And yet, with all you stated, the world was behind us. Not true now. I want to see that again. I'm the eternal optimist. I don't know when "negotiation" became a bad word the way Bush/McCain make it out to be. Keep you friends close and your enemies closer.

Originally Posted by Livingston

when Lil lefty made her statement on Michelle. Cindy McCain is under no obligation to report her income. She's rich. And you're right, I didn't see all this righteous indignation with John Kerry's Heinz wife (can't think of her name).

Thanks, I like it (Lil lefty)....has a nice ring to it.

As far as Theresa Heinz Kerry, from what I've read on the internet, she at first didn't disclose her tax returns during the campaign, but after a "torrent of criticism", eventually disclosed a partial return. So my question is, if the Democratic spouse had to do it, why not the Republican spouse (Cindy)?

But back to the USA Today article, what it appeared to be saying was, yes, if the spouses are campaigning for their husbands, their statements are going to be heavily scrutinized. But, the article goes on to say, in the case of Michelle, the McCain camp took her remark out of context, and manipulated it to make her sound unpatriotic. The article implied there should be limits to the mudslinging, and the McCain group overstepped.

Originally Posted by chelsea24

..... I don't know when "negotiation" became a bad word the way Bush/McCain make it out to be. Keep you friends close and your enemies closer.

Negotiation is not a "bad word" and one of the finest arts there is. I used to teach it, and had a great time doing so. While I agree with the "keep your friends close and your enemies closer, " there's always wariness because enemies carry daggers...

The most difficult, if not impossible, task is to negotiate in a fishbowl. Audiences are the greatest inhibitors to successful negotiations. So, the public position is rarely the private one. It's kinda like the old saying credited to Otto Von Bismarck - Laws are like sausages, it is better not to see them being made. Better to appreciate the result than criticize the creative process!

Lil lefty (thank you, I thought it was clever too).

You're not listening. Michelle's statement has been played and replayed in its entirety. Like her husband, she tends to mouth off and then have to take it back and spin and spin. Again, she can say how great her husband is like any other wife; however, when she comes out with policy statements and criticism of other candidates policies or whatever, she is then a SURROGATE for that campaign. She opens herself up to the same scrutiny as anyone else would get. If she can't take the heat -- get out of the kitchen. And believe me, I have heard some on talk radio put it much more harshly.

Lil -- listen to the entire speech for yourself. I'm sure you won't be able to come away with any other conclusion either. Also, listen to her follow-up spin. It isn't pretty. I'm sure you and I have both been around long enough to see through it what ever side of the 'isle' you sit on.

Lil Dancer and Chels,
I luv you two for not giving up!!!
Life is soo good.
Even the Republicans are not happy with Bush or McCain.
I had lunch today with the chairman of the Republican party in this county. As the wife said, "WE are really disappointed. We are Republicans but we won't vote for McCain. Plus, McCain told a number of people he didn't vote for Bush.
I think most Americans are not going to vote Republican either.

I won't waste my time arguing on here.

Livingston, you must admit there is spin on both sides. Bush/McCain have so much spin around them, it would make Rapunzel green with envy. I will argue with you on one thing though. I think Michelle Obama is more than ready to take the heat. I know her to be a strong, intelligent and vibrant woman. I just believe that Obama was being a very respectful husband. And trust the "Queen of Focus Groups" here, that won him more than just a few votes. ;D