This week’s US Weekly- Michelle Obama

Behind every story there is a publicist.

Catching up on the weekly must-reads for a publicist, I came across the 6 page cover story for US Weekly (Issue 698- June 30, 2008) on Michelle Obama and why Barack loves her. It was an awesome story to show the world that Michelle O (who may be our new Jackie O) was not only successful in her corporate career, but a loving and dedicated mother, who will fall back when needed to support her husband. From a “Good” PR point of view you couldn’t do any better. Have the public fall in love with your client on a number of levels.

But, what caught my attention initially about the story is that they begin talking about her through the words of her close friend of 20 years, Yvonne Davila, who was no other than a PR Exec. Love it.

Over the next 5 pages they quote everyone from people who went to High School with Michelle O, to a waitress who served her and her family on Father’s Day. But, Ms. Davila was quoted in and out of the story almost like she wrote it. Hmmm.

Most people aren’t aware but a publicist is the front line for a celebrity. Press rarely gets to speak directly to Talent. Most statements that you read or hear are issued through their rep or their team. A good publicist should clean up the ugly fast and promote the wonderful for a long time. With that being said I challenge you to share things you have read or heard through the media when clearly there wasn't a publicist on the scene. lol

This will lead me into other stories I will write labeled…Where Was Their Publicist?