Michelle Obama's Strategic Stumping

First Lady Michelle Obama’s decision to reenter the fray and stump for Democratic congressional candidates this fall came after months of careful planning. Obama is emphasizing quality over quantity in her campaign appearances—she wants to make sure her events make a difference, that they’re spread out enough to give her some time with her kids, and she wants to push her own signature issues: military families and healthy eating. Realizing she’s not above criticism—White House aides warned her there would be an angry reaction to her Spain vacation—the first lady wants to stay positive, and will avoid attacks on Republicans. Her first Fox News interview was with Republican Mike Huckabee, and she visited a school with Gov. Haley Barbour (R-MS). She’ll join Laura Bush in Shanksville, Penn., to mark the ninth anniversary of 9/11. This fall, Obama will be working on her anti-childhood obesity campaign, Let’s Move!, announcing a partnership with the NFL.