Girl Power in the White House

In the midst of all the beautiful news greeting us this morning comes a story from the Times of London, reminding us what nice kids Sasha and Malia Obama are, and how much protection they're going to need as they grow up in the White House. Somehow, I don't worry that much about them. I mean, I'm certain some of the more reprehensible right-wing voices will say an ugly thing or two about them, but I trust their parents to shield them as much as possible. More than that, it's become clear from the way the family has presented itself during this long primary and general-election season just what a strong family unit they are — and how comfortable and committed both parents are to raising strong daughters. 

A lot of us who celebrated Obama's victory last night felt a tiny twinge: as thrilling as it is to celebrate the country's first black president, when will we see a woman in there? I take heart in looking at the younger Obamas in action — smart, composed, powerful, and certain they can do anything at all they set out to do. Yes, they can — and someday, a girl very much like them will occupy the White House, not as a first daughter or first lady, but as another historic first. 

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