WASHINGTON: Michelle Obama has a new look, both in person and online, and with her husband’s re-election as president, she has four more years as the first lady, too. So what will she do with them?

The first lady is exploring ways to make a real difference for Americans, not just for these next four years, but for years to come,” said Kristina Schake, Mrs Obama’s communications director.

Here are five areas to watch.

New issues Will she take on a new cause? When Parade magazine asked last year whether she’d take up any new issues, Mrs Obama identified women’s health issues. “How do we strengthen families and make them healthier, an issue not just in America but around the world?” she said.

Look for her to begin publicising those efforts anew. Do not expect to see Mrs Obama push more contentious issues such as gun control or immigration, both second-term priorities for the president. Her public approval rating was 73 per cent in a December poll by CNN and she’d like to keep it there.

Malia and Sasha Obama’s daughters are older now. Both the president and the first lady sometimes talk about the girls’ busy lives and how they don’t want to spend so much time with their parents anymore.

Some observers say since the teenage years are often full of angst about topics like dating, learning how to drive or going to college; Michelle has made such a public statement about being the ‘mom-in-chief’ that it’s hard to see her saying, ‘Go ahead girls, here’s the limo’ Travel

Presidents and first ladies often step up the pace of international travel in the second term. But it seems unlikely that Obama could make such a pivot just yet, with the US public still so concerned about the economy, unemployment and government spending.

One option would be to send Mrs Obama abroad in his place. The first lady is popular overseas and has been well-received in India, Mexico and Britain.

Run for public office Will she run or won’t she? Despite Mrs Obama’s many denials about seeking elected office herself, the question keeps getting asked.

A recent survey found her to be more popular than Mark Kirk, the Republican senator from her home state of Illinois, in a hypothetical match up. “I have no interest in politics. Never have, never will,” the first lady said last year on ABC’s “The View.’’ But even those who say “never” can later change their minds.

 Personal style Look for the first lady to continue to be a fashion trendsetter. Everything from her hair to her clothes is scrutinised, with some fashions selling out quickly after she’s seen wearing them. Her new bangs became the talk of Washington. Even the president said his wife’s haircut was “the most significant event” of his inaugural weekend.—AP