Michelle Obama writes thank-you note to Laura Bush

NEW YORK (Reuters) - Michelle Obama wrote a thank-you note to Laura Bush after the first lady spoke up in defense of the wife of the Democratic presidential candidate, Obama said on Wednesday in an appearance on TV talk show, "The View."

Obama, who is married to Illinois Sen. Barack Obama, created a controversy on the campaign trail in February when she said, "For the first time in my adult lifetime I am really proud of my country."

After critics questioned her patriotism because of the remark, Obama has frequently said she is proud of her country.

On "The View," a talk show hosted by women that deals with many women's issues, Obama re-stated her pride in the United States and said her controversial comment was referring to being proud of the political process this year.

Laura Bush came to Obama's defense earlier this month, telling ABC's "Good Morning America": "I think she probably meant, 'I'm more proud.' You have to be very careful in what you say. Everything you say is looked at and in many cases misconstrued."

Obama said she appreciated Bush's comments and concern.

"I was touched by it and actually I sent her a note," Obama said on "The View." "It took me a while to write it. Like, how do I address her? I sent it to 'Madam First Lady.' I don't want to talk about it because she might not have it yet.

"That's what I like about Laura Bush, her whole rational approach to these issues. I am taking some cues. There's a reason why people like her, because she doesn't sort of fuel the fire."

Reuters/Nielsen