The wives of Presidential Nominees and their effect on voters

Three out of five of Americans say the wives of the presidential candidates will influence their vote in November.

The 2008 election is one of the first where the potential first ladies are in the media spotlight. According to voters, Michelle Obama and Cindy McCain play a large role on the campaign trail, introducing feminist issues such as abortion and equality in the workplace.

Political analyst David Schultz says Americans want to know who the women are and what’s important to them. The latest Rasmussen Reports found that 22% of voters say the candidates wives are significant, while only 11% believe that they hold no value in the campaign. Schultz also says that the wives weren’t under a political lens until the Clinton Administration, with Hilary Clinton’s aggressive role in the White House.

"The presidential candidates wives do not have any effect on my ultimate decision," says Sara Kelleher, a student at Quinnipiac University. "However, if individuals like Michelle Obama and Cindy McCain spark interest in this election, then they have my complete support." Kelleher, a student government junior class representative, has worked closely with local elections and hopes college students become more interested in politics.

This election has faced considerable media attention, especially amongst celebrity supporters. The Democratic Party in particular has gained momentum with their candidate, Barack Obama. As the first African-American Presidential nominee, Obama has attracted a world-wide audience. This only leads to the increasing fame of his wife, Michelle, and her appeal as a positive female. Unlike other potential first ladies, Mrs. Obama has been a frequent guest on the popular tv show “The View” and a regular weekly fashion magazines. This fresh appeal may put the Obama’s a notch above the McCain’s and influence the electoral end result.

Overall, Michelle Obama and Cindy McCain are rated favorably by voters. Each regarded approximately 48% favorable, these women are bound to effect the fates of their husband’s campaigns.


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http://www.rasmussenreports.com/public_content/politics/election_20082/2008_presidential_election/61_say_obama_mccain_wives_influence_vote