Pay Attention to the Spouses

It's true that Michelle Obama, Cindy McCain, and Bill Clinton are not running for President. But it's a big mistake to assume that spouses of candidates do not wield significant influence over their husbands/wives.

In Michelle Obama's case, that influence may be more significant than any other political spouse outside of Bill Clinton.

Sources close to the Obama campaign insist that Michelle Obama has vetoed any talk of the possibility that Hillary Clinton could be her husband's running mate and potential Vice-President.

In fact, inside sources, according to 'Real Clear Politics,' state that Michelle's hostility toward Hillary goes far beyond a mere objection to her name being on the Democratic ticket. Michelle has been open sniping at Hillary for many months now, and those behind the scenes say that the hostility often erupts into outright rage.

The rage of Michelle Obama has already been the subject of numerous news reports, particularly with regard to her country. Apparently that rage is sometimes directed at individuals as well.

Pay close attention to the spouses of candidates.

One less-than-stellar pundit on CNN had the audacity to suggest over the weekend that voters should totally forget about political spouses, given that the candidates themselves are the ones being elected.

True enough, at least with regard to the latter part of that statement.

But one must also weigh and consider the views, temperament, and style of the political spouse. Such a consideration will often reveal significant facts about the candidates themselves.

For example, with Bill Clinton's love for politics and his daily tirades out on the campaign trail, does anyone actually believe that he will not be a major player in a Hillary Clinton administration? Similarly, with Michelle Obama's penchant for opening mouth and inserting foot, revealing her deep and abiding hatred for America, does anyone realistically expect Barack Obama to ignore the powerful manner in which she presents her desires and points of view?

It is quickly becoming clear that Michelle Obama is every bit as much the loose cannon as Teresa Hines Kerry.

And this is not a gender issue. On the campaign trail there are certain things that best remain unspoken. And this goes for the candidates, as well as their spouses.