Will First Lady Michelle be frugal?

[pretty cheap jewelry]

Being outside the belt of course, I'm not involved with (nor interested in) the subtleties of American politics.

Being of a common sense citizen's outlook, I am interested in the practical overt White House expenses.

That in a nutshell summarizes my concerns:

1. Table ware. Will this new President need a personal, exclusive set of dishes, silverware, serving pieces, ad nauseum as past first families did?

2. Banquets, Parties, Inaugurations, oh my. A decent amount of milestone breaking celebration is called for. But how much and how many. And what about the next few years? Can't policy be worked on over less expensive BBQs??? or even at a basic conference type event (egads).

Someone throw some facts at me.

[bjl584]

Well, she just received a $30,000 ring as a gift from her old man, so that should be an indication as to how frugal their going to be. Of course, between the two of them, they are worth over $12 million, so I guess 30K isn't that much when taken into perspective. However, the other side could have a political field day with that, saying things like, "How dare Obama spends more on a ring than most people make in a year, especially in this bad economy, when a lot of his constituants are being laid off and having trouble paying for groceries, let alone extravagant jewelry." Etc.....etc..........Aren't politics fun????

[disneysteve]

I get the sense that the Obamas will be less over-the-top than some other administrations, but ultimately, there is a lot of pomp and circumstance that comes with being the first family and that's still going to go on. I see Michelle Obama being much more hands-on, though, being more involved in the decision making process. Did you see the Barbara Walters interview? She spoke about telling the White House staff not to make the kids' beds. The kids will still have chores to do. Both Michelle and Barack still need to be parents and not overindulge and spoil the kids and I do believe they are serious about that.

[kork13]

Originally Posted by disneysteve

I get the sense that the Obamas will be less over-the-top than some other administrations, but ultimately, there is a lot of pomp and circumstance that comes with being the first family and that's still going to go on. I see Michelle Obama being much more hands-on, though, being more involved in the decision making process. Did you see the Barbara Walters interview? She spoke about telling the White House staff not to make the kids' beds. The kids will still have chores to do. Both Michelle and Barack still need to be parents and not overindulge and spoil the kids and I do believe they are serious about that.

I do think that bodes well.... I like that their girls will still have "household" responsibilities. It at least puts the picture that the president's children are reasonably responsible for themselves, and that the Pres/1st Lady encourage personal responsibility.

At the same time, I also see Michelle Obama as one with fairly "healthy" tastes... She presents herself very well, which deserves note, but she seems to radiate indulgence (IMO). Laura Bush has been, without question, a fabulous 1st Lady, and impresses everyone she's around. But whether she is or not, she doesn't seem to exude an elaborate nature.

[Gjowers]

Many of Michelle's campaign outifts came from J Crew, compared to others, that's certainly frugal. Remember, these two didn't finishing paying off their student loans until a few years ago. They know what it's like.

[jIM_Ohio]

I think the president gets a salary of around 160k, right?

Does he pay rent to live in white house?
Are the groceries provided?
What transportation costs would a president have? Airforce one I assume is a seperate budget. That limo he rides in I assume is a seperate budget.

Outside of buying clothes and personal grooming, I could not think of one thing a President actually needs to pay for.

My new bailout plan suggests that some of the 750 billion should be used to build a condo within walking distance of the capital. The require all senators and congressmen to live there and pay rent. Charge the president rent too.

Sooner or later we recoup the costs for all the bad laws they did or did not pass and caused this whole mess.

[Tree0164]

Actually the president's salary is 400k while in office and they get $180k a year once out of office. Ex-President Is Not A Bad Gig, Andy Rooney Says Being A Former President Seems Like A Good Life - CBS News

[KellyB]

Obama did NOT buy a $30K ring. It was a trumped up story. I think both the Obamas will be thoughtful about purchases considering the economy. We have to give them some slack though, as the jobs of President and First Lady do come with some formal duties needing appropriate attire. I read that he did the whole campaign with just 3 suits (albeit expensive, tailored suits). These people have actually lived in the "real world", and understand that they are role models whose every move and purchase will be watched. I'm sure they'll be a few missteps as they are only human, but overall I think they are going to be just what this country needs.

[PrincessPerky]

What is so bad about a 30K ring? sure I wouldn't do it, but if he isn't in debt for it, why not. It is good for the economy for rich folk to spend, gets the jeweler paid and all.

as to them being frugal, I prefer green to frugal, unless someone passes legislation to reduce the income, he has it to waste why not.

[Joan.of.the.Arch]

Michelle Obama "seems to radiate indulgence"? What in the world does that mean?

Actually, I heard Mr Obama is thumbing through the jewelry creations of the original poster, "Pretty Cheap Jewelry."

Yesterday, PCJ, while waiting in the Department of Motor Vehicles to get new plates for a boat trailer which has not seen public roads in about three years, and which in fact will not be used on the roads for probably another three years --eh, at least sometime after we give it new brake lights after sitting under river flood water for weeks and weeks this year--, I was thinking to myself how sparse, dirty, and ugly the public office was. Nonetheless, when I spied the framed photo of the governor on the far wall, I thought to myself, "How much a waste of public money is that? I do not think this adds to the quality of life or government." I should write to to every incoming governor and ask her or him to ditch the 16 X 20 portraits sent out to every state office. Perhaps the several thousand dollars which would otherwise pay for the portraits, the framing, and the shipping could instead linger in general funds until it is picked up to plug a hole in a dam, light a busy highway interchange, buy some protective gear for a couple state troopers, or whatever.

I like the idea of being frugal in government. I have high expectations of what we can achieve through government, and some of it is even for matters of aesthetics and art, but decorating every public office with the governor's mug...and the next governor's mug... and the next.... No thanks.

[pretty cheap jewelry]

Originally Posted by Joan.of.the.Arch

Actually, I heard Mr Obama is thumbing through the jewelry creations of the original poster, "Pretty Cheap Jewelry."

Oh I wish, don't I wish.....

My thoughts are for the coming years, ie the 'State' dinners. OK, there is some level of refinement to be hosting leaders of the world but my wish is it be accomplished with common sense.

Drat that visit I made to the Ronald Reagan library this past summer....a large exhibit is devoted to the LAVISH State Dinners the Reagans put on. Picture circular tables, laden with place settings, centerpieces, lighted topiary plants strewn around the garden, etc.

Thus I hope for more conference, middle management style policy making events. Tone it down.

[PrincessPerky]

Does Michelle get to decide that sort of thing?

I think some "pomp" is necessary actually.

though not framed photos of governors.

[Like2Plan]

Originally Posted by pretty cheap jewelry

1. Table ware. Will this new President need a personal, exclusive set of dishes, silverware, serving pieces, ad nauseum as past first families did?

I don't believe a new set of china is ordered each time there is a new president. I think the last set for state dinners was ordered by Nancy Reagan (from Lenox) and she was criticized soundly for it. However, I'm not sure it was fair. Over time, there is breakage on the china. When there are state dinners, you need to have matching tableware. What kind of message does it send to your guests? Do you give your less important guests the mismatched or chipped settings? Also, private donations were used to purchase the china.

Link to Presidential China samples

I don't know what the current condition of the White House china is. It may be time to order a new service... and making it means jobs for people.

[disneysteve]

Originally Posted by Like2Plan

I don't know what the current condition of the White House china is. It may be time to order a new service... and making it means jobs for people.

While I think you make a good point that china and glassware and such does periodically need replacing, surely Lenox keeps the molds and designs for the Presidential china and could just make the needed number of replacement pieces rather than having to design and produce an entirely new set.

[PrincessPerky]

wonder if technology interferes with that? new cleaning methods? Designs that lasted through handwashing wont survive new machines?

How about a balance? Replace old, no risk of the 13th fairy visitor(sleeping beauty) being left out. But no buying brand new?

[Joan.of.the.Arch]

Savingadvice.com blogger Gamecock43 has Lennox replacement pieces to sell to the White House. She wrote on her blog a couple days ago that Lennox is going out of business. Looks like the Obamas and the White House will have to turn to readers here, once again.