Democratic Wives vs. Republican Wives

[liberalpragmatist]

Just for a second compare the wives of most Republican candidates for president these days with the wives of the (male) Democratic candidates for president.

The Republican women tend to be wealthy consorts. That isn't to say they are bad people or that they aren't bright -- but they live a life vastly removed from most Americans. Though many have some work and professional experience, many went on to live the classic "rich wives" lifestyle, or left the workforce after they married.

Cindy McCain is a good illustration -- though she worked in modeling and special education for some time, she gave up both after marrying John. Laura Bush was a teacher and librarian but gave that up after marrying George. Go further and look at Ann Romney and Judy Giuliani. Jeri Thompson had a professional background as a Republican operative prior to marrying Fred.

Compare that to the Democrats running for president or vice president. First off, you have Hillary Clinton, a candidate (and a formidable one) in her own right who, during her husband's political career, was a high-powered lawyer, advocate and activist first-lady. Look at Michelle Obama, again, a prominent, intelligent lawyer who worked her own way up from a working-class family and who then went into public service, first in Chicago city government and then as a Vice President of the U.Chicago Medical Center. Look at Elizabeth Edwards, who was also a high-powered attorney, or Jill Biden, a teacher, a president of a non-profit, and a professor of English and Education who has three advanced degrees (MA, M.Ed, and D.Ed). Look at Jackie Clegg Dodd, a national security consultant and congressional staff assistant who also served in the Clinton Administration (factoid of the day: she's a practicing Mormon). Or Judith Steinberg Dean, who's a physician.

Is this a generalization? Yes. You can find exceptions in plenty of places. But overall, there seems to be a pretty strong trend to me. Male Democratic politicians aren't afraid of having smart, professional, working women. Perhaps that's why not only do most Democratic wives tend to be accomplished professionals, but why 11 out of the 16 women in the Senate are Democrats and why most of the women governors in the country are also women.

[BrklynLiberal]

1. The repukes have to be the big, strong, strict Father figure...so the women tend to have to be a lot

more "submissive" than the women in the liberal, progressive, equal-partnership kind of relationships.
I think there are deep psychological distinctions between the type of person who is a repuke and the type of person who is a Democrat.
The strong Daddy figure is part and parcel of the repuke dogma.
The Democratic psyche is much happier in a relationship of equals. No one does the thinking for the other. Responsibilities are shares and so is the decision making. Everyone has some input, and it is all regarded with equal value.

[AnneD]

2. Democratic Women....

And the fearless men they marry.

Or as hubby said about me...I'd rather have you on my side than against me.

[Lucky 13]

3. It's Trophy Wives vs. Partners/Equals

One of the things I adore about the Obamas is that they are very clearly intellectual equals and they have a lot of mutual admiration between them. He VALUES her mind, and perspective, and insight - along with acknowledging that she is nurturing, loving, and a total hottie. There is a lot of love between them and it is palpable.

McLame on the other hand refers to his wife as a trollup and a cunt. Besides her pocketbook, I haven't seen John McCain speak about her in anyway that indicates he values her in anyway. In fact, from body language and observing their interactions, it doesn't even seem like he likes her most of the time.

[grace0418]

7. I know, can you even BEGIN to imagine Barack EVER IN A MILLION YEARS

calling Michelle a trollop or a cunt? Of course not (and I'm pretty sure she'd probably deck him if he did). I'm sure they have their disagreements like any other couple, but it's abundantly clear that they truly love, respect and LIKE one another.

[zbdent]

4. throwing that curve way off ...

Barbara Bush ... spouse of 41 ...

[BklynChick]

5. it's a very different perspective on what a woman's place shoul be,& also the type of women they're

drawn to/interested in.

[treestar]

6. The repugs are the party of the rich

They tend to marry based on connections and power. Women from wealthy families don't have to go into a career in any major way. Maybe some do, but the fact that they don't have to means some won't.

[LynneSin]

8. And what does that make Todd Palin

BTW, with all her advanced degrees, I love that Jill Biden taught at local community college where she could make more impact in helping kids make something of themselves.