I would say that Barack Obama has always been a real optimist about what can be accomplished. He believes that government can be used to create systemic, long-term, real change. And the first lady is more of a skeptic. — Jodi Kantor Copy Share Image
I will say this: One thing I did see in my reporting again and again is that the Obamas themselves are much more involved… — Jodi Kantor Copy Share
I spent a lot of time in the White House in the public areas where reporters are allowed to go, but I spoke to… — Jodi Kantor Copy Share
Those close to Mr. Obama say he grows irritated at being misunderstood - not just by opponents who insinuate that he caters to African-Americans,… — Jodi Kantor Copy Share
I really thought I wanted to be a lawyer, but then I had an epiphany when I was in law school and dropped out.… — Jodi Kantor Copy Share
Michelle has had to grapple with Hilary Clinton's legacy as First Lady... Michelle Obama never wants to be seen as the kind of First… — Jodi Kantor Copy Share
People who face too many demands - two careers, two children - often scale back somehow. The Obamas scaled up. — Jodi Kantor Copy Share
Every presidential candidate highlights patriotism, but Mr. Romney's is backed by the Mormon belief that the United States was chosen by God to play… — Jodi Kantor Copy Share
Michelle Obama has mostly stuck to pretty anodyne topics. She's anti-childhood obesity, she's pro-veteran. — Jodi Kantor Copy Share
Candidates' wives are supposed to sit cheerfully through their husbands' appearances. — Jodi Kantor Copy Share
One of my favorite stories is from Obama's first campaign: Michelle Obama was out there every day, collecting signatures and supervising the other people… — Jodi Kantor Copy Share
Mr. Romney is quick to uphold rules great and small. During primary debates, when his rivals spoke out of turn or exceeded their allotted… — Jodi Kantor Copy Share
Evangelical Christian politicians who cheat often raise questions about hypocrisy, especially if they preached piety in public and disregarded it in private. When Jewish… — Jodi Kantor Copy Share
Interpreting anyone's marriage - a neighbor's, let alone the president's - is extremely difficult. And yet, examining the first couple's relationship - their negotiations… — Jodi Kantor Copy Share
