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01.04.2008
Michelle and Teresa: Double Trouble?

At a "Stand for Change" rally at Carnegie Mellon University tomorrow, Michelle Obama will be joined by "special guest" Teresa Heinz Kerry. It is, according to the campaign, Michelle's "first visit of the Pennsylvania primary season to Pittsburgh" and Teresa's first appearance on behalf of Obama.

I can't decide if this is a fine idea or a horrible one. For all her charms, the oh-so-colorful Teresa was a problematic figure for her husband's campaign: rich, elite, mouthy, irreverent, and at times confrontational. (Countless candidates' wives have fantasized about telling a reporter to "Shove it!" but Teresa may be the only one to live the dream.) Michelle, of course, has drawn fire herself for being too outspoken on the trail. So does her appearing with Teresa make Michelle look mild-mannered by comparison--or does it remind people of the downsides of an unpredictable spouse?

Let's just hope the gals don't get competitive about who's man has poorer hygiene or more annoying nighttime habits. (Show of hands, ladies: snoring vs. Vietnam flashbacks!)

--Michelle Cottle

Posted: Tuesday, April 01, 2008 8:31 AM with 11 comment(s)

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Robert Powell said:

I'll bet Michelle takes her in the second round with a K.O.

April 1, 2008 9:59 AM

teplukhin2you said:

"rich, elite, mouthy, irreverent"

Try also clueless, tactless, self-absorbed...

April 1, 2008 10:01 AM

wnalpert said:

Teresa is extremely popular in the Pittsburgh area as the widow of Senator Heinz and as a local philanthropist.   This is one venue where it is a big plus for her to appear with Michelle.

April 1, 2008 10:47 AM

jblum8156 said:

Michelle's not exactly poor, quiet and reverent, is she?

April 1, 2008 10:49 AM

mollysimon said:

wnaplpert:  I was wondering if that was the point.  Thanks for confirming.  

April 1, 2008 11:32 AM

AMVHuck said:

I've always thought Michelle's one selling point was that she was less obnoxious than Teresa. I guess we'll find out if I'm right.

April 1, 2008 12:13 PM

teplukhin2you said:

Empress Maria Tereza's fine for the Pittsburgh audience but nationally, it's hard to find a better symbol of an out-of-touch elitist spending other people's money than her. Not a good image to associate ourselves with, esp when, as seems increasingly to be the case, McCain's line of attack will almost certainly focus on taxes.

April 1, 2008 12:21 PM

guyminuslife said:

I want to take this reference to would-be presidential wives as a way to talk about the so-called "cookie test." How does the First Lady, or potential First Lady, handle such a delicate matter? I wonder...

Laura Bush: "I baked some snickerdoodles for you, Prime Minister! I hope you enjoy them."

Teresa Heinz Kerry: "Hello, Prime Minister. I just had one of our servants prepare some madeleines, if you would care for one let me know."

Hillary Clinton: "Somebody get the guy some cookies. Now, what I want to talk about is your agricultural subsidies..."

Michelle Obama: "Yeah, I made some cookies, but they're for the kids. If you can convince Sasha to give you hers, go right ahead. How's Carla?"

April 1, 2008 1:22 PM

psantillana said:

Oh dear. I'm just.. afraid. I hope they still love her. Ooh, ouch.

April 1, 2008 1:24 PM

WoodyBombay said:

"Empress Maria Tereza's fine for the Pittsburgh audience but nationally, it's hard to find a better symbol of an out-of-touch elitist spending other people's money than her. Not a good image to associate ourselves with, esp when, as seems increasingly to be the case, McCain's line of attack will almost certainly focus on taxes."

Wait, what? Dems can't be seen in public with Teresa Heinz because John McCain will talk about taxes? Tep, that's a bit of, uh, a stretch. I can't think of two seperate things that have less to do with each other than the eccentric Heinz and McCain's tax policy.

Anyway, if you want to go down that road - McCain is plenty good at spending other people's money. He dumped his first wife for a younger, pretty heiress and spent her money to launch his political career. So we'll call it a wash. Teresa, you can come out now!  

April 1, 2008 2:23 PM

Wizbang said:

It's been a long, long time since I've actually done and edition of The 10 Spot, so on this April Fools Day I humbly offer this collection of totally unrelated,...

April 1, 2008 5:26 PM