Obama For Yo Mama?

A year ago, American retailer Urban Outfitters sold out of a T-shirt that read “Obama For Yo Mama” during Obama’s presidential campaign. Barack Obama is causing a commotion in Singapore (and across Asia) as he appears for APEC and then an Asian tour.  Nanz Inc explores his appeal among happily married women.

By Sharlene Tan

He’s a best-selling author and a Nobel Peace Prize winner.  And as the President of the United States, he’s the most powerful man in the world.  But what seems to impress women the most about President Barack Obama is his idea of date night.

One night in May, the First Couple dined out in Georgetown and then returned home for a stroll on the lawn.  A few weeks later, they headed to New York City for dinner and a Broadway play.  It was heartwarming to see this couple just being like any other couple, and it made him the first President to seem like any other husband, or, as the First Lady called him, a “mere mortal”.

There is no doubt that President Obama is popular with women.  Some 56% of female voters chose him over Republican Senator John McCain in last year’s election.  Obama’s female-friendly policies are one draw.

The Obama administration made a clear stance of the importance of women in policy when it created the White House Council on Women and Girls to ensure that American women and girls are treated fairly in public policy.  The President said that he signed this order “not just as a President, but as a son, a grandson, a husband, and a father, because growing up, I saw my mother put herself through school and follow her passion for helping others”.  Women’s groups in the United States clearly approve – the president of the National Organization for Women told USA Today: “We clearly have a friend in the White House.”

The enigma of Obama lies in the sum of all that he is — a citizen of the world (having lived in places as far apart as Hawaii and Indonesia), an unsurpassed orator, someone not afraid to bow in respect to others, yet exercises restraint and wisdom around explosive issues.  Add to that mix youth (the President is only 48), a fine physique (he reportedly wore a USD$149 suit to his inauguration and made it look better than an Armani) and a softly handsome face that holds a million-dollar smile, and you’ve got yourself what Singaporeans term an “aunty killer”.

It also helps that his helpmate in life Michelle Obama is a new kind of First Lady. Behind every great man is a greater woman, as some say.  The former lawyer and Princeton graduate hula hoops on the White House lawn.  She has been on the cover of Vogue, Glamour and O magazines, and she has just made it to Harper’s Bazaar’s Best Dressed Celebrities of 2009 list.  Her sculpted arms are almost as famous as she is.  She works to promote healthy eating for kids and youth mentoring.  But first and foremost, she is a mother to her two daughters, the “Mom-in-Chief” as she calls herself.

So what do these blissfully wed women in Singapore like about President Obama?

“Obama is young, intelligent and has a lot to contribute to the country and the whole world… He is a good and loving husband and father.  He is also good-looking and is probably popular among the women.” - Irene Heng, homemaker

“He seems sincere and down-to-earth, and he and Michelle look like a nice couple.” - Winnie Tan, who is expecting her second child

“I find him an impressive public figure, a young motivated leader who presents hope… And of course, having a charming smile does wonders too.” - Ong Tien Tien, a banker with a four-month-old daughter

“I am contemplating ditching my kids to stalk Obama.” - Shereen Ng, West Wing junkie and political science graduate, seven months pregnant with Number 3, during Obama’s visit to Singapore during APEC.

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