Michelle Obama: In the clutches of rumors

While some on the internet have been buzzing about President Obama allegedly ogling a young woman's derriere (if you see the full clip, it's clear he wasn't), others have been checking out Michelle Obama's accessories. (Hey, keep it clean!).

Specifically, a "clutch." My mother used to called it a purse or handbag, but I'm a fashion oaf, so I won't argue about what to call the bag. (I'm referring to the item in question, not the holder).

Anyway ...

While in Russia, Mrs. BO was clutching this clutch, and the company that apparently makes such clutches clutched at some free publicity.

The Italian luxury goods manufacturer VBH boasted that MO was carrying one of their $5,950 alligator manila clutches.

The White House immediately corrected VBH saying it was an $875 VBH patent leather clutch.

Phew. And here we were all worried that as unemployment increases and companies go bankrupt she was carrying something extravagant.

Mind you, even the "cheap" bag, er, clutch, cost more than my monthly mortgage payment. More than some people in the world - didn't they go to Africa later? - earn in a year. More than John Edwards spends on a haircut.

So let's leave poor Mrs. BO alone for this one. Besides, she now has to contend with all those rumors about another little Obama on the way - or with exercising off the bump some sharp-eyed rumor-mongers claim they can see.

Maybe she should just carry a bigger clutch.