Michelle Obama rarely makes a false move, but the response to her recent vacation in Spain proved that critics are willing to treat her like other political figures who “step in it” when they veer off the beaten path. It can get smelly and even toxic if left to linger for too long. Some of the criticism has been harsh and Michelle has even been compared to Marie Antoinette who, when told of high unemployment and rising healthcare costs, suggested the little people eat cake.

Or something like that.

Growing up on a cattle ranch in Wyoming, I know first hand how unpleasant “stepping in it” can be. Our corrals were full of “it” and it’s stickiest when fresh. It doesn’t help that as Americans are settling for staycations, in an economy that also smells bad, the first lady is seen recently visiting private Spanish beaches and kicking up her Manolo Blahniks. As New York Times columnist Maureen Dowd observed, if she wanted a beach trip, she could have gone to New Orleans and helped clean up a pelican.

During my FBI firearms training, I learned the importance of minimizing the impact of a bad situation as soon as possible. Wait too long, and the damage can be irrevocable. These tips can work for FBI agents, Michelle Obama, and you.

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