Michelle Obama Won't Stump for Healthcare Reform

Even though healthcare is the top White House priority for this summer—and was the central theme of a major speech by President Obama in Chicago today—first lady Michelle Obama will tread cautiously into the healthcare policy arena. "It has never been our interest in having the first lady play a prominent or leading role in advancing our policy positions," says a White House official. What she will do is use her immense popularity to promote healthful lifestyles and to educate young people about the importance of a sound diet. To that end, Mrs. Obama will call TV cameras into the White House kitchen garden on the South Lawn tomorrow afternoon where she will urge families to grow their own vegetables and fruits wherever possible. Then she plans to bring local elementary-school students into the White House to help prepare a meal. In the next few months, Mrs. Obama will also make the case for improved healthcare but won't get into the specifics of legislation. "You are not going to see her out there on the stump," says the White House official.