If the embattled OBama Administration wants a lesson in how to handle public communications, they could do no better than to watch and copy the First Lady.

In a recent interview Mrs. Obama was asked to opine on former Alaska governor and Vice Presidential candidate Sarah Palin. This came days after White House Press Secretary Robert Gibbs had taken with a childish, tasteless jab at Mrs. Palin, in the process making his boss and the entire administration look cheap. As most of America knows, Gibbs wrote notes on his hand, making fun of the former governor for doing the same to guide herself in a speech. Innumerable commentators noted that, with a principal who overuses the TelePrompter, it was unseemly for the Press Secretary to have pulled such a belittling stunt.

In contrast, when asked about Mrs. Palin, Michelle Obama was the picture of graciousness, even defending Palin as a strong woman who was bound to draw criticism as a result. Through her generosity and realism, Mrs. Obama enhanced her reputation and by extension her husband’s, even as Mr. Gibbs was guilty of the opposite.

Maybe the know-it-all aides in the West Wing should take a trip over to the East Wing (where first ladies traditionally have their offices) for a refresher is good sense.