FILES-US-POLITICS-MICHELLE OBAMA

TO GO WITH AFP STORY BY VIRGINIE MONTET (FILES) Filed handout image released on Feberuary 27, 2009 by the White House in Washington, DC, shows First Lady Michelle Obama in her official portrait. The portrait shows Mrs. Obama standing in the Blue Room in a black sleeveless dress with a double strand of pearls. If one woman symbolizes International Women's Day for Americans, and black American women in particular, it's Michelle Obama, the successful career-woman and mother of two who six weeks ago became First Lady, March 6, 2009 AFP reported. AFP PHOTO/HO/THE WHITE HOUSE = RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE = GETTY OUT =