In case anyone is interested in discussing Michelle Obama's recent statements in a rhetoric class, here's an interesting MSNBC debate on the topic: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aEZCor8LqVk

Which commentator is more persuasive? Does Mr. Scarborough's overbearing, macho approach succeed in getting the better of the more conciliatory (but yet firm and outspoken) Ms. Brzezinski? How much of a role do race and gender play in how this story is being covered in the media?

Another wrinkle to this controversy is that, contrary to what I originally thought, Michelle Obama was not just speaking off the cuff, but in fact she used the controversial line in (at least) two separate speeches. In the first, she said, "For the first time in my adult life, I am proud of my country," and in the later speech, she used the intensifier "really," which I think is an important difference:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EGjR81pFJI4

Still, how important is national "pride" in judging our leaders and fellow citizens? How do we define patriotism?