Who wants a hug from Michelle Obama?

If you're not in Charlotte for the Democratic convention to get one, don't worry. The New York Times has you covered with a two-page (online) story on Michelle Obama and her hugs.

“Sometimes her staff will roll their eyes, like O.K., here we go, because if there are 50 people who need to be hugged, she will hug them all,” said Samantha Appleton, until recently a White House photographer. ...

Mrs. Obama has told advisers she uses the hugs to make herself less intimidating despite her position and height — to “narrow the gap,” said Katie McCormick Lelyveld, her former press secretary. The hug is not a political tactic, aides say, but an expression of a desire to connect. ...

“Who can be opposed to a hug from a tall, beautiful woman?” said Kati Marton, author of “Hidden Power,” about presidential marriages. “In this divisive climate, to be the hugger in chief is all that our first lady can do.”

Obama will deliver her speech tonight for the first full day of events at the Democratic convention. She's scheduled to speak during the 10 p.m. hour.

[New York Times]