Old Wivestales

The presidential candidates' wives got together Tuesday to talk about issues regarding their place in the campaigning. This forum, which has never been done before, was attended by five of the women. They talked about what it's like to be the right-hand side of the presidential hopefuls and what it's like to be a woman in the political world.
Hosted by Maria Shriver, wife of California governor Arnold Schwarzenegger, this forum took place in Long Beach, California. It was covered by many news stations as well as the satirical ones. Elizabeth Edwards, Michelle Obama, Jeri Thompson, Cindy McCain and Ann Romney attended to talk about their role in their husbands' campaigns. Judith Giuliani chose not to attend after bad publicity from her husband's history of marriage and his statement that he would want to have her present at cabinet meetings. For her, this may have not been the best decision because the forum could only have helped her. She could have been seen in a positive light as one of the girls instead of the bad PR she and her husband have gotten. She could have also dropped a few good points for Rudy, which Lord knows he needs.
Bill Clinton also didn't attend, which was my favorite part. This was a genius decision by him. The last thing he needs is to be compared with the women as the only "first husband." People have been questioning his position in Hillary's campaign and asking whether his stance is too strong, or whether he will be ready to be by her side. Appearing on this program would not have helped this opinion of him. The public and critics would only see a Clinton that wants to outshine his wife by showing up on more and more discussions and debates.
Besides, most of the discussion was worthless anyway. Thompson's wife discussed how she insisted on having a changing table on her campaign bus. Really, what do you think about the economy? Ann Romney rarely says anything controversial... or interesting. Hillary Clinton, however, has gotten a lot of criticism from John Edwards' wife, Elizabeth. Funny, how the last debate John was in he also criticized her. Conspiracy anyone?
I think personally that each couple has gone over what they're trying to accomplish, because they oddly enough have each presented the certain personality that their spouses have tried to convey. Michelle Obama presented a down-to-earth, "one of the people" kind of woman, which is the strength of her husband's campaign. Ann Romney was non-controversial and kind, which is - boring as it is - what Mitt tries to be. Elizabeth Edwards and her husband have presented a strong front, attacking their opponents (because they don't have much else to fall back on).
Mostly, though this was groundbreaking, I feel as though this was merely fluff. To me, most voters don't take into account the spouse that will be in the White House with the candidate. The spouse, okay, wife; may be support for her husband, but rarely do they impact much directly. But, I mean, hey, what's another useless debate where nothing is gained and nothing is learned? Throw a few more on TV... why not?