There are too many syllables in your last two examples. There's a reason why many people think she's saying "all this for a flag." Because it fits. I'm not saying I agree with that, but it certainly fits the rhythm and facial motions of whatever she is saying.
There's a five beat rhythm there, or syllables if you will, that is visible after she clears the obstruction. The problem is, she actually starts talking while her face is obscured by whatever the obstruction is between her and the camera.
What makes the interpretation difficult, is context of setting (ceremonial) which means she's not speaking at a normal volume. She leans in to him and slightly whispers, and that will reduce facial motion. Add to this that Michelle Obama's facial dynamics are a little stiff anyway, and you have the potential for a very difficult interpretation.
I disagree with you that her tongue is visible. I can't see it at all. which makes words like "the" and "a" virtually identical from our point of view. Without seeing her tongue, many words that may not sound alike, may look similar in facial dynamics...that is the movement of the jaw and lips primarily.
Then you have the problem of separating the rhythm, or syllables, into words. 'All this" could just as easily be "reverence," wherein she speaks it like most people do as two syllables. You may think it doesn't fit because of different tongue dynamics, but your facial motion is similar, and that's all we can really see.
The way she shakes her head from side to side could be indicative of either disgust, or awe, and it doesn't look to me like she "rolls her eyes," as some people have commented. I just don't see it. If you're inclined to think she said something negative, then you'll intepret it as disgust.
Her husband's reaction is obviously one of agreement, but since he doesn't engage her, it is an agreeement of something that is obvious, at least to them two, and quite possibly everyone else, which is why I think people should tread very carefully here because the obvious sentiment that presides there is one of reverence.
You make some interesting points. You may have thought I had drawn a negative conclusion, but I hadn’t. My conclusion was neutral. Michelle Obama’s comment could have just as easily been a comment of admiration mingled with sadness. “Amazing what they do with their flag.” And his response coupled with the “that’s pitiful” face could have simply conveyed the sadness of that recognition.
I am no expert, nor am I hearing impaired, just someone throwing in my two cents. As I said, for what it’s worth! LOL!