MC1 Liz Murray Interviews First Lady Michelle Obama (click image to watch)
By MC1 Liz Murray
I had the privilege of interviewing First Lady Michelle Obama at the White House Thursday. Needless to say, my nerves were on the fritz all day leading up to our conversation. Working as a military reporter for the Pentagon Channel has allowed me the good fortune of interviewing many very interesting people, but this is one opportunity I really did not want to mess up.
Three of us traveled together to 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue, myself, my producer, Karen Nowowieski, and American Forces Press Service writer, Samantha Quigley.
Once we got through the gates of the White House, I was in complete awe being so close to the residence of America’s most powerful person. We stopped in the White House Press Briefing room, which is much smaller than it looks on television, and then the three of us were escorted to a beautiful room in the Executive Wing.
A video team from the White House Communications Agency had their cameras, lights and microphones in place and ready to go. This is really when I felt my nerves get the best of me. With my questions in hand, I sat down for a quick mic check as we waited for the First Lady to arrive.
At this point prior to an interview, you either know what you’re going to ask, or you don’t. There is no time to prep, and I have a bad habit of always second guessing myself. I kept running over the questions in my mind, and secretly, I was freaking out!
Mrs. Obama walked in right at 1:40 as scheduled. She looked great! She had on a pink and purple floral top, which she said she had picked out because it looked “springy.” She was so friendly, and immediately helped me feel at ease.
The first few moments before an interview can be awkward because you’re waiting for the cue to start, the room is silent, and everyone is closely watching. I just kept thinking to myself, “don’t screw this up Liz! Just talk to her like you’ve known her for years.” And you know what? Mrs. Obama made it easy. I asked her questions about her commitment to military family support, and why they matter to her. Her responses had depth, and I got the sense that she is sincere in wanting to help the military spouses who are dealing with the challenges of keeping a family together while their loved one is deployed. She talked about the importance of Americans stepping up to help the military families, and reminded us that service does not necessarily mean wearing a uniform.
Her response to my questions had so much substance. I can’t say that it surprised me, but high level interviews don’t usually have her level of candor. I had read about her committment to family support on the campaign trail, but it was more revealing to actually hear her mention the specific concerns she has personally heard from military families. The sense I get is that she really hears them.
We got to the end of the interview, and I told her my mom wanted me to pass on that she thinks Mrs. Obama is “precious.” I don’t usually gush in an interview, but that’s how that part of it turned out. Viewers won’t see that portion because it’s on the cutting room floor. A gushing reporter is not usually one to be taken seriously. It’s funny to me now, but I was just so excited to have met her, thrilled that the interview was not a train wreck, and it is an experience I’ll never forget.
Before the interview, my impressions of Mrs. Obama was that she is an intelligent, passionate and strong woman whom I respected. This interview just confirmed what I believed. She was just as engaging in person as she is on television, and her committment to make life better for the men and women who serve this country and their families is genuine. I found it inspiring to meet a woman who is so poised, driven and dedicated to raising awareness about the hardships our military goes through on a daily basis.
She took a moment to pose with us for a group picture before leaving. You better believe that photo is going on Facebook.
Watch MC1 Liz Murray’s interview with First Lady Michelle Obama
