I've been reading a lot of blogs about our new first lady. People are busy writing about her clothes, her sense of style, her background, and, of course, her husband. But no matter what they're about -- the posted comments are always about her mouth -- and her teeth. Comments littered with "under bite," "too many teeth" or "too big." Some demand action or threaten "TMJ." Michelle Obama's mouth has become the most talked about issue of this campaign! People please! Let's stop talking about her teeth. Can't we just look at her beautiful smile and the emotion behind it and not worry about all the rest? It's not like she's stumping for an orthodontist.

Okay, I'm willing to put aside Mrs. Obama's other qualities and focus on the superficial for a moment. She is pretty and has great hair. She is tall and slender and looks great in everything. Good so far. She has a great sense of style -- sophisticated with a touch of glamor. And I love that she's not afraid to wear heels (and that Barrack isn't threatened by her being as tall as he is). Can you imagine if Laura Bush were tall? -- Bush would be totally discombobulated, "Laura, take it down a notch. Your head is encroachinatin' in my spacial area!." I think we're all pretty agreed that Michelle Obama looks every bit the part of a first lady -- except her mouth.

But I contend that it is because of her mouth that Mrs. Obama will be a great first lady. Her mouth is the main reason I like her -- it's what makes her so real. She is not afraid to be expressive and show genuine emotion. Previous first ladies all shared the same frozen expression. It was a half smile combined with a vacant stare that said, "Oh, how nice" to every situation. "Ma'am, may I introduce the Queen of England," "Oh, how nice." "Ma'am, your husband is being impeached," "Oh, how nice." "Ma'am, you just stepped in dog poo," "Oh, how nice." See my point? Of course we now know that those icy facades covered up what they really thought; Jackie, "I know what you're doing when I'm not here!" Pat, "I would rather be anywhere than here!" Betty, "I really need a drink!" Hillary, "I know what you're doing when I'm not here!" and of course Laura, "I can't believe you are the president!" We won't get those half-smiles and half truths from Michelle. Her mouth is too candid.

It is because of this candor and the fact that her mouth is always changing, that we're all drawn to look at Mrs. Obama's mouth (and blog about it).  It's different depending on what she is feeling or thinking. We can tell from her mouth when Michelle is worried, happy, concerned, embarrassed, amused, affectionate, and proud. We've seen it laughing as she doubles over in interviews, or in a smile as she waves to a crowd. It's a little smirk as she gives Barack that look that says, "Well see how this goes," and sometimes a frown as she discusses troubles we're facing. And if anyone threatens her family, I think she could easily take a bite out them. The thing I best like about Michelle's mouth is the way her smile is always on the verge of a laugh. Like she just heard a really corny joke and is trying-not-to laugh. I find this incredibly appealing and can't help but think what a great ambassador she'll be. People will be drawn to her bubbling-over smile, it shows her warmth. Maybe Mr. Obama is a really funny guy (I'd believe that) and is always cracking jokes in her ear, or maybe Michelle really is full of humor and passion -- and can't help smiling, scowling, or laughing -- at what she feels.

So let's all agree to lay off Michelle Obama's mouth. Talk about all the other parts of her for a while. And forget what they say about eyes -- for Michelle the mouth is the window to the soul. And like the colored flags posted at the ocean to tell you if it's calm water, strong undertow, or troubled waters; Michelle's mouth will be our signal that we can venture in and take a swim. Her mouth will become a national treasure. If you see a frown or a scowl -- then be worried. But if we see that smile (or better yet, laugh) than we know all is well. As Michelle's mouth goes -- so goes the nation! You heard it here first folks.