On a more celebratory note, Rachel Maddow’s addition to the MSNBC nightly line-up bodes well for the level of political commentary, I think. (And yet there’s a price to pay there, too – as Rachel sports make-up and an amped up wardrobe to please whoever needs to be pleased, I guess.)

I still find it galling that powerful women like Michelle Obama are called upon to “reassure” others of their embrace of a supporting role, not their independence as primary agents, but she presents herself with such warmth, confidence and presence of mind that her competence beyond her sister/daughter/mom/wife persona shines through. The Ginger Roger phenomena all over again…