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By Keli Goff

One of the many reasons I have never had any interest in running for political office, despite being interested enough in politics to write about it, is because being a politician is one of the only jobs on the planet in which you, your family, your friends, your pastor, and practically anyone you ever ate lunch with, are all scrutinized as part of the job interview. After all, most of us will never be asked in the interview process if our parents or children smoke pot, but any presidential candidate will be asked this and much more.
Not only do the family members of candidates face tremendous scrutiny, but they often face pressure to change who they are or at least who they appear to be to appeal to voters. Rumors first began circulating years ago that Newt Gingrich was going to run for president based solely on one fact: his wife Callista underwent a noticeable makeover, changing her hairstyle and entire wardrobe to appear more First Lady-like. She’s not the only one.

During the 2008 campaign Michelle Obama’s own wardrobe makeover transformed her from the high-powered attorney and executive that she was into the warm Mom-in-Chief she is today, someone that practically every single American, regardless of political party affiliation, has grown to love. (Her approval ratings remain much higher than her husband’s.)
In The GQ Candidate I re-imagine what undergoing such a transformation,  in being coached on what to say, what to wear, and even how to wear your hair, must be like for an independent, career-minded, African-American woman who wants nothing more than to see her husband elected to office, without having to sacrifice who she is in the process.
I don’t know that I could do it. But I am so grateful that women like Michelle Obama are willing to make such sacrifices for all of us. Not to mention manage to look so good while doing it. So here is a slideshow of a few of my favorite Michelle Obama campaign trail looks. I hope that you will suggest your own in the comments section.

Perfect in Maria Pinto

June 3, 2008

Okay, I will admit that I am biased because this is the dress Lady O rocked when she and her husband introduced the fist-bump to mainstream America, and I thought that was one of the coolest and most endearing moments in the history of the American presidency. But fist-bump aside, the future First Lady looks fierce. The color is fabulous and the world got to see her envy-inducing arms. Also this image became so iconic that it practically revived the sheath dress as the ultimate day to evening look. It also introduced the world to a practically unknown designer, Maria Pinto.

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