Marriage in the Election

This is just a guess, but I would imagine this is a story you would be unlikely to read in a traditional news source. Not only because there is a clear and biased agenda as the reader is told to "Elect Barack Obama," but the stated reason to do so is unusual. It has nothing to do with his foresight or leadership qualities. This assertion is based on his relationship with his wife. Talk about getting personal. But unlike the personal allegations we typically see of politicians (and several recent presidents as the article points out), this is all positive. Imagine that.

What was interesting to me is that for so long Clinton supporters said it didn't matter what was going on in his bedroom as long as he was doing his job as president. But apparently now it matters. What has changed? Divorce rates were high in the 90's, kids were subjected to bitter custody battles and warring spouses then too. But now that the country is in the midst of a real war and huge financial difficulties, we hold our president and his wife to a higher standard. I'm not saying by any means this is bad or unfair, but the fact that someone (democrats) is commenting on it presents an interesting dynamic.

The authors are a couple who are relationship experts which in and of itself is unusual and new. Before blogs they wouldn't have a political voice. They are offering a dynamic that traditional journalists may not necessarily want to/feel the need to comment on but maybe it is important. I don't think we can foresee what kind of impact a healthy, loving couple in the White House might have on this country, but I would venture to say it won't be a negative one. What is clear from this post is that the playing field has changed.