WASHINGTON—First Lady Michelle Obama flew to Chicago on Wednesday and shortly after arriving motorcaded to the United Center for a Beyonce concert with daughters Sasha and Malia. Beyonce is a close friend and a big booster of President Barack Obama and Mrs. Obama’s anti-obesity drive.
While Mrs. Obama’s team preferred a news blackout about her Chicago arrival, in this Twitter and social media age, the first lady can’t land in the city and motorcade around and not be noticed, a point somehow lost on Mrs. Obama’s operation.
Mrs. Obama also could not walk into the jammed United Center –in sight of thousands—and not spark an outpouring of Tweets plus Twitter and Instagram photos.
On Instagram, “beyondty” posted a photo of Mrs. Obama at the concert and noted,” Michelle Obama rocking out to Beyonce standing right behind us right now WOW!!”
Sun-Times columnist Michael Sneed broke the news in her July 12 column that Mrs. Obama was heading home to catch the Beyonce concert. The “official” reason for the Chicago visit is an event Thursday for teens participating in the Urban Alliance Chicago jobs skills program, the signature project of Amy Rule, the wife of Mayor Rahm Emanuel.
Beyonce, who stumped for Obama’s re-election, performed the national anthem at his second inauguration earlier this year. She also has helped promote the “Let’s Move,” campaign, Mrs. Obama’s healthy eating and exercise program aimed at kids.
