CHICAGO (FOX 32 News) -
Tuesday's Talker is about Michelle Obama and what she's had to say lately about her hometown of Chicago.
She wrote a book that just came out and she's been doing interviews to promote it.
During an interview with USA Today, Mrs. Obama was asked what she misses about Chicago.
The First Lady talked about Chicago's food scene, including deep dish pizza, barbecue joints, and Garrett Popcorn. She also mentioned the lakefront, the skyline, and the scenic Chicago River winding its way though the city.
But the First Lady has also been distancing herself from her hometown. It started last month when a child visiting the white house asked if she would ever want to move back to her "old life". Mrs. Obama immediately mentioned her family's house in Chicago and then said the "old life" might not be there anymore.
She took a similar angle when USA Today asked if, in general, she misses living in Chicago.
Mrs. Obama replied "Chicago is home in many ways. I mean, we have a house that has stuff in it back in Chicago. We have friends that we love....So while I like going back to Chicago, Washington D.C. is home now because this is where we've built our lives. And when it's time to leave, we'll build it somewhere else."
The First Lady also joked about Chicago weather in the interview. She said "I love my city -- especially in the summer. In the winter, it's another story."
Taken in total, it's not the most ringing endorsement for a city that's trying to attract international businesses and tourists.
We asked Lynn Sweet, who covers D.C. politics for the Chicago Sun-Times. She said Michelle Obama seems to be opening a window to what's on her mind.
"I think that she took the question what do you miss about Chicago and used it hint that they may not come home again," Sweet said.
Sweet says it's common for presidents to move someplace new after leaving office. She also thinks there's a good chance President Obama will build part of his presidential library in Chicago, and that the Obama's will keep their house on the south side even if they don't live in it full time.
