so, this isn't some sort of act?

wonderful, little non-political interview with the obamas from 1996 by mariana cook, who was doing a photography project on chicago couples. the result is delightful, particularly given that they weren't posturing for any political campaign.

full article here, favorite snippets below:

Michelle Obama: There is a strong possibility that Barack will pursue a political career, although it’s unclear. There is a little tension with that. I’m very wary of politics. I think he’s too much of a good guy for the kind of brutality, the skepticism.

Barack Obama: And there are times when we are lying in bed and I look over and sort of have a start. Because I realize here is this other person who is separate and different and has different memories and backgrounds and thoughts and feelings. It’s that tension between familiarity and mystery that makes for something strong, because, even as you build a life of trust and comfort and mutual support, you retain some sense of surprise or wonder about the other person.