine, Central Virginia, USA

shellie from malibu, lawyers, engineers and scientists?greater things?greater than being a mother and a wife?are you kidding?being a brain surgeon is a piece of cake compared to raising children.really.mrs.mcCain is the real thing.

tete, buenos aires, argentina

What I especially like about Mrs. McCain is the charity work she does. She quietly just does it. No need for publicity. She is a lady in the old fashioned sense of the word.

Nona, New York City, USA

I grew up with FDR and Eleanor. Eleanor, who stood in her frumpy clothes and sturdy shoes and told America the truth about it's bigotry and high handedness, in the tones of a stern but loving school mistress.
Ah, that we should see her like again..

Betty Judkins, Playa Vista, USA

When people say, "I don't know why, I just don't like her," I speculate: Hillary haters with race as dessert . Michele: Strong, black intelligent woman who knows how to fight , who remembers and has lived our history of misogynism and racism. Feeling uncomfortable? Oh, for Pat and Bess! Or Cindy!

Joseph Anthony, Lexington, U.S

Uppity? Yes. Life is good when you're at the top. But we all won't get there, without our Princeton education, mentors bringing us up, and so on. Cindy got her money, inherited, and from a brewery. She's more down to earth, like the rest of us, in the end.

Paula, Santa Ynez, USA

Michelle Obama all the way! What century are you in girl?

Janet, Denver, USA

After having listened to Ms Cindy Mc Cain's interview and her Diana comments; it just annoys me when the brown nosing starts.
For Ms Obama,at least she's being true to herself.She'll learn.

simone, Geneva, Switzerland

Totally agree. Michelle is a weight sinking Obama, and I think he knows it. She makes the Clintons look like patriots. The woman is a victim of entitlements. The very system she hates is the very system that go her a degree and a $500,000 a year job. She's a snob pure and simple.

Heather, Provo, Utah, USA

Interesting to read comments from europeans v. Americans. The euros seem to think Michelle is an accomplished woman and Cindy is a product of entitlement. Truthfully, with America's affirmative action and how much Michelle benefited from that, the reverse is true.

Mario Sanchez, Miami, Florida

there is something i dont trust about michelle and her husband,cant put my finger on it.am i ready for change? i have a feeling thats all i will have left in my pay check

brev, westport, u.s.a.

I agree- their is an underlying "attitude" about Michelle.... shall we say a chip on the shoulder??? But Heaven knows what for!

She is very accomplished, smart & stylish..... yet I just do not like her.

I'll take Cindy McCain anyday!!!

Cat, Lighthouse Point, FL,UA

Many of us prefer Mrs. McCain because she's upbeat about the country. Michelle has a tendency to talk only about what she sees as its faults. It's become very tiresome already.

Craig, Buffalo, NY, USA

I, too, believed that Michelle Obama is intelligent. Then she declared that she took no pride in America until her husband had stood for President. If federal law would use positive discrimination to favor Ivy League education and a top-shelf career for me, I might be more prudent. Beware.

Joe, New York, US

Both of these people are remarkable, and both would make fine, albeit very different first ladies. Since she brought it up, it would be fair to reread the article and ask ourselves what the author reveals about herself, giving thanks that we're not getting her as first lady.

davie, West Hartford, USA

The Princeton graduate versus the Stepford wife? It's a no-brainer! Michelle Obama trumps Cindy McCain on every count. In the modern era, we need a first lady who can eloquently articulate the President's policies and stand her own ground. And not just one who is only good for waving and smiling!

Jimmy C, Letchworth Garden City, UK

I would be interested to know if those critical of Michelle Obama's style are/were Hilary Clinton supporters. While I understand some of the comments, made in the article, the idea that the first lady should be merely "happy to take an elegant back seat" is totally inappropriate in this day and age

Vic Marriott, Sarasota, United States

Barbie Dolls both, except the black one is educated and is able to actually talk in sentences.

I'll take the black one please.

Larry Huber, Richmond, Indiana, USA

Larry Huber, Richmond, Indiana, USA

As an Eritrean-born left-handed Buddhist midget mechanic I take offence at not having a candidate to vote for who represents my backgorund and values.

Jamal, Columbus, OH,

Referring to British citizens as 'pommies' makes ridicule of the supposed racism of we Brits.
Playing the race card every time a remark is made that upsets an opposition view is becoming very trying indeed.

Prudence Eely Bond McGuire, London, England, UK.

I'm not a fan of Michelle Obama either....and I'm a black woman. Am I a racist, too? At the beginning, I liked her, or I guess it was the possibility of having a black woman as FL. After hearing her speak, I changed my mind. Just because like Barack, doesn't mean I have to like his wife.

sydney, washington, dc, USA

In other words, there's no point being envious of a rich heiress and HER sense of endless entitlement, but the envy has to focus on a woman who advanced on her own merits, because that shows US up for what WE haven't done.

Julia Iskandar, London, England

I would like to salute this site for printing all opinions, both positive and negative, about this columnist's opinions. The Daily Mail could learn a thing or two from this!

Brian Armitage, London, UK

My big problem with Michelle is that she feels it necessary to lecture all of us as if she knows better what is good for all of us. She also likes to re-write history explaining how things really were according to her. She is difficult to embrace.

Kristin, Mondovi, USA

Maybe the reason she doesn't like Michelle Obama is because she's "uppity"? Just an opinion.

Tom, Kansas City, US

Please stick to your Royals and footballers for your drama fix.
McCain is a nasty tempered cheat and his former mistress-now-wife is a spoiled heiress now regretting the husband she "purchased". A McCain presidency would be a disaster for both our countries.

Susan, Los Angeles, CA, USA

As a Ivy League Grad myself, I find it ridiculous that you like Cindy McCain more than Michelle Obama. We're supposed to be influencing young women to go on to greater things and become lawyers, engineers, and scientists, but Cindy McCain will tell you to let the men handle it and girls will get by.

Shellie, Malibu, CA, US

Rick from Canberra, its obvious that you are the racist as you completley chose to come to the conclusion that the columnist didn't like Michelle because of her race. There are plenty of things to dislike about this arrogant, aggressive and unpatriotic woman, none of which relate to her race.

Mitch, melbourne, Australia

I can't believe the GOP even allowed McCain and his home wrecking wife to run. What is this comedy hour for the republicans? The guy is abusive to his wife, he can't use a computer, his energy policy is out of the 1970's and he has absolutely no vision for what a 21st century america should be like.

KBH, Sacramento,

Once again showing that 100% of all Pommie's are bleeding racists, this articles attacks a woman who worked her way through life and praises a woman who has lived off of daddy's money ala her life and never had to hold a real job. Michelle Obama has more class than both of these ladies.

Rick, Canberra,

I agree. Michelle Obama is making a mistake to try to seize the political limelight and Obama is a fool for letting her. She made a very dumb comments recently, to the effect that Hillary lost because of gender bias. Huh? So Barack didn't win through his own merits? She should learn to shut up.

Simon, London, UK