Michelle Obama ready to take on her share of 'mommy wars'

Chicago, Dec.1 : Incoming US First Lady has told Barbara Walters, the queen of American television interviewers, that she intends to be mom-in-chief' first before taking on any definitive career enhancing role at the White House.

To the chagrin of Democratic feminists who had hoped she would become the first presidential spouse to manage an independent career at the White House, Michelle has apparently turned her back on the 300, 000 dollar salary she earned as a hospital administrator.

Obama has unwittingly been plunged into a renewed outbreak of the so-called "mommy wars", between stay-at-home mothers and professional women, who both look to Washington for inspiration and example in the unresolved conflict between family and career.

Michelle appears to have abandoned political activism, sparking a flood of media and Internet discussion about the so-called "momification" of a previously formidable campaigner.

Several feminists have complained that despite her degrees from Princeton and Harvard, not to mention her extensive professional experience, she is now being talked about exclusively in "safe" family terms - as the mother of Sasha, 7, and Malia, 10, who will become the youngest children to live at the White House in decades; and also as a female fashion-plate.

Michelle has said she sees no contradiction in devoting herself to her children at a critical moment in their lives.

"I have never been the kind of person who has defined myself by a career or a job," Michelle told Walters.

"People used to ask me that during the course of the campaign - 'Is it hard for you to have stepped off the track and devoted your life to his dream?' " She went on: "But the truth is that I believe in [my husband] as our president, and his vision for the country. And if that meant stepping away from my particular job . . . that's a small sacrifice to make."

Michelle depicted herself as a hands-on mother who intends to make sure that Sasha and Malia make their own beds and pick up their new puppy's mess.

Yet several Washington insiders doubt that Michelle will steer clear of politics for ever.

"She doesn't seem the type to play Jackie Kennedy for long," said one Democratic strategist.

"The primary focus for the first year [in the White House] will be making sure that the kids make it through the transition," Michelle told Walters.

ANI