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The former First Lady and wife of Barack Obama announced her star-studded squad last week as part of an initiative for the the When We All Vote organisation, which Michelle co-chairs. Its
stated mission is to increase voter participation in every election and close the race and age voting gap. Michelle said in a Twitter video: “Last year, we went big. Millions of new voters
made their voices heard for the first time. Now the stakes are even higher. “That's why I've been reaching out to some friends to expand my voting squad for the year ahead.”
Michelle's “voting squad” features a range of celebrities such as Hollywood actors, sports stars and singers. The line-up includes Tom Hanks, Kerry Washington, Lin-Manuel Miranda, Faith
Hill and Selena Gomez. A news release reported by The Hill claimed the organisation is "calling on Americans to organise their own squads, volunteer groups aimed at getting friends,
family, classmates and community registered and ready to vote.” Celebrities promoting the initiative said in a video: “It all starts with you. You're the only person that can have that
conversation with your family and your friends and your girlfriends and even with your community to get them registered and ready to vote.” News of the “voting squad” received a mixed
reaction from social media users. Many disagreed with the initiative and shared their criticisms of Michelle online. Jackie Lelsz said: “Hollywood. Where most gave money to Obama, not from
Americans who work hard for their money. JUST IN: Michelle Obama: Ex-FLOTUS reveals heartwarming moment Another added: “Normal Americans don't care about what rich Hollywood elitists
say. They are so out of touch of normal Americans. Ed B replied to a post on Twitter, he said: “Because everyone listens to Hollywood!” A social media user claimed: “Liberal Hollywood
brainwashed young voters." Many analysed the success of “voting Squads” during the 2016 election. One person wrote on Twitter: “It didn’t help her and Hilary Clinton in 2016!” Maria
Castellano commented on “how out of touch” she thought Michelle was. She added: “Worked well for Hillary. Short memories.” A social media user posted: “What’s with groups of democrats making
squads all the sudden? “Pretty soon they’ll have squads of squads. Squadception.” Despite the criticism, some praised Michelle for her work. One Twitter user wrote: “Who can talk Michelle
Obama into running for President?” Chris Peterson said: “I greatly appreciate what you and your husband have done for our country.” In her video, Michelle credits When We All Vote's
push during the 2018 midterm election with producing "millions of new voters".