First Lady Michelle Obama was “distressed” by how a tight circle group of "white Irish Catholic" families completely "locked up" power in Illinois according to a new book.
Author Jodi Kantor of the New York Times in her new book “The Obamas”, to be published this week, stated that Michelle “particularly resented the way power in Illinois was locked up generation after generation by a small group of families, all white Irish Catholic -- the Daleys in Chicago, the Hynes and Madigans statewide."
Michelle Obama particularly resented the Irish influence when working in Chicago City Hall for Mayor Richard Daley in the early 1990s Kantor writes.
She "disapproved of how closely Daley held power, surrounding himself with three or four people who seemed to let few outsiders in -- a concern she would echo years later with her own husband.” Kantor wrote.
When Valerie Jarret, herself African American, and Obama’s close friend was fired from City Hall by Daley, the Obamas were “horrified, their worst suspicions about the world confirmed." Kantor said.
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Read more:
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Irish families flooding to Australia as new restrictions will make it more difficult
Animal rights activists call on Irish government to ban horse racing
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Ironically, Daley’s brother Daley is now Obama’s Chief of Staff but will likely be replaced if there is an Obama second term.
Daley’s tenure at the White House has not been a happy one. He was effectively demoted in November when the White House announced that he would share many of his duties with long time Obama aide Pete Rouse.
On November 8th last year The Wall Street journal reported that “On Monday, Mr. Daley turned over day-to-day management of the West Wing to Pete Rouse, a veteran aide to President Obama, according to several people familiar with the matter. It is unusual for a White House chief of staff to relinquish part of the job.”
The Obama White House has been critical of the new book
"The book, an overdramatization of old news, is about a relationship between two people whom the author has not spoken to in years," White House spokesman Eric Schultz stated. "The author last interviewed the Obamas in 2009 for a magazine piece, and did not interview them for this book.
“The emotions, thoughts and private moments described in the book, though often seemingly ascribed to the president and first lady, reflect little more than the author's own thoughts. These secondhand accounts are staples of every administration in modern political history and often exaggerated."
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Switch to the desktop site to post a comment.AmericanPatty | Jan 15, 2012, 12:03 PM EST
In a book by someone else who hates the Obamas, this is heresay!!!!!
Mairin67 | Jan 11, 2012, 07:11 PM EST
Irish- American and Irish are two different things entirely. I felt she was very gracious on her visit to Ireland. Whatever this is abut Irish Americans in Chicago...I can tell you, here in Chicago, you never hear anything about Hynes or Madigan's "Irishness", probably because they are American. At least Daley visits Ireland on somewhat if a regular basis. Sounds like this book is a bunch of hooey.
cillowen | Jan 11, 2012, 10:45 AM EST
michelle doesn't dare utter her true fellings on her and hubby's real and powerful masters. Both, jump when told and they'll ask how high? They who spotted Obama early as they did with Billy Clinton, another one of their manchurian candidates.
IrelandNorth | Jan 11, 2012, 06:55 AM EST
Was disappointed with the O'Bama's abbreviated stay in Ireland last Spring, due to Icelandic ash cloud (?). Spent more time in the UK. Maybe their ealier experience of Irish-Americans 'coloured' their opinions of Ireland and the Irish? Still, a fetching photo of Michelle squaring up against Irish boxer Katie Taylor in the Irish Independent was good. Don't know what it is, but foxy femmes fatale African-American women move me deeply - wow!
jenntVT | Jan 11, 2012, 12:01 AM EST
Who really cares what Michelle Obama says? This time next year Barack and Michelle will be packing their bags and moving back to Chicago.
seansarto | Jan 10, 2012, 10:10 PM EST
And so all that the Irish philanthropy by said "white" Irish Catholic families has done is given an African agenda the ability to lock up power for it's own racial endeavors. Time to stop endorsing the knife in your back. The black political power mongers are the worst at endeavoring by racism..but you will have to defeat your own notions of yourselves as benevolent comrades "fighting the same battles" to see that...It is a myth to be used subversivily ACCORDING to these minds...their only schooling is in manipulating the media and perceptions to avoid resistence.
walleyeman | Jan 10, 2012, 06:50 PM EST
I guess she forgot about Jesse James Jackson who hashad the black community in Chicago in his grip for decades.
ciaradexy | Jan 10, 2012, 02:20 PM EST
Mrs Obama is dead right! Time for people to realise they are American not Irish and start considering the majority of Americans instead of their Irish american mates.
Nelsonbarry | Jan 10, 2012, 12:23 PM EST
Amen, BillyFitz
BillyFitz | Jan 10, 2012, 08:33 AM EST
I wonder if any of this has to do with moving St. Patrick's / shamrock ceremony to Tues the 20th? They are doing a good job of losing independents such as myself. Through out history, the one thing we Irish do .. is vote.
JohnE67 | Jan 10, 2012, 02:43 AM EST
More muckraking...besides, as one who grew up in the Chicago area I will tell you that if you know a Daley or Madigan, you can get things done. Go against them, and forget it. Just look at the fact that Mayor RJ Daleys nephew recently got away (literally) with murder. His dad was as crooked as they come...Michelle Obama has done more good in 2.5 years than Laura Bush did in 8...
bunkerisland | Jan 10, 2012, 01:15 AM EST
The book and the photo selected of Michelle both are suspect at this time and Daley is gone! Papa Daley was a despot!
seansarto | Jan 10, 2012, 12:41 AM EST
They have a perverse perception of power that originates from a Mario Puzo novel...But they want it so bad they are willing to make it real...It is no coincidence that the Kennedys were murdered off by this Black agenda...Murder is never a coincidence...it is the obsession of those with a want for power.
patsherrard | Jan 09, 2012, 09:06 PM EST
the best thing that can happen for america, is to get the obamas out of the white house. they do nothing but bad mouth us.
BOBBYIRISH | Jan 09, 2012, 09:02 PM EST
The Irish... Be they kings, or poets, or farmers, They're a people of great worth, They keep company with the angels, And bring a bit of heaven here to earth.................. God bless us all....no worries...we've fought the good fight forever
Woodman | Jan 09, 2012, 08:53 PM EST
I don't think the book is accurate. The USA has doesn't recognize her full talents. Electing her husband was one of the few good thing the USA did to be proud of. And Michelle has suffered a lot, fully paid scholarships, after that cushy high paying government jobs. And just read her "thesis," to be fair, it's not just the Irish, Michelle hates all whites regardless of their ethnicity.
Pittsburghkid | Jan 09, 2012, 08:38 PM EST
This is only a peek into the soul of the Obama's. They have one large chip on their shoulders. I hope America wises up.
peterson | Jan 09, 2012, 07:44 PM EST
She sure is one to point the finger. It was the Irish Americans who help build the USA. Usually their first ladies are not so outspoken.
Murph46 | Jan 09, 2012, 07:36 PM EST
Whoa kitduffy,you are not insinuating that our financial troubles are the responsibility of the Daleys are you/or did similar things happen in Illinois?
Murph46 | Jan 09, 2012, 07:33 PM EST
Well,the Daleys responded.O'Bama's Chief of Staff (Brother to the former Mayor) resigned today.Guess he couldn't handle Michelle which is a shame because she is not an elected official.White House is of course spinning it.
McNamara31 | Jan 09, 2012, 07:19 PM EST
S.Shaughnessy....Such smear and crapola!! The event was the 911 ceremony, and they've had deaf people read her lips over this smear, Mrs. Obama was saying with admiration: “Look at how they fold that flag" Does it give you some kind of high to spread this garbage?
kitduffy | Jan 09, 2012, 06:55 PM EST
Michelle Obama is right. Under the Daleys and the Madigans with their iron hold on local and state government, we have the largest deficits, the lowest credit ratings, and the worst reputation for corruption in the country. Lest anyone want to limit these issues to local racial/ethnic elements alone, the closest analogy I can think of is England's occupation of Ireland. The basis for colonialism is the certainty that none other than the dominant population is wise or powerful enough to maintain order, that the colonized are unruly and unworthy. The means of maintaining it are suppression of independent thought, installation of puppet tokens from the colonized population in positions where graft will incentivise their cooperation and subversion of their own people, deceit and when necessary, brute force. That pretty much sums up Chicago and Illinois governance and politics today and for the past many years, the only "breather" in this sorry history occurring with the election and administrations of Harold Washington. For Chicago Irish with a different perspective.. recall if you will Bernadette Devlin, who raised exactly the same concerns about the oppressive and exclusionary nature of the Irish grip on Chicago many years ago and clearly in retaliation, was seized by immigration officials at O'Hare Airport in 2003.
jamieLM | Jan 09, 2012, 06:39 PM EST
If you don't like the Obamas, you'll believe every word of this book. If you do like them, you'll blow this book off as based on nothing but rumors and inuendo with no facts to back it up. Everyone else will try to be more objective and check out whether Kantor has written a fairly accurate portrayal or nothing but a hatchet job to make the big bucks and have her 15 min. of fame.
S.Shaughnessy | Jan 09, 2012, 06:33 PM EST
Also, at a major function; the soldiers were so carefully folding the flag and she leaned over to her husband and said; " All this over a flag!" You know they can go " You know where!"
S.Shaughnessy | Jan 09, 2012, 06:30 PM EST
I live in the states and she is ignorant. She has a lot of room to talk! She's nothing but a country bumpkin; that looks like she just got done plowing the back forty. I'll be so glad when that family leaves and goes back to Chicago. Then they can be oppressed by the Irish! LOL! Her and that stupid husband of hers; is about as Irish as my cat!!!
oaklongan | Jan 09, 2012, 05:54 PM EST
Could have a good drink, after all this. Now, am REALLY riled-up for the day.
McNamara31 | Jan 09, 2012, 05:22 PM EST
Lucia826 Says of Mrs Obama "this broad" "Michelle McFattyPants"... As for being Scotch Irish; did you know this term was virtually unknown in Ireland, England and America because it was only "created” in America after the famine Irish began to arrive in New York and Boston and the elitist "Scotch Irish" did not want to be included in the same group as the arriving poor Irish from the South. It was a form of class discrimination at the time which seems to still reside in your family.
riverman222 | Jan 09, 2012, 05:05 PM EST
Michelle Obama has not been elected to ANY political position. Her opinion means NOTHING. I wish journalists would quit reporting about the latest whim of the "first lady", unless it's to ask her if she is proud of her country yet. If the president resigns, dies, or is impeached Michelle will be just what she is right now - just another american citizen.
ahlclyde | Jan 09, 2012, 05:03 PM EST
Listen to yourselves, commenters- well over half of you are listing your own racist perjudice and anti Obama tripe-if the shoe fits, realize that you are the problem that keeps this country from progressing. I'm proud of my Irish ancestors, but not of you negative bashers, and not of this website for promoting such a vile book and author.
cillowen | Jan 09, 2012, 04:54 PM EST
who else but your own would a leader be likely to subscribe to - and even then yer own can do you dirt. The narrow mindedness of goys will tend towards doing just that.
seanomelbourne | Jan 09, 2012, 04:26 PM EST
Jodi Kantor wrote her book on rumour and innuendo. She also accepted as fact the onesided drivvel of those who dislike the Obamas. Not once has she given the Obamas side of the argument,the book is just another "he said she said" heap of bull. I notice the obama haters are licking theit chops with the books bulls..t.
Lucia826 | Jan 09, 2012, 02:36 PM EST
P.S. The only racist in the mix is herself...She's already said she's ashamed of AMerica...Maybe you guys across the pond can take her. My Scots-Irish mother says you don't want her either. Yecccch!
Lucia826 | Jan 09, 2012, 02:35 PM EST
My comment is, Who CARES what that broad thinks? Her opinion is worth about as much as yesterday's losing lottery numbers. She DOES, however, believe HERSELF to be a such-a-much. Chicago politics is a dirty business...She and her husband ought to understand that better than any Daley. Look who they "rewarded." None other than Rahm Emmanuel took the mayoral seat...Does Michelle McFattyPants feel better about things now? Any idiot knows that Chicago goings-on are NOT about race or religion...it's ALL ABOUT power. She is such an idiot... I can't wait to see those two OUTTATHERE!!!
Caoimhin1937 | Jan 09, 2012, 02:30 PM EST
Excuse Me; It should read Bill Daley.
Caoimhin1937 | Jan 09, 2012, 02:18 PM EST
and then Richard Daley retires. He must be too Irish for Michele Obama.
Reilleyfam | Jan 09, 2012, 02:11 PM EST
Well, if they dont like that they can go see how blacks hold all the power in their cities. I grew up in Oakland and I can assure you blacks there hold power just the same as the Irish do in Chicago. Ask anyone how it's done in Detroit, think the gays dont run city hall in SF? Every region has its power brokers and there are black, white, asian & hispanic in all the corners of the nation with their own fiefdoms. It's corrupt but equally corrupt.
borefield | Jan 09, 2012, 02:10 PM EST
Niall, are you finally seeing the real deceptive Obamas? You believed Niall, are you finally seeing the real deceptive Obamas,? You and thousands of Irish bought into the Hope & Change nonsense. Michelle Obama is an angry black woman, always was, hates whites. She kept her mouth shutt while the Irish in all states were slobbering over her inept husband. He was not capable of becoming President at that time. he lacked experience and good old American loyality. Please, white Catholics wake up in November and put him out of office. They hate us.
hyattsville | Jan 09, 2012, 02:00 PM EST
And of course there's not a word of truth in her observation is there? Why do you persist with these non-stories about the Obamas anyway? Is it because you love the reactions they elicit from your rabid rightwing readership? It’s so tedious and embarrassing.
slaintemama | Jan 09, 2012, 01:36 PM EST
Wow Michelle, how to your size tens feel in your mouth? I didn't vote for your hubby..largely because of how I felt about you...now my questions about you are again, confirmed.
merefalow | Jan 09, 2012, 01:25 PM EST
oh dear,daylight is dawning.
Nicomax | Jan 09, 2012, 01:22 PM EST
It continues to amaze me that so many books are actually published. Written I can understand, because anyone can jot down what's on their mind, but do all need to be printed and bound? Plus, some types seem to write more than their share.
RedBranch | Jan 09, 2012, 01:13 PM EST
Is Niall O'Dowd falling out of love with the Obamas???
Caoimhin1937 | Jan 09, 2012, 01:10 PM EST
Well, if that is the way the Obamas feel about Irish Catholics, they should remember that when they go to the ballot box at the next election. Irish Americans who got their education did not get any grants. They paid for it themselves. I voted for Obama in the last election, but not after this scurless attack on Irish Catholics by the First Lady.
Ailnsred1 | Jan 09, 2012, 01:06 PM EST
Isn't that interesting, considering she and hubby used Americans dollars to go over in an effort to garner the Irish-American vote? Guess they got what they wanted at the time. Also, for anyone interested, one should take a look at her dissertation. It's available online and is pretty caustic.
Springfield9 | Jan 09, 2012, 12:20 PM EST
Nobody voted Michelle in for anything. She has NO Constitutional duties. Starting with Jackie O the first lady has to have a budget, staff and influence over Government. I'm sure she hates that green die in the river stuff ....
CbradyM104 | Jan 09, 2012, 12:07 PM EST
Wow ..am not surprised Irish central uses third hand info from a fame hungry author. One of her book is backed up by anyone of repute..just gossips and people with their own agendas
McNamara31 | Jan 09, 2012, 11:57 AM EST
OleSarge.. I guess you don't let the facts get in the way of what you believe. Michelle Obama came from a barely middle class home, with a father who had MS and was said to have never missed a day of work, until he was wheel chair bound. Is that what you call “easy”
SeamusMor | Jan 09, 2012, 11:37 AM EST
Mrs. O'Bama should not bite the hand that fed her. The South Side Irish put him where where he was before he ran for President. He would be a nobody from nowhere without them. The black looking man who promised change did not deliver it. "Yes We Can?" NO YOU DIDN'T! Four former Ambassadors to the Holy See endorsed Mitt Romney, so Irish Catholics have a man whose values match theirs, in spite of religious differences.
PhlutiePhan | Jan 09, 2012, 11:33 AM EST
Ancestries of US Population-2010 according to the US Census Bureau (%): Hispanic (16.4), German (15.48), African-American (12.57), Irish (11`.21), English (8.38), Asian (4.76), Polish (3.09), French (3.49). What has been going on in Chicago is obvious. Irish Catholics with the Cardinal (Cody, gay Bernardin, and now George) are being marginalized to create more diversity. The traditional family and Catholic (Irish) morality are the targets. Blago was Serbian Orthodox who was targeted by the Madigans. Michelle O has some type of Marxist-Muslim belief like her husband and Lisa Madigan is a Hillary clone who wishes to bring on this new age of radical feminist control.
OleSarge | Jan 09, 2012, 11:08 AM EST
The Entitlement Queen, Michelle Obama has never understood hard work, merit or personal achievement. Everything has been made easy for her with Affirmative Action. Remember she is a Rev Wright zealot, wasn't proud of America until her husband got the nomination from the socialist party. Don't waste print on this socialist princess.
GordonsGirl | Jan 09, 2012, 10:53 AM EST
The only racism here is in the article's comments section. There is no quote of any racism on the First Lady's part. If she did state such views about Illinois' consolidated power, she was only speaking the truth. I am a proud Irish-American and a long-time Chicago resident. Though a lifelong Democrat, I also never cast a vote for Mayor Daley, as I also loathe the machine his family helped create. Does this mean I am also a racist?
cHICAGOMAG | Jan 09, 2012, 10:46 AM EST
There are a lot of Irish-Americans here in Chicago who believe that the Daleys, Madigans and company, Burkes, have had too much power and have used it only to THEIR OWN benefit. This has gone on for years. Currently, there is the case of a murdered young man whose death Mayor Daley's nephew MAY have played a part in. The investigation has been hampered totally. The problem with all your analysis is that you seem to believe that all Irish and Irish-American are good, everyone else bad. Actually, there are good and bad in all groups. Grow up.
RockNReel | Jan 09, 2012, 10:45 AM EST
In Ireland we had the Old Guard of Fianna fail as a government for far too long and they effectively ruined the country while at the same time protecting their cronies and financial backers and investers. Corruption on the highest scale imaginable, and some made millions. However, the country finally got the chance to oust the corrupt government and voted in a new one , and lo and behold---its much the same all over again despite the promises they made to change it all. Power, in the wrong hands, is a dangerous tool !!
jamieLM | Jan 09, 2012, 10:44 AM EST
All of it, some of it, or none of it may be true. How does Kantor know any of this for sure? Does she work in the White House or live and work in Chicago or Springfield in the Illinois City Hall or Governor's office? Is she some "insider"? Is she a personal friend? Kantor wants to sell her book and make money. I haven't read it, so I don't know what NON-BIASED, RELIABLE sources she cites to back up what she writes. Does she have documentation and facts, or is this just a hatchet job based on gossip? In a TV interview this morning, Kantor had to admit, when challenged, that one of her claims about the Obamas wasn't true, and at best was misleading. About the picture, please. Who doesn't have an unflattering picture of themselves? I need to read more than one source before I decide what's really true and who just has a political ax to grind or wants to make a lot of money. Btw: I'm a registered Independent.
SouthSideIrish | Jan 09, 2012, 10:33 AM EST
Barack Obama was electted first to the Illinois State Senate (and then to the US Senate) only due to the efforts of Rich Daley; Mike Madigan; and a few other other South Side Irish politicians. Was she "hoffified" when they used their streetsmarts to get her husband into those positions?
JimmieM | Jan 09, 2012, 10:30 AM EST
Michelle is one of those who can only manage a "happy face" smile when a white person is taking some sort of fall.....
McNamara31 | Jan 09, 2012, 10:30 AM EST
First, IC how long did it take you to find one of the most unflattering pictures of Michelle Obama ever taken, to fit this narrative? Second to the posters below (especially DrSheilahere ) who take great pride demeaning the first lady with your vile racist rants, you are more similar to those who demeaned and vilified the Irish in past generations, than the Irish you are trying to pass yourselves off as.
Deltoid71 | Jan 09, 2012, 10:26 AM EST
Funny how she resents the very machine that CREATED her husband and made it possible to be in the position he's in. Wonder how many Democrats, really, in their heart of hearts, now realize how big a mistake that was?
kilgara | Jan 09, 2012, 10:25 AM EST
The saddest thing is that moronic MTV minded voters will be hoodwinked again into putting these third-rate racists back in the White House for another four years. Where did it all go so wrong?
BippyBellito | Jan 09, 2012, 10:23 AM EST
As far as the Obamas are concerned if you aren't black or an effeminate while male, you are trash. It amazes me how so many smart Irish Americans still do not see the duplicity in the Obama White House. God forbid that he wins/steals a second term.
Siobhan39 | Jan 09, 2012, 10:21 AM EST
Interesting that some of the comments mention her jaw line, her posterior . . . what gives? Is that any different than mentioning the Irish politicans in Chciago, which we all know are there. She's fair game to the less intelligent - and those who concentrate on looks over substance.
johhnyb | Jan 09, 2012, 10:13 AM EST
Tricky judgement problem for Irish Central. Obviously being Irish and Catholic (or at least the American version) is the most important thing in the world. At the same time you're in love with Obama. Not an easy one....
FatherVol | Jan 09, 2012, 10:08 AM EST
I guess the word "racist" was too strong for the Obama lovers who runs this site.
CitizenWhy | Jan 09, 2012, 10:07 AM EST
Ha ha, my Irish born mother used to say that politics in America would improve if the Irish got out of politics. Of course, that is true of any insider group based on identity politics.
Murph46 | Jan 09, 2012, 10:04 AM EST
Truth be told,based on past statements,she doesn't care much about America or anything American.Kind of funny though about her disdain for Chicago politicians,they could have not come from anywhere but Chicago.He is the least vetted president in history.But what should you expect from a state with two former governors and now Blgo in JAIL!Oh well -shouldn't be a problem after next November!
Opoets99 | Jan 09, 2012, 10:02 AM EST
Why does Moochelle insert race into her opinion? If a white person said they resented having a black Kenyan family controlling the White House, the democrat lap dogs in the press would destroy them with the racist label. If Laura Bush made this moronic comment, the networks would drag her through the mud for years, and send their union goons out to protest in the streets. That's the political reality in America, a sad joke.
FatherVol | Jan 09, 2012, 10:00 AM EST
The woman is a racist, pure and simple. Has she looked at DC, Detroit, Memphis? Bet she has no complaints about the closed circle of Black politicos in those communities. Maybe she should look with whom her idiotic, door-kicking, tempermental husband has surrounded himself with as his close circle of advisors. Give me a break!
milfordmama | Jan 09, 2012, 09:50 AM EST
This certainly does not surprise me. I really don't think Michelle likes "white" people at all. I am surprised she tolerates Barack's white half, maybe she just ignores it. Wonder how she gets along with his extended family if he has any? Michelle is a queen bee. She is the queen and you had better tow the line with her.
jjkleprechaun | Jan 09, 2012, 09:49 AM EST
From the "sour puss" look captured by the cameraman, she probably should not have even attended! Too bad for her opinion...she's entitled to it but what true Irishman or woman gives 3 hoorahs in a hot climate!!
DrSheilahere | Jan 09, 2012, 09:44 AM EST
How did this woman with the jaw of a line backer; the posterior of a battle ship; a low middle income family; one job that was as phoney as her husband, get so high on herself? She is not all that.
faberm1 | Jan 09, 2012, 09:32 AM EST
I hope Michelle was just as concerned with the political concentration of black people in D.C. voting in a crack addict for mayor over and over. That's called a Republican Democracy, where people can vote for whomever they wish to vote.