Barack Who? Europe Really Hearts Michelle

Europe's a huge fan of Obama—Michelle Obama, that is. Though hubby has thousands of fervent supporters, it's the first lady whose every move and outfit is lovingly scrutinized by adoring fans, Politico reports. The press is also swooning. "Why doesn't the UK have a Michelle Obama?" asked one paper. But it's still unclear how Michelle will stack up next to European elite like Queen Elizabeth and Carla Bruni.

Comparisons to European fave Jackie O already abound. Unlike prim Americans who shrank at Michelle going sleeveless, Europeans are rooting for the first lady to make bold fashion choices. "Her willingness to experiment are all traits European fashionistas admire," wrote a London blogger. For her part, ex-supermodel Bruni stands a little in awe of her American counterpart: "I think it would probably be better for me to be getting advice from her,” she said recently.
(More Europe stories.)