Palin GOP foes back first lady in flab fight

Republicans eager to knock Sarah Palin from her presumed perch at the head of the cluttered 2012 presidential primary field have found an unlikely wedge issue that includes an unlikely ally: The first lady and flab.

In an odd turn of events, some conservatives have taken to defending Michelle Obama's anti-obesity initiative from the salvos of Palin, and suggesting that she has gone too far by seeming to mock the first lady in a recent broadcast of "Sarah's Palin's Alaska." In the reality show Palin prepared s'mores and said the treat was "in honor of Michelle Obama, who said the other day we should not have dessert."

In fact, Obama has never suggested that sweets be banned from the dinner table, cafeteria or campground.

In an interview with conservative radio host Laura Ingraham to promote her latest book, Palin again dismissed Obama's anti-obesity effort as "some politician or politician's wife priorities."

When asked about Palin's comments, Obama told Barbara Walters that the issue "transcends politics."

To the White House's probable delight, Palin's likely competition in the coming Republican primary seized the opportunity to lend a hand.

Mike Huckabee, the Republican Party's resident obesity authority, who famously shed more than 100 pounds, quickly came to the defense of Obama.

In an interview with New York radio personality Curtis Sliwa, Huckabee said, "With all due respect to my colleague and friend Sarah Palin, I think she's misunderstood what Michelle Obama is trying to do."

And Obama also has another Republican ally and possible presidential contender as a defender: Mississippi Gov. Haley Barbour.

In March, Obama toured Mississippi, the nation's fattest state for the fifth straight year and one that has its own statewide efforts to fight fat, and Barbour offered praise for Obama's efforts.

"As Mrs. Obama takes this campaign nationally, she'll be a catalyst . . . she'll be a fantastic spokesman, leader," he said.