Michelle Obama's Savvy Helps Husband

WASHINGTON - She does not consider herself a "secret weapon," but Michelle Obama's trip to Africa showed the U.S. first lady has sharp political skills that White House aides can exploit to help re-elect her husband.

On her second official solo trip abroad, Mrs. Obama played the roles of traditional and non-traditional politician, meeting with the president of Botswana, calling on the first lady of South Africa, and sharing a moment with Nelson Mandela, the former South African president and anti-apartheid icon.