Michelle Obama's favorability rating has dipped to 61 percent after surging to 72 percent earlier this year, a recent Gallup Poll has revealed.

Mrs. Obama has been one of the most popular first ladies in history; she is seen a symbol of racial pride, a complete image of a modern woman who has also successfully played the roles of mother and wife.

Her favorability chart has seen some great variations - from being a mere 48 percent in June last year, it rocketed to 72 percent in March and has now hit come down 11 points to a low of 61percent.

As for the reason of the fall: according to White House observers, a possible reason may be that some have viewed Mrs Obama's campaigns as largely traditional.

"If you asked most people, they would say she defines her job as first lady as taking care of her family, and maybe that's what the White House wants - what she wants," The Politico quoted first lady historian Betty Boyd Caroli, as saying.

She added: "A lot of people appreciate that, but some people wanted more, and maybe that's why the numbers are dipping."

When the Obama's moved into the White House there were huge expectations from both of them. While the Prez had his own share, the First Lady was a new ray of hope for women in walks of life - fashionistas, black women, working women, working mothers, stay-at-home mothers, feminists, post-feminists.

Anita McBride, chief of staff to Laura Bush, said: "There was so much pressure on her as the first African-American first lady to be out there and performing in the public eye, and she did get a nice start, visiting the agencies, planting the garden and letting people see this side of her.

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